1

Systems Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Systems Engineer I Location: 2540 Galvin Drive, Elgin, IL Duration: 2 years Work schedule: M-F 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Interview: Onsite (In-person) Training: Half of the time once trained. - Group ...

Purpose of This Role To lead the systems engineering discipline at Antunes by establishing strong technical leadership, disciplined requirements management, and system-level thinking to ensure ...

Systems Engineer

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$107K - $133K/yr

Purpose of This Role To lead the systems engineering discipline at Antunes by establishing strong technical leadership, disciplined requirements management, and system-level thinking to ensure ...

Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

Systems Engineer Infrastructure & Research Computing Aquatic Capital Management • Chicago, IL • Full-Time About the Role * We are hiring a Systems Engineer to join our Infrastructure team. This ...

Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

Systems Engineer Infrastructure & Research Computing Aquatic Capital Management Chicago, IL Full-Time About the Role * We are hiring a Systems Engineer to join our Infrastructure team. This is a ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer, Chicago IL This Senior Systems Engineer position is fully onsite. Responsibilities: - Work collaboratively with technology and business teams on all aspects of a global ...

The Systems Engineer will perform the following duties: * Provide a total system, data, and architecture perspective, including a technical understanding of relationships, dependencies, requirements ...

Senior Trading Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Senior Trading Systems Engineer, Chicago, IL This Senior Trading Systems Engineer position is 100% fully onsite. Responsibilities: - Work collaboratively with technology and business teams on all ...

Systems Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$50 - $60/hr

We are looking for a Systems Engineer to support and evolve a complex enterprise infrastructure environment in Libertyville, Illinois. This Long-term Contract position combines hands-on systems ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Systems Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$55.2K

$131.2K

$172.2K

How much do systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineer in Chicago, IL is $131,153.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,000.00 and $161,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a systems engineer?

Systems engineers are professionals who design, integrate, and manage complex systems throughout their life cycles. They work across various industries, ensuring that all aspects of a project or system—hardware, software, processes, and people—work together efficiently and effectively. Systems engineers coordinate between different engineering teams, address technical and organizational challenges, and ensure requirements are met. Their role often involves both big-picture thinking and attention to detail to deliver reliable and scalable solutions.

What does a systems engineer do?

The role of a systems engineer varies based on the company they work for, but in every industry systems engineers use computerized systems to keep track of all the moving parts within their organizations. The term systems engineer usually refers to a computer systems engineer, which combines several disciplines to create, purchase, and install a computer system that suits the needs of each particular client. They will also work in a hands-on manner during the installation, acquisition, testing, and implementation phases of the project. Duties typically include making recommendations for scalability, troubleshooting any problems that arise during the use of the system, reviewing a company’s security requirements, and recommending security measures to allow the company to avoid compromising any sensitive data.

What is the difference between Systems Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectSystems EngineerNetwork Engineer
CertificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft certificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, Juniper JNCIA
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and managing IT systems and infrastructureDesigning, configuring, and maintaining network hardware and connectivity
Industry UsageIT, technology, enterprise solutionsTelecommunications, IT, networking service providers
Common TasksSystem integration, troubleshooting, server managementNetwork setup, routing, switching, security

While both roles involve technical expertise in IT infrastructure, Systems Engineers focus on overall system architecture and integration, whereas Network Engineers specialize in network hardware, connectivity, and security. Understanding these differences helps employers and professionals align skills with job requirements.

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

To thrive as a Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in systems architecture, troubleshooting, and integration, typically supported by a degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with operating systems (like Linux and Windows), virtualization platforms, scripting languages, and certifications such as CompTIA, Cisco (CCNA), or Microsoft (MCSA) are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork make candidates stand out in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure the design, implementation, and maintenance of reliable, scalable systems critical for organizational operations.

How does a systems engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

Systems Engineers often serve as a bridge between various technical and non-technical teams, including software developers, network specialists, project managers, and end users. Throughout a project, they participate in requirements gathering, design reviews, and integration testing, ensuring that each component fits seamlessly within the overall system. Effective communication and documentation are crucial, as Systems Engineers must translate complex technical concepts into actionable tasks for diverse stakeholders. This collaborative approach not only streamlines problem-solving but also helps deliver robust, scalable solutions.

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

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

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

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

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Systems Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Systems Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,153 per year, or $63.1 per hour.

