Principal Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Principal Engineer jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, with the market concentrated in aerospace and defense, enterprise software, industrial manufacturing, and utilities infrastructure, drawing candidates at every level from associate principal through distinguished engineer. Chicago leads hiring volume, with Peoria and the broader Chicagoland suburbs also anchoring significant activity, and established employers such as Boeing, Caterpillar, and Motorola Solutions regularly seeking principal engineers across software, systems, and mechanical disciplines. The most consistently sought specialties are embedded systems engineering, cloud and platform architecture, and systems integration. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly Telefonix PDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems. Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality. The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago’s Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award
Summary:
Experienced developer with proven ability to design for passing EMI/EMC tests and to troubleshoot and diagnosis EMC/EMI qualification testing issues. Development of electrical system architectures, including PCBA level design, BOM management, de-bugging, etc. Also serves as a mentor to the electrical engineers and interns as well as providing direction to the UKR team where needed.
Local 100% onsite position