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Signal Processing Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Understanding of machine learning / signal processing fundamentals * Comfort with linear algebra * Experience with web development (especially TypeScript / Vue) * Experience with ROV / AUV hardware ...

Understanding of machine learning / signal processing fundamentals * Comfort with linear algebra * Experience with web development (especially TypeScript / Vue) * Experience with ROV / AUV hardware ...

Understanding of machine learning / signal processing fundamentals * Comfort with linear algebra * Experience with web development (especially TypeScript / Vue) * Experience with ROV / AUV hardware ...

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Signal Processing information

See Illinois salary details

$51.8K

$127.3K

$187.5K

How much do signal processing jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for signal processing in Illinois is $127,280.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,100.00 and $142,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Signal Processing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Signal Processing, a strong background in mathematics, digital signal processing algorithms, and relevant engineering or computer science degrees is essential. Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, and industry-standard DSP hardware platforms, as well as certifications in signal processing or related fields, is often required. Sharp analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills are highly valued. These competencies enable professionals to design, analyze, and optimize systems that process real-world signals efficiently and accurately.

What is a Signal Processing job?

A Signal Processing job involves analyzing, modifying, and interpreting signals, such as audio, video, sensor data, or electromagnetic waves, to extract useful information or improve their quality. Professionals in this field apply mathematical and algorithmic techniques to filter noise, compress data, and enhance signal clarity. They work in industries like telecommunications, medical imaging, audio processing, and radar systems. Typical tasks may include designing filters, implementing machine learning models for pattern recognition, and optimizing digital communication systems. Knowledge of programming languages like MATLAB or Python and expertise in digital signal processing (DSP) techniques are often required.

Is DSP difficult?

Signal processing jobs that involve digital signal processing (DSP) typically require a strong understanding of mathematics, algorithms, and programming skills in languages like MATLAB or Python. While challenging, the difficulty depends on the complexity of the projects and the individual's background in engineering or related fields. Gaining proficiency often involves coursework, hands-on experience, and familiarity with tools such as DSP chips or software environments.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software, aerospace, or electrical engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large tech companies or industries with high demand for technical expertise.

Is ML a high paying job?

Machine learning (ML) roles, including those in signal processing, are generally well-paid due to the high demand for specialized skills such as programming, data analysis, and knowledge of algorithms. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but advanced positions often offer competitive compensation compared to other engineering fields.

What do you do in signal processing?

In signal processing, a professional analyzes, modifies, and interprets signals such as audio, video, or sensor data to improve quality, extract information, or prepare data for further use. This involves using algorithms, mathematical techniques, and tools like MATLAB or Python to filter noise, enhance signals, and develop systems for communication, imaging, or data analysis.

What are some common career paths for professionals in Signal Processing?

Signal Processing professionals often start as engineers or analysts, working on tasks like algorithm development, filtering, and noise reduction in applications such as telecommunications, audio, or radar systems. With experience, individuals can progress to roles such as senior engineer, project lead, or research scientist, and may branch into areas like embedded systems, machine learning, or systems architecture. The field frequently offers opportunities to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including hardware engineers, software developers, and data scientists. Advancing your education, obtaining specialized certifications, or gaining expertise in emerging technologies can further enhance your career prospects in this dynamic and evolving discipline.

What are the most commonly searched types of Signal Processing jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Signal Processing jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Signal Processing jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Signal Processing job openings:
Infographic showing various Signal Processing job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $127,280 per year, or $61.2 per hour.
Principal/ Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer

Principal/ Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted yesterday


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 340 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 519 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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. 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

Primary Level Salary Range: $119,600.00 - $179,400.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $149,300.00 - $223,900.00
The 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.

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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