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Systems Test Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Summary The Test Engineer will establish test procedures and coordinate testing of products under ... Tests new products; develops systems to gather digital data during testing. * Studies the data ...

The ideal candidate will work closely with development, QA, and DevOps teams to identify ... Analyze performance test results and identify system bottlenecks related to application, database ...

... systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. Visit Plexus.com to learn more about our ... Test engineers also play a key role in implementing and validating testing equipment and ...

Test Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$64K - $96K/yr

... systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. Visit Plexus.com to learn more about our ... Test engineers also play a key role in implementing and validating testing equipment and ...

Senior Test Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$72K - $105K/yr

... engineers, product architects, system architects, and test engineers, located at multiple ... Gathering system captures and log information for development teams * Utilizing / designing ...

Showing results 41-60

Systems Test Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25

$65

$197

How much do systems test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for systems test engineer in Chicago, IL is $65.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.79 and $69.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a systems test engineer?

A Systems Test Engineer is a professional responsible for designing, developing, and executing tests to ensure that complex systems and their components function correctly and meet specified requirements. They work closely with other engineering teams to identify issues, troubleshoot problems, and verify that all system integrations operate as intended. Systems Test Engineers often create test plans, develop automated test scripts, and document their findings to help improve product quality and reliability.

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

To thrive as a Systems Test Engineer, you need a solid understanding of test methodologies, system integration, and engineering principles, typically backed by a degree in engineering or computer science. Experience with automated testing tools (such as Selenium or JUnit), scripting languages, and familiarity with requirements management systems are commonly required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure rigorous testing, accurate defect identification, and seamless collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, leading to reliable and high-quality system deliveries.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by systems test engineers during multi-departmental projects?

Systems Test Engineers often encounter challenges when coordinating testing activities across multiple departments, such as software, hardware, and quality assurance teams. These challenges include ensuring effective communication, aligning testing schedules, and managing dependencies between components. Balancing thorough test coverage while meeting project deadlines can also be demanding. Proactively collaborating with cross-functional teams and adopting clear documentation practices can help mitigate these challenges and ensure smooth project execution.

What is the difference between Systems Test Engineer vs Software Test Engineer?

AspectSystems Test EngineerSoftware Test Engineer
Primary FocusTesting entire systems, including hardware and software integrationTesting software applications and code
Required SkillsKnowledge of hardware, software, and systems integrationStrong programming, scripting, and software testing skills
Work EnvironmentOften in labs or manufacturing settings, involving hardwarePrimarily in office or remote environments, focusing on software
CertificationsISTQB, ISTQB Certified Tester, or similarISTQB, CSTE, or similar

While both roles involve testing, Systems Test Engineers focus on testing complete systems, including hardware and software integration, whereas Software Test Engineers concentrate on software applications and code quality. The roles share certifications and work environments but differ in scope and technical focus.

Infographic showing various Systems Test Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,073 per year, or $65.4 per hour.

Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Integration & Test

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 15 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 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.
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.
As an Sr. Principal Systems Engineer (Integration & Test) at Northrop Grumman, you will conduct integration testing and evaluate complex electronics systems from hardware/software design through aircraft installation to ensure that the systems we make work - and work well.
Responsibilities for an Integration & Test Engineer may include generation of test plans, test procedures, test automation, test reports, and execution of integration test activities (system integration, design verification tests, qualification tests, etc.) in system integration labs (SILs) or offsite locations. As a part of the Systems Engineering Integration & Test (SEIT) team, an Integration & Test Engineer gains an understanding of the systems engineering process across a product's lifecycle and gains a full appreciation for how the systems operate.
This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.
This position is contingent upon funding/contract award, special access program, and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.
Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Integration & Test:
  • BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical degree with 8+ years of related experience or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field with 6+ years related experience, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field with 4+ years related experience
  • Experience in documenting, testing, and troubleshooting integrated hardware/software/firmware for production systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a team in a collaborative environment and with multiple stakeholders across various disciplines under cost and schedule constraints
  • Experience in creating and delivering technical presentations
  • 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:
  • Experience in an integration and test environment for complex electronic systems evaluation
  • Experience performing Design Verification Tests, Environmental Qualification Testing, and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Qualification Testing
  • Working knowledge of DOORS and Verification Cross Reference Matrices (VCRMs)
  • Working knowledge of one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR systems, sensors, optics, RFEW systems, DSP, antenna design, computational electromagnetics, RF test equipment
  • Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) concepts and tools (Cameo)
  • Has demonstrated experience applying basic systems-engineering principles to develop and execute integration-test plans
  • Knowledge of MATLAB, C, C++, Java, Python, or other scripting languages
  • Experience writing and executing test scripts
  • Ability and willingness to work independently with little oversight or direction
  • Ability and willingness to travel
  • Active Secret or Top Secret clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00
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