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Systems Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lead Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145 - $170/hr

Overview Auria seeks a Lead Systems Engineer to support projects with the US Space Force. This role is remote with a location preference for Colorado Springs, CO. The team works on a broad range of ...

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Embedded Systems Engineer

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

The Embedded Systems Engineer is responsible for the design and development of embedded applications on hardware platforms. The focus in this role includes creation of technical specifications ...

Embedded Systems Engineer

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

The Embedded Systems Engineer is responsible for the design and development of embedded applications on hardware platforms. The focus in this role includes creation of technical specifications ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Round Lake, IL · On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

As a Senior Systems Engineer at Baxter, your work contributes directly to making a significant impact on others. It's challenging work-and you're not on your own. Our teams collaborate cross ...

Principal Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY SES Commercial Aviation team has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Systems Engineer. You will help us design and develop solutions aimed at ...

Senior Systems Engineer ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY SES Commercial Aviation team has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Systems Engineer. You will help us design and develop solutions aimed at ...

Senior Systems Engineer ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY SES Commercial Aviation team has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Systems Engineer. You will help us design and develop solutions aimed at ...

Payment Systems Engineer

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$111K - $170K/yr

Payment Systems Engineer Location: Lincolnshire, IL (Hybrid) 3 Days On-site Employment Type: Full-Time Experience: 5-10 Years About the Role We're building a modern, scalable enterprise payments ...

Payment Systems Engineer Location: Lincolnshire, IL (Hybrid) 3 Days On-site Employment Type: Full-Time Experience: 5-10 Years About the Role We're building a modern, scalable enterprise payments ...

Linux Systems Engineer ID: 1018 Location: Chicago, IL More about this job > Description SG is a boutique technology company founded in 2004. We use technology and big data to solve real world ...

Network Systems Engineer Department: IT, Corporate Location: Itasca, IL Type: Full-time Summary: The Network Systems Engineer is responsible for the implementation, maintenance, and support of ...

Your role at Baxter As a Principal Systems Engineer you will support the development activities for complex medical devices that meet customer needs and regulatory standards. This role works with ...

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Showing results 21-40

Systems Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$53.2K

$126.4K

$166K

How much do systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineer in Elgin, IL is $126,440.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,400.00 and $156,000.00 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 Elgin, IL? The most popular types of Systems Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Systems Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL? For Systems Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Systems Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Systems Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Systems Engineer jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Systems Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Systems Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,440 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

$133K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) Headquartered in Clarksburg, MD, is a U.S. company that has been serving domestic and international defense Air, Land and Sea domains for 60+ years. With over 1000 employees, TDSI and its four subsidiaries (Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Digital Receiver Technologies, Tampa Microwave, and Trusted Cyber Technologies), supports U.S. Joint Services, special operations forces and multi-national partners with a variety of communication, visualization, signal intelligence/electronic warfare, and sensor/sonar capabilities. TDSI's key technologies include tactical handheld radios, expeditionary satellite terminals, helmet-mounted displays, optics and target recognition capability, advanced radars, undersea sensing and missile systems. Lives depend on what we do!

Top Benefits (Subject to terms of applicable policies/plans)

  • Competitive Salary
  • Yearly Incentive Compensation Plan
  • Medical insurance for self and eligible family members
  • Generous 401(k) program- up to 7% company contribution and 100% immediate vesting
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid wellness, vacation, and holiday leave
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave
  • 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
  • Hybrid Working Environment

We currently have an opening in our Aurora, IL office for a Principal Systems Engineer. This position reports to the Mechanical/ Systems Engineering Manager.  The Principal Systems Engineer provides Technical Leadership on Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) design activities including bids, requirements decomposition and flow down, verification, testing and troubleshooting. The candidate will work as a member of a design team that includes Systems, Software, Electrical, Mechanical and Field Service. The candidate must be comfortable working directly with customers and potential customers, and will work with and support Business Development in the early phases of business capture. The candidate will need to possess extensive knowledge of head and helmet-mounted display systems.

Responsibilities:

  • Support Business Development with customer meetings, requirements elicitation, architecture development, and systems implementation.
  • Provide subject matter expertise as a project design authority of Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) systems.
  • Support product development teams with use case analysis, requirements capture and allocation, architectural analysis and design, unit level testing, integration, verification and validation efforts, and transition to manufacturing.
  • Collaborate with our European divisions in the development of new products and product roadmaps capturing unique requirements for the U.S. market.
  • Develop technical proposals and support cost estimations.
  • Evaluate competing product and solution offerings.
  • Represent Thales at relevant industry forums.
  • Serve as a customer liaison, supporting design reviews and other technical interchanges.
  • Support field installation, testing, evaluation, and troubleshooting of equipment.
  • Provide technical consultation for solving design issues in HMD, Crash and Ejection safety analysis and tests.
  • Provide technical consultation on emerging and adjacent markets.
  • Provide technical counsel to engineering management.
  • Travel up to 25% of the time.

Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • U.S. Citizenship required. - Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering or related discipline.
  • 8+ years as a Systems Engineer in Aerospace (Military or Commercial) or related industry.
  • Strong knowledge of Avionics products and related technology is required, Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) technology a large plus.
  • Must have working knowledge of relevant industry standards (DO-254, DO-160, DO-178, MIL-STD-461 and MIL-STD-810).
  • Experience integrating subsystems onto aircraft or helicopters.
  • Experience working within AS9100D or similar process environments.
  • Ability to take ownership of assigned work.
  • Must have experience in troubleshooting and resolution of technical problems.
  • Experience in requirements definition, bidding and execution.
  • Must be capable of working independently or as part of a team on assigned tasks.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills. - Fluent in English
  • Ability to comply with all Company guidelines, policies, procedures and embrace Company Core Values.

The annualized pay range for this role is $133,410- 170,469 USD along with a target incentive compensation plan (ICP) of 5%. The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of the experience level for the role described above.  TDSI considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

For specific questions about this job posting, candidates may contact talent acquisition at careers@thalesdsi.com.

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is committed to non-discrimination as applicable under federal, state and local laws. We are an E-Verify Employer.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please call Human Resources at 202-961-1016.

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