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Senior Protocol Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer - DeFi

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

They are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to build software that enables trading operations teams to manage their growing DeFi footprint, focusing on integrating DeFi protocols and developing ...

As a Senior Embedded Software Development Engineer, you will work in the Product Development ... Development can consist of wireless protocols. hardware drivers, embedded software applications ...

Senior EMS Modeling Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$101.19 - $165/hr

Senior EMS Modeling Engineer The Senior EMS Modeling Engineer will be an essential part of our team ... Experience with SCADA communication protocols (ICCP, DNP3.0, Modbus, etc.). * Ability to interpret ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Protocol Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$61.3K

$130.4K

$189K

How much do senior protocol engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior protocol engineer in Chicago, IL is $130,372.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,600.00 and $147,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a senior protocol engineer collaborate with cross-functional teams during the protocol development lifecycle?

As a Senior Protocol Engineer, collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential throughout the protocol development lifecycle. You will work closely with product managers to understand requirements, coordinate with security engineers to ensure protocol robustness, and partner with frontend/backend engineers to support implementation. Regular communication, code reviews, and design discussions are common, as you’ll often serve as a technical lead, guiding architecture decisions and ensuring alignment across teams. This collaborative approach helps ensure the protocol meets both technical and business objectives while maintaining high standards for security and performance.

What does a senior protocol engineer do?

A Senior Protocol Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing communication protocols that enable secure and efficient data exchange over networks or within distributed systems. They work on developing new protocols or improving existing ones, often focusing on areas like blockchain, networking, or cryptography. Their role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, troubleshooting protocol-related issues, and ensuring that protocols are robust, scalable, and secure. Additionally, they may mentor junior engineers and contribute to open-source projects or standards bodies.

What is the difference between Senior Protocol Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectSenior Protocol EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, certifications like CCNP, CCIEBachelor's in Computer Science, certifications like CCNA, CCNP
Work EnvironmentDesigning, analyzing, and optimizing network protocols, often in R&D or specialized teamsManaging and maintaining network infrastructure, troubleshooting connectivity issues
Industry UsageTelecommunications, data centers, networking hardware companiesIT departments, service providers, enterprise networks

The Senior Protocol Engineer focuses on developing and optimizing network protocols, requiring deep technical expertise. In contrast, a Network Engineer manages and maintains network infrastructure, ensuring connectivity and performance. Both roles require relevant certifications and work in related environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a senior protocol engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Protocol Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of network protocols, distributed systems, cryptography, and strong programming skills, typically backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with protocol design tools, languages like Rust, Go, or C++, and experience with blockchain frameworks or RFC standards are often required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills help in leading teams and navigating complex technical challenges. These abilities are crucial for designing secure, efficient protocols and ensuring reliable communication within advanced technology ecosystems.
What are the most commonly searched types of Protocol Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Protocol Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Protocol Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Senior Protocol Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Protocol Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Protocol Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Senior Protocol Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Senior Protocol Engineer job openings:

Senior Electrical Engineer IV - Communications

OTTO Engineering

Carpentersville, IL • On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Senior Electrical Engineer IV - Communications

Why join OTTO Engineering?

  • At OTTO, we don't just manufacture productswe engineer mission-critical solutions with precision and pride. Our Communications Division designs and manufactures ruggedized, application-specific communication systems built to perform when failure isn't an option, serving the military, law enforcement, public safety, and industrial customers worldwide.
  • As a core value, we focus on delivering for our customers through innovative technology, superior quality, value, and responsiveness as a result, our growth continues!
  • Employees are our greatest asset, which is why we share our company's profits to celebrate our collective success.
  • As a privately-owned company, we are proud to invest significantly in our community and in our own growth, focusing on long-term business success.
  • We are proudly American!

Specifically, we are seeking experience with

  • Product development from implementing feature requirements through production including designing for manufacturability
  • Electronic circuit design of digital and analog/audio circuits with bring-up skills & integration of initial HW/SW
  • Microprocessor peripheral interfaces (SDIO, I2C, SPI, RS232, Parallel and Serial/UART, JTAG)
  • Sensor selection (GPS, Accelerometer, IMU, etc.) and audio (speaker & mic) interface and design
  • Bluetooth, USB, and connectivity protocols

Our Senior Electrical Engineer IV will design circuitry for Communications and Power Management Products. Working on concept through production product development, as well as participate in the technical resolution of field and production issues. Prior experience in portable (battery powered) electronics, analog, audio, and digital circuitry is desired. The Senior Electrical Engineer IV should be able to work independently or be the lead engineer on a project. Ability to electrically architect new products and mentor junior Engineers. Degree of supervision required to perform job duties should not exceed 10%.

