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Signal Processing Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Engineer II, Software

Niles, IL · On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

Partnering closely with research scientists, signal processing engineers, data engineers, and cross-functional teams, you'll help bring emerging technologies from concept to commercialization while ...

Engineer II, Software

Niles, IL · On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

Partnering closely with research scientists, signal processing engineers, data engineers, and cross-functional teams, you'll help bring emerging technologies from concept to commercialization while ...

Engineer II, Software

Niles, IL · On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

Partnering closely with research scientists, signal processing engineers, data engineers, and cross-functional teams, you'll help bring emerging technologies from concept to commercialization while ...

Engineer II, Software

Niles, IL · On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

Partnering closely with research scientists, signal processing engineers, data engineers, and cross-functional teams, you'll help bring emerging technologies from concept to commercialization while ...

In this role, you will research, design, develop, and test the real-time digital signal processing ... What your day-to-day as an RF Controls Engineer at Fermilab will look like: • Research, design ...

Founding Research Engineer - AI & Defence 📍 San Francisco | Onsite I'm working with a highly ... • Signal processing • Machine learning and sequential modelling • Computational social ...

Sr Embedded Engineer

Aurora, IL · Hybrid

$99K - $135K/yr

... signal processing and RF protocol stack implementation. * Architect and implement firmware ... Collaborate with hardware engineers to define system requirements and specifications for sensor ...

Sr Embedded Engineer

Aurora, IL · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

... signal processing and RF protocol stack implementation. * Architect and implement firmware ... Collaborate with hardware engineers to define system requirements and specifications for sensor ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

You will not be one engineer among hundreds working on a narrow subsystem; you will have direct visibility into the full product, from modem firmware and acoustic signal processing to undersea drones ...

Showing results 21-40

Signal Processing Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$55.2K

$135.4K

$199.5K

How much do signal processing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for signal processing engineer in Chicago, IL is $135,411.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,900.00 and $152,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a signal processing engineer do?

A Signal Processing Engineer designs, develops, and implements algorithms and systems to analyze, modify, and interpret signals such as audio, video, radar, or sensor data. They work with both analog and digital signals to extract meaningful information, improve signal quality, and enable communication between devices. Their work is essential in industries like telecommunications, healthcare (medical imaging), audio engineering, and defense. Signal Processing Engineers often use programming languages like MATLAB or Python, and work closely with hardware and software teams to optimize system performance.

What does a signal processing engineer do?

A signal processing engineer is an information technologies expert that analyzes and alters digital signals to make them more accurate and reliable. As a signal processing engineer, your responsibilities are to develop, manage and update digital signals, creating algorithms to process them more efficiently. Qualifications for a signal processing engineer include a bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering, math, or physics, and skills in various programming languages, like C++. You can find signal processing engineer jobs in a wide variety of industries from security to logistics.

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

To thrive as a Signal Processing Engineer, you need a strong background in mathematics, digital signal processing theory, and programming, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB, Python, DSP hardware platforms, and relevant certifications like Certified LabVIEW Developer are highly beneficial. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure accurate analysis, efficient design, and successful implementation of signal processing solutions in diverse technical environments.

What are some typical challenges signal processing engineers face when working on real-time systems?

Signal Processing Engineers working on real-time systems often encounter challenges related to processing speed, latency, and resource constraints. They must design algorithms that efficiently handle large volumes of data without sacrificing accuracy, all while operating within the hardware's computational limits. Collaborating closely with hardware engineers and software developers is common to ensure seamless integration and optimal system performance. Staying updated with the latest advancements in digital signal processing (DSP) tools and techniques also helps address these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Signal Processing Engineer vs Communications Engineer?

AspectSignal Processing EngineerCommunications Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Signal Processing, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Communications, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, R&D departmentsTelecom companies, network providers, infrastructure firms
Industry UsageDesigning algorithms for audio, video, radar, and sensor dataDeveloping and maintaining communication systems and networks
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on signal analysis, filtering, and data processingFocuses on network design, protocols, and transmission systems

While both roles involve electrical engineering principles, Signal Processing Engineers primarily develop algorithms for analyzing and filtering signals, whereas Communications Engineers focus on designing and maintaining communication systems and networks. The roles often overlap in telecommunications, but their core responsibilities differ based on the specific application and industry focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Signal Processing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Signal Processing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Signal Processing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Signal Processing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Signal Processing Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,411 per year, or $65.1 per hour.