Systems Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Willowbrook, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Systems Engineer

Location: Willowbrook, Illinois
Hire Type: Full-Time
Shift: On-Site
Compensation: $80,000–$125,000, based on experience
Bonus/ Incentives/ Stock Options: Bonus eligibility
Benefits: Health, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, paid holidays, professional development, certifications, and career growth opportunities

Overview:

Our client is a leading security technology firm specializing in secure computing platforms and advanced surveillance systems for critical infrastructure. The organization partners with industry leaders to deliver air-gapped, high-availability solutions that comply with stringent regulatory requirements, as well as supporting large corporations with tightly controlled technology infrastructures.

Our client is seeking a talented Systems Engineer with 4–6 years of hands-on experience designing, deploying, maintaining, and troubleshooting mission-critical IT infrastructure. The Systems Engineer will join the systems engineering team in Willowbrook, Illinois, reporting directly to the Systems Engineering & Information Technology Manager.

This is a hands-on technical position focused on Windows and Linux server administration, virtualization, networking, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, automation, and enterprise IT infrastructure. Due to the sensitive nature of the work, U.S. Citizenship, successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation and drug screening, and the ability to work fully on-site are required.


Job Duties:

  • Design, implement, maintain, and support Proxmox-virtualized and bare-metal Windows and Linux server environments, ensuring high availability, reliability, and security.
  • Design and implement air-gapped system and network environments.
  • Maintain and expand the corporate IT environment, including Active Directory, Microsoft Entra, Azure, Intune, SentinelOne, and other enterprise-level solutions.
  • Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and firewalls from Ubiquiti, Cisco, Fortinet, and similar vendors.
  • Develop and maintain automation scripts and tools using Bash, PowerShell, Ansible, and related technologies.
  • Automate system provisioning, configuration management, and recurring administrative tasks.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate virtualization technologies such as vSphere and Hyper-V.
  • Support containerization technologies including Docker and cloud-based resources when applicable.
  • Assist with cybersecurity assessments, vulnerability scanning, remediation, and security documentation.
  • Document cybersecurity findings in accordance with NRC RG 5.71, NEI 08-09, and applicable industry best practices.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation, runbooks, configuration documentation, and standard operating procedures.
  • Configure and administer Active Directory, including Group Policy.
  • Configure and support Azure SAML authentication integrations with third-party vendors.
  • Configure, troubleshoot, and support a diverse range of IoT devices, including cameras, motion sensors, and industrial automation equipment.
  • Support day-to-day IT and systems operations.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve system, network, virtualization, and application issues promptly.
  • Assist with maintaining secure, reliable, and highly available IT infrastructure.
  • Travel up to approximately 20% as required.\

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field preferred; equivalent hands-on and field experience will be considered.
  • 4–6 years of professional experience in systems engineering.
  • Strong experience with Windows and Linux server administration.
  • 4–6 years of professional experience with virtualization and containerization technologies, including Proxmox.
  • VCP or other relevant virtualization certifications are a plus.
  • Strong understanding of networking, switching, and routing.
  • Experience with Microsoft Entra (Azure AD), Office 365, and Active Directory.
  • Experience with Active Directory Group Policy and enterprise authentication.
  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of JIRA and Confluence is desired.
Desired Skills:
  • Solid understanding of cybersecurity principles and compliance frameworks, including NIST, NRC/NEI/DOE regulations, and role-based access controls.
  • Experience with NetBox and Snipe-IT.
  • Experience with SMB-level storage infrastructure, including SAN/NAS.
  • Experience supporting secure or highly controlled technology environments.
  • Ability to travel approximately 20%.
  • Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
Security & Employment Requirements:
  • U.S. Citizenship is mandatory. Non-U.S. Citizens cannot be considered.
  • Must possess a compliant REAL ID.
  • Must be willing and able to successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation and drug screening in accordance with applicable requirements, including 10 CFR 73.56.
  • Must be able to work 100% on-site in Willowbrook, Illinois.
  • No remote or hybrid work option is available for this position.
What Our Client Offers:

  • Competitive salary of $80,000–$125,000, based on experience.
  • Bonus eligibility.
  • Health, dental, and vision benefits.
  • 401(k) retirement plan.
  • Paid time off and holidays.
  • Professional development and certification opportunities.
  • Career growth opportunities.
  • Collaborative, mission-driven work environment focused on cutting-edge security technology and critical infrastructure.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.