The Senior Electrical Engineer IV will:

  • Key contributor in the full product development life-cycle: concept, design, bring-up, integration of initial HW/SW, factory support, test & validation, and customer support
  • Create technical specifications from internal and customer product requirements
  • Drive architecture, design, prototyping, and test strategy
  • Lead component research, selection, and validation
  • Design digital interface logic, sensors, peripherals, microprocessors, memory, etc.
  • Design audio circuits (A/D & D/A converters, audio power amps, op-amps, etc.)
  • Design analog circuitry including filters, FETs, power supplies (linear and switchmode regulators), and battery monitoring & charging
  • Design and optimize circuits for minimal current drain consumption to maximize battery life
  • Generate schematics using Altium CAD. Provide guidance to a Printed Circuit Board Designer for routing, high speed interface, impedance matching, power routing, EMC Compliance, etc.
  • Generate Engineering Documentation: Schematics, BOMs, ECNs, Test Plans, and Specifications
  • Lead the electrical bring-up, debug, and validation of analog and digital designs
  • Hands-on design, troubleshooting, optimization, simulation, using oscilloscopes, DMM's, and other test equipment
  • Define and execute performance tests, reliability tests, EMC testing, and field failure analysis
  • Define requirements for circuit board level testing & test-coverage as well as of end-of-line functional product testing, including selection of test equipment
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Sales, Quality, Mechanical, Firmware, and Manufacturing Engineers, to ensure timely product development and performance
  • Conduct and participate in design reviews and DFMEAs
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards including collaboration with test labs and regulatory agencies
  • Help provide project timelines and cost estimates
  • Contribute to the development of Intellectual Property
  • Assist with other related duties as required or assigned

What you'll need to bring to the table:

  • BSEE
  • U.S. Citizen
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in concept-through-production product development
  • Proficiency in electronic circuit design of digital and analog/audio circuits with bring-up skills & integration of initial HW/SW
  • Experience in product development from implementing feature requirements through production including designing for manufacturability
  • Experience in microprocessor peripheral interfaces (SDIO, I2C, SPI, RS232, Parallel and Serial/UART, JTAG)
  • Experience with sensor selection (GPS, Accelerometer, IMU, etc) and audio (speaker & mic) interface and design
  • Strong understanding of Bluetooth, USB, and connectivity protocols
  • Knowledge of battery charging circuits and batteries
  • Experience employing mitigation methods and techniques to address circuit noise, meet ESD standards, and EMC Compliance
  • Knowledge of some embedded software is not required, but a plus
  • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and analyze product failures, and apply test results to design improvements
  • Experience using a Schematic/Layout CAD tool (Experience with Altium is a plus)
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and contribute to multiple simultaneous projects
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills are essential
  • Flexible, results-oriented problem-solver who is a self-starter and who can work independently and as a member of a team

What OTTO offers for this specific position:

The hiring range listed in this posting is what we, in good faith, anticipate relying on when confirming a base salary for this position; exceptions may be considered for highly experienced candidates with multiple years of at-level experience.

  • Target base salary hiring range: $110,000 to $125,000, based on qualifications and experience.
  • Profit Sharing Bonus - OTTO believes that it's fair to share the profits that the employees help to make; profit sharing is distributed to employees twice a year. OTTO's profit sharing plan is paid at the discretion of the company and is not a guaranteed bonus or any part of a compensation plan.
  • Vacation: 120 hours - vacation time is earned on the anniversary date.

OTTO's Benefits:

Health:

Medical Insurance-

  • HMO Plan
  • Standard PPO Plan
  • Enhanced PPO Plan
  • High Deducible PPO Plan
  • FSA, LFSA, and HSA

Dental Insurance-

  • Base Plan
  • Buy-Up Plan

Vision Insurance

401(k) with a company match

Life insurance:

  • Life/AD&D
  • Voluntary Life/AD&D
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability

10 paid holidays

Company picnic

Holiday party

AND numerous OTTO celebrations throughout the year!


To review all of OTTO's available opportunities, please visit our career page by clicking on the link below:

https://otto-engineering-inc.breezy.hr/

OTTO Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran

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