Principal/ Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: NoneTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Embark on a career putting innovative, reliable, and agile products and ideas into orbit, and beyond. Northrop Grumman Space Systems has opportunities waiting for you that play a vital role in human space exploration, national defense, and scientific discovery, supporting multiple programs across the universe. With us, you'll discover a culture of curiosity and collaboration that will have you Defining Possible from the day you start. Our space systems connect and protect millions of people on earth every day, now and for the future.Explore your future and launch your career with Northrop Grumman Space Systems today!

Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

We are seeking a talented FPGA Design engineer with signal processing experience to join our growing team in Rolling Meadows, IL.

As an FPGA Design Engineer, you will join our diverse team and be responsible for research, requirements analysis and systems architecture, design, coding, test bench design, verification, synthesis and place & route for our digital signal processing products. You will be working with digital subsystem and circuit card designs that utilize the latest FPGA technologies from all major vendors and device families including Xilinx, Intel (Altera), and Microsemi (Actel) and support high speed interfaces, Radio Frequency (RF) and Electro-Optical (EO) DSP, controls, data links, embedded processing and processor interfaces. Your expertise in digital signal processing, modeling and simulation, and circuit level design and test are desired for this position.

This position will be filled as a level 3 or level 4.

Basic Qualifications

  • Principal FPGA Design Engineer (Level 3):Bachelors' degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline with a minimum 5 years (or MS and 3+ years, or a PhD) of FPGA/ASIC design experience.
  • Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer (Level 4): Bachelors' degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline with a minimum 8 years (or MS and 6+ years, or PhD +3 years) of FPGA/ASIC design experience.
  • In-depth knowledge of VHDL and/or Verilog
  • -Proficiency in High level synthesis (Xilinx Vivado HLS AND/OR Mentor Catapult HLS) with C++
  • Expertise achieving timing closure on dense FPGA designs
  • Working knowledge of DSP structures and techniques
  • Proficient in Python, C or other scripting languages
  • Extensive experience generating test benches
  • Proficient in FPGA design flow including items such as RTL/gate level simulation, synthesis, place and route, static timing analysis, and power analysis
  • Experience with FPGA simulation tools to verify performance of complex RTL blocks
  • Experience with Xilinx or Intel/Altera FPGA architectures and design tools
  • Soft skills to include: Adaptive, creative, collaborative, comfortable working independently, enjoys solving difficult problems while communicating with all levels of an organization internally and externally
  • Must be a US Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret security clearance with SCI

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Current or Active Top Secret with SCI/SAP security clearance
  • Extensive experience implementing Digital Signal or Image Processing algorithms on FPGAs
  • Extensive experience with high-speed interfaces: Ex. AXI, PCIe, Xilinx Aurora, JESD, 10G Ethernet, etc.
  • Working knowledge of SDR platforms and architectures
  • Extensive experience developing FPGA algorithms for SoC based architectures
  • Experience developing FPGA/SW interfaces and controls
  • Experience developing and prototyping in MATLAB/Simulink
  • Experience debugging down to the hardware level & experience using Signal Generators, Logic Analyzers, Digital Oscilloscopes and Embedded FPGA
  • Debugging tools.
  • Experience and knowledge developing requirements for FPGA-based products
  • Experience with Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Tools: Mentor Graphics ModelSim/QuestaSim, Synplify, Xilinx ISE/ Vivado, Intel Quartus, Altera SOPC Builder, Altera Qsys, DSP Builder.
  • Experience working with or developing test benches using SystemVerilog and Universal Verification Methodology (UVM)
  • -Familiarity with revision control, documentation, planning, and review systems similar to GIT/SVN/ClearCase, DOORS, Jira/Rally/ClearQuest

#SpaceEngJobs
#SpaceSoftwareJobs

Primary Level Salary Range: $119,600.00 - $179,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $149,300.00 - $223,900.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939