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Systems Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

About Us Are you the kind of engineer who wants to see your work deployed, trusted, and used in real customer environments--not left in notebooks or demos? Do you enjoy designing the systems behind ...

Job Overview The TOC Systems Engineer I will be part of Impact Networking's Managed IT organization under Service Operations. This role supports customer systems infrastructure and desktop computing ...

About Us Are you the kind of engineer who wants to see your work deployed, trusted, and used in real customer environments-not left in notebooks or demos? Do you enjoy designing the systems behind AI ...

Sr. Systems Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

We are seeking a Sr. Systems Engineer to serve as a high-level technical escalation point for our Next-Generation 911 (NG911) call-taking and dispatching solutions. In this US-based remote role, you ...

Job Overview The TOC Systems Engineer I will be part of Impact Networking's Managed IT organization under Service Operations. This role supports customer systems infrastructure and desktop computing ...

Principal Systems Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

System Engineering * Drive product and feature requirements, architecture, design, and test strategy with customers, management, and individual engineering teams. * Author requirements, system design ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Space Engineer/Principal Engineer Systems

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: 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.

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, but they're also making history.

The Mission and Payload Programs organization within the Northrop Grumman Space Systems pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. 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!

Our Systems Engineering Integration & Test (SEIT) organization within Space Superiority Division provides complex subsystems and defense electronics. This position can be hired as a Systems Engineer (level 2) or a Principal Systems Engineer (level 3) based on their qualifications in one or more of the following 3 disciplines: (1) Systems Design (2) Modeling & Simulation, and (3) Integration & Test.

This position is part of the Space Sectors' Eastern Region SEIT Engineering Organization located at Rolling Meadows, IL.

Systems Design Tasking can include:

Creating and refining Model Based System Engineering products (System behavioral models, Use Case realizations, State Machines, etc.)

Generation and update of specifications in DOORS, including requirements traceability and dxl script development

Capability assessments to predict requirement compliance

Functional algorithm development

Risk assessment and burn down of mitigation steps

Generating and reporting system Technical Performance Measures

Presenting analysis that shapes the system design and obtaining end-customer buy-in

Interface development and documentation

Modeling & Simulation Tasking can include:

Software development of physics-based in-house models and algorithms

Perform analysis and trades of product line architectures using analytical models and mission level simulations

Functional algorithm development

Authoring technical documentation such as white papers, proposal technical volumes, program milestone briefings (i.e. SRR, PDR, CDR,...), systems engineering design documentation

Presenting technical analysis to multiple stakeholders

Creating and refining Model Based Systems Engineering Products (System behavioral models, Use Case realizations, State Machines, etc.)

Integration & Test Tasking can include:

Systems: sensors/antennas, transmitters/receivers, optics, and associated lab equipment

Full life cycle experience developing, integrating, and deploying space systems

Experience with real-time signal processing

Knowledge of MATLAB, Python, or other scripting languages

Working knowledge of Robot Framework, or other test automation frameworks

Working knowledge of DOORS and ClearCase/ClearQuest

Experience creating and executing integration & test and design verification test plans and procedures

Experience performing system verification and validation

Agile development experience a plus

Supporting Systems Integration Labs (SIL) testing

Ability and willingness to travel

Basic Qualifications:

Systems Engineer: BS + 2 years of exp; MS + 0 years of exp

Principal Systems Engineer: BS + 5 years of exp: MS + 3 years of exp; PhD + 0 years of exp

BS and/or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related technical degree.

Educational background or experience with signal processing and algorithm development

Proficient with MATLAB or Python object-oriented programing languages

U.S. citizen with ability to obtain U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at time of application

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrate history of strong organization and coordination skills (working with cross-functional teams).

Knowledge of the space domain (e.g. orbital mechanics, remote sensing, etc.)

Strong RF domain background (link budget, waveform modulation schemes, transceiver technologies, antennas)

Integration and test experience; familiarity with signal generators and spectral analyzers

Active TS/SCI with adjudicated polygraph is preferred

Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00The 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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Northrop Grumman logo

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