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Signal Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

... engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • Leadership and ... hand signals in yard or in cab and operates locomotive in accordance with railroad rules and ...

... hand signals in yard or in cab and operates locomotive in accordance with railroad rules and ... Notifies engineer of switching orders and, whereby, which cars are to be moved to specified ...

Traffic Engineer II

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$106K - $171K/yr

The ideal candidate has traffic engineering expertise including: * ITS Planning and Design ... Traffic Signal Design * Coordinated Signal Timing Development and Implementation * Lighting ...

Traffic Engineer II

Saint Charles, IL · Hybrid

$106K - $171K/yr

The ideal candidate has traffic engineering expertise including: * ITS Planning and Design ... Traffic Signal Design * Coordinated Signal Timing Development and Implementation * Lighting ...

FPGA Engineer

Hoffman Estates, IL · Remote

$150K - $200K/yr

We're looking for a FPGA Engineer to help build the foundation for next-generation radar ... Translate radar and signal processing algorithms into efficient FPGA implementations. * Debug and ...

Showing results 21-40

Signal Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$36.6K

$99.1K

$173.2K

How much do signal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for signal engineer in Chicago, IL is $99,082.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $111,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges signal engineers face when working on railway or transportation projects?

Signal Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new signaling systems with legacy infrastructure, adhering to strict safety and regulatory standards, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams including civil, electrical, and IT engineers. Projects may require balancing tight deadlines with the need for thorough testing and validation of signal systems to ensure passenger and worker safety. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as priorities can shift quickly due to technical issues or changes in project scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a signal engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Signal Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or electronic engineering, strong analytical skills, and a relevant engineering degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with signaling systems, CAD software, and industry-specific standards such as those from the Institute of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) or relevant certifications is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help Signal Engineers collaborate and respond to safety-critical situations. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure the safe and reliable operation of signaling systems in transportation networks.

What is the difference between Signal Engineer vs Communications Engineer?

AspectSignal EngineerCommunications Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, certifications like IEEEBachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, or Communications Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentRailways, transit systems, transportation infrastructureTelecom companies, network providers, data centers
Industry UsageTransportation, infrastructure projectsTelecommunications, networking, data transmission
Job FocusDesign and maintenance of signaling systems for safety and efficiencyDesign and implementation of communication systems for data and voice transmission

While both roles require electrical engineering knowledge and similar certifications, Signal Engineers primarily focus on signaling systems in transportation, ensuring safety and operational efficiency. Communications Engineers concentrate on designing and maintaining communication networks for data and voice transmission across various industries.

How much do signal engineers make?

Signal engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced skills in telecommunications systems, circuit design, and relevant certifications can lead to higher compensation.

What is a signal engineer?

Signal Engineers are professionals who design, install, maintain, and troubleshoot signaling systems that control train movements on railway networks. Their work ensures the safe and efficient operation of trains by managing signals, track circuits, and interlocking systems. Signal Engineers work closely with other railway professionals to implement modern signaling technology and comply with safety standards. They may also be involved in upgrading existing infrastructure or developing new systems for improved reliability and capacity.
What are popular job titles related to Signal Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Signal Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Signal Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Signal Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Signal Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,082 per year, or $47.6 per hour.

Engineer II - Software Engineering

Federal Signal

University Park, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Federal Signal rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

250th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing the low-level software (firmware) that controls the functionality of electronic hardware devices, like embedded systems and computer peripherals, requiring a deep understanding of hardware architecture and proficiency in programming languages like C/C++ to create code that interacts directly with the hardware components, often utilizing real-time operating systems (RTOS) to ensure timely system responses; they collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration and troubleshoot issues throughout the product development cycle. 

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Develop firmware architectures and algorithms to meet product requirements, considering hardware constraints and performance optimization.
  • Write clean, efficient, and well-documented firmware code using embedded C/C++ programming languages, adhering to coding standards and best practices.
  • Implement video technologies using protocols including FFmpeg, GStreamer, H.264/H.265, RTSP, and WebRTC.
  • Understand and determine best fit strategies for incorporation of OpenCV, PyTorch, TensorFlow, YOLO, and/or TensorRT algorithms.
  • Understand and utilize various hardware components like microcontrollers, memory, peripherals, and communication interfaces to interact with them through firmware.
  • Work with RTOS to manage system tasks with precise timing and priority levels.
  • Conduct thorough unit integration, and system-level testing to identify and resolve firmware defects, utilizing debugging tools and techniques.
  • Work closely with hardware engineers to ensure smooth integration between firmware and hardware components, addressing design challenges and providing feedback.
  • Create detailed technical documentation for firmware design, implementation, and testing procedures.
  • Support existing firmware by implementing bug fixes, feature enhancements, and updates to address customer needs.
  • May include travel to the field and/or trade shows.
  • Perform product evaluations to determine if engineering standards are met.
  • Flexibility to perform other duties and assignments as required

Position Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent from an accredited university.
  • 5-7 years of previous experience in a similar role.
  • Demonstrated use of Python, Roboflow, NodeJS, Figma or similar tools for rapid prototyping.
  • Familiarity with creating and modifying YAML for configurations and collaboration.
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming languages with a focus on embedded systems.
  • Experience with developing containerized analytics modules using Docker.
  • Fluency in switching between Windows, Linux, and embedded environments and toolkits.
  • Deep knowledge of microcontroller architectures, memory management, peripherals, and communication protocols.
  • Experience with popular RTOS like FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or similar.
  • Familiarity with IDEs, debuggers, emulators, and other development tools for embedded systems.
  • Experience with unit testing, integration testing, and system-level validation methodologies.
  • Excellent analytical and debugging skills to identify and troubleshoot complex firmware issues.
  • Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Wage Range: $68,731 - $98,187 Plus Bonus

Benefits of Employment

In addition to excellent career growth opportunities, Federal Signal Corporation offers a wide array of benefits including: annual bonus potential, insurance (life, medical, dental, vision), paid holidays, paid vacation, 401(k) with matching contributions and tuition reimbursement. We provide our employees with a smoke-free, drug-free workplace.

About Us

Federal Signal in University Park is a leading manufacturer and supplier of comprehensive systems and products used to protect people and property. Our products and integrated solutions include systems for campus and community alerting, emergency vehicles, first responder interoperable communications, industrial communications, and command and municipal networked security. Specific products include: lightbars and sirens, public warning sirens and public safety software.

Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) builds and delivers equipment of unmatched quality that moves material, cleans infrastructure, and protects the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer and manufacturer of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and commercial customers. Headquartered in Downers Grove, IL, with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates two groups: Environmental Solutions and Safety and Security Systems. For more information on Federal Signal, visit: www.federalsignal.com

The Company is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category, characteristic, or trait under applicable law. If you require reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at HR@federalsignal.com. All other applications must be submitted online.


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