Electrical Systems Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Electrical systems engineer jobs in Illinois are active across the aerospace, defense, transportation, and industrial manufacturing sectors, with openings at every level from entry-level through senior and principal engineer. Chicago, Rockford, and the Peoria area anchor most of the hiring, where established employers like Boeing, Caterpillar, and Collins Aerospace maintain significant engineering operations. The most in-demand specialties in Illinois include power distribution systems, embedded controls, and systems integration for aerospace and heavy equipment platforms. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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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.As part of the Emerging Capabilities Development (ECD) Systems Engineering Integration and Test (SEIT) organization, you will help develop and mature forward-leaning Radio Frequency Electronic Warfare (RFEW) solutions and products. You will work in a dynamic, innovative environment and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to create capabilities that meet customer needs and provide a competitive edge.
You will join our Radio Frequency (RF) SEIT group within Central Region Engineering in Rolling Meadows, IL, supporting a leading global provider of advanced, secure, and agile software-defined systems. Our state-of-the-art RFEW systems are designed to protect U.S. and Allied warfighters in present and future conflicts.
In this role, you will develop and test RF and digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms, build and validate complex models and simulations, and support integration of these algorithms into prototype systems for lab and field demonstrations, often under aggressive timelines. You will primarily use MATLAB and HFSS for algorithm development and electromagnetic modeling, with C/C++ used to support implementation and integration activities. Strong technical communication and documentation skills are essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and test RF/DSP algorithms for RFEW applications using MATLAB.
- Develop, validate, and maintain HFSS models and simulations for RF propagation, antenna performance, and RF signal chains.
- Analyze system and subsystem performance and support trade studies to optimize system architectures and algorithms.
- Collaborate with firmware, hardware, and software teams to integrate algorithms and HFSS-derived designs into prototype hardware and software systems.
- Prepare and deliver clear technical presentations and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
This is a full-time, on-site position at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.
This position may be contingent upon funding/contract award, special access program, and acquiring and maintaining the necessary U.S. Government security clearance per customer requirements prior to start.
This position can be filled at the Systems Engineer (Electrical Engineering) or Principal Systems Engineer (Electrical Engineering) level.
Basic Qualifications for Systems Engineer (Electrical Engineering)
- 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 experience in digital signal processing
- Hands-on experience with MATLAB for modeling, simulation, or algorithm development.
- Demonstrated experience creating and delivering technical presentations.
- Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen
- Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain at least a Secret clearance with additional customer-specified access prior to start date as required.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Engineer (Electrical Engineering)
- BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Related technical degree with 5+ years of related experience; OR MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Related technical field with 3+ years related experience; OR, PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Related technical field with 1+ year of related experience
- Demonstrated experience in digital signal processing
- Hands-on experience with MATLAB for modeling, simulation, or algorithm development.
- Demonstrated experience creating and delivering technical presentations.
- Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen
- Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain at least a Secret clearance with additional customer-specified access prior to start date as required.
Preferred Qualifications
- BS with 5+ years, MS with 3+ years, or PhD with 1+ years; degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM field.
- Strong background in physics and mathematics (e.g., electromagnetics, signals and systems, probability/statistics).
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Academic or industry experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Computational electromagnetics or wave theory
- RF propagation modeling
- Antenna design and characterization
- RF chain analysis and modeling
- Embedded software design and test
- Anechoic chamber measurement experience
- Experience with HFSS (or similar full-wave EM simulation tools) for RF/antenna modeling and analysis.
- Familiarity with C/C++ for algorithm implementation or integration.
- Experience applying RF/DSP algorithms and EM simulations in laboratory or field-test environments.
- Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 25%.
See All 15 Electrical Systems Engineer Jobs in Illinois
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Find JobsElectrical Systems Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Electrical Systems Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
- Automotive
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in electrical systems engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or closely related engineering discipline required
- Proficiency with systems integration, schematic design, and electrical circuit analysis
- Experience with model-based systems engineering tools such as MATLAB or Simulink
- Familiarity with aerospace, defense, or industrial manufacturing standards and compliance requirements
- Professional Engineer license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation preferred for senior roles
- Strong documentation skills for technical specifications, test plans, and design review packages
Electrical Systems Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a electrical systems engineer in Illinois?
Most electrical systems engineer roles in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field from an ABET-accredited program. Illinois does not mandate a state license for private-sector engineering work, but obtaining a Professional Engineer license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation strengthens candidacy significantly, particularly at defense contractors and utilities. The path starts with the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, followed by relevant work experience before sitting for the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam.
How much do electrical systems engineers make in Illinois?
Electrical systems engineers in Illinois earn a median of about $107,860 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $75,470 for the lowest 10% to over $164,290 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire electrical systems engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring electrical systems engineers in Illinois right now include Komatsu, CDM Smith, and MasTec, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's concentration of aerospace primes, defense contractors, and heavy equipment manufacturers makes it one of the more consistent states for electrical systems engineering demand year-round.
Which Illinois cities have the most electrical systems engineer jobs?
Chicago, Rockford, and Peoria have the most electrical systems engineer openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the largest share through its density of aerospace firms, rail and transit authorities, and industrial corporations headquartered in the metro, while Rockford and Peoria owe their volume to major manufacturing and defense employers with large engineering campuses in those regions.
Are there remote electrical systems engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're uncommon. Electrical systems engineering work is largely hands-on, requiring lab access, hardware integration, and on-site testing that limits full remote arrangements. About 25% of electrical systems engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with remote options most often available for systems architecture, requirements definition, and documentation-heavy phases of a project rather than build or test work.
How can I get hired as a electrical systems engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an engineering internship or co-op program at one of Illinois's large aerospace or manufacturing employers, such as Boeing's Chicago and St. Charles operations or Caterpillar's facilities in the Peoria area. New graduates often enter as associate or junior systems engineers supporting design review and documentation. Completing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam early and building a portfolio with senior capstone projects or lab coursework gives candidates a measurable edge over applicants without professional experience.
Where can I find and apply to electrical systems engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to electrical systems engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings from employers actively hiring for this role. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the ones that match.
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