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System Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

AV Systems Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

In this role you will assist Extron customers with AV system designs, product training, commissioning, and technical support. AV Systems Design Engineers also work with the sales team as a technical ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Bolingbrook, IL Schedule: Full-Time | On-Site Industry ... The company specializes in complex HVAC and mechanical systems and works closely with its project ...

Develop system design packages that support site preparation, procurement, and installation activities . * Support development of site engineering packages required for radio equipment installations.

Develop system design packages that support site preparation, procurement, and installation activities . * Support development of site engineering packages required for radio equipment installations.

Develop system design packages that support site preparation, procurement, and installation activities . * Support development of site engineering packages required for radio equipment installations.

Develop system design packages that support site preparation, procurement, and installation activities . * Support development of site engineering packages required for radio equipment installations.

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Develop system design packages that support site preparation, procurement, and installation activities . * Support development of site engineering packages required for radio equipment installations.

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Develop system design packages that support site preparation, procurement, and installation activities . * Support development of site engineering packages required for radio equipment installations.

System design with direction from mentor and/or senior engineer. * Provide exemplary customer ... service to internal team members and clients. What You'll Bring: Required * BS-Electrical ...

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Showing results 1-20

System Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$51K

$122.2K

$178.7K

How much do system design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for system design engineer in Chicago, IL is $122,164.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,000.00 and $141,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a system design engineer?

A System Design Engineer is a professional responsible for creating and overseeing the architecture and integration of complex systems, often combining hardware, software, and network components. They work on the conceptualization, design, and implementation phases to ensure that all parts of a system function together effectively. Their duties typically include requirements analysis, system modeling, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver reliable and scalable solutions. System Design Engineers are crucial in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and telecommunications. Their work ensures that products and systems meet technical specifications and user needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a system design engineer?

To thrive as a System Design Engineer, you need a solid background in systems engineering, electrical or mechanical engineering principles, and a relevant degree such as a BS or MS in engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications (e.g., INCOSE) are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. Mastering these skills ensures that complex systems are designed efficiently, meet client requirements, and integrate seamlessly within multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges faced by system design engineers when integrating new technologies into existing systems?

System Design Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new technologies, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy systems, managing unforeseen technical constraints, and balancing performance with cost. Effective communication with cross-functional teams is essential to align requirements and mitigate risks early in the design process. Adaptability and thorough testing are key to overcoming integration issues and delivering robust, scalable solutions.

What is the salary of a System Design Engineer?

The average salary of a System Design Engineer varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually in many regions. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits.
Infographic showing various System Design Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,164 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

Systems Design Engineer / Principal Systems Design Engineer

Northrop Grumman

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 5 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 available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description 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. We are seeking capable, talented, and motivated team-contributors at our Northrop Grumman Rolling Meadows site.

Our products range from advanced sensing technologies to state-of-the-art targeting and tracking systems that are deployed in Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) and Radio Frequency Electronic Warfare (RFEW) systems. These systems are designed, developed, built, integrated, and tested by the capable folks at our company to protect the lives of US and Allied warfighters in present and future conflicts. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges.

We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today. If you are interested in being considered for inclusion on this team, we invite you to apply.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is seeking a Systems Design Engineer / Principal Systems Design Engineer to join our team. Systems Design Engineers coordinate across disciplines to ensure the system requirements and design are properly and thoroughly defined and captured. Tasking can include working with subject matter experts to decompose requirements, supporting trade studies of technical challenges, and guiding system design decision-making.

System Design Engineers use Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools, generate and update specifications and Verification Cross Reference Matrices (VCRM) in DOORS. This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location. This position may be contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access program and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.

This position can be filled at the Systems Design Engineer or Principal Systems Design Engineer level based on specific requirements listed below. Basic Qualifications for Systems Design Engineer: BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical degree with 2+ years of related experience or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills Experience decomposing requirements for DoD-based platforms or systems Experience in creating and delivering technical presentations Working knowledge of DOORS and/or Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools such as Cameo or similar tools (i.e. descriptive modeling, SysML, etc.) Candidate must be a US Citizen Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance as necessary Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Design Engineer: BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a STEM field with 5 years of related experience; OR MS degree in STEM field with 3 years of related experience; OR PhD in STEM field with 1 year of related experience Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills Experience decomposing requirements for DoD-based platforms or systems Experience in creating and delivering technical presentations Working knowledge of DOORS and/or Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools such as Cameo or similar tools (i.e

descriptive modeling, SysML, etc.) Candidate must be a US Citizen Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance as necessary Preferred Qualifications: Working knowledge from one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR systems, sensors, optics, RFEW systems, antenna design, direction finding, geolocation, threat analysis Experience working as part of an Agile team and maintaining awareness of cost and schedule constraints Handson experience with MATLAB/Python Proficiency with RFCAD suites such as ANSYS HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, or Keysight ADS Advanced knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) techniques, Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms, and FPGAbased RF prototyping Demonstrated expertise in SysML modeling and MBSE tools (e.g., IBMRationalDOORS, EnterpriseArchitect, Cameo). Ability to develop and maintain system models, traceability matrices, and verification crossreference artifacts Handson experience applying AI/ML to RF classification, spectrum analysis, or adaptive beamforming Experience supporting DoD programs during EMD and/or LRIP phases Experience working collaboratively on complex projects that encompass both hardware, software, and firmware Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00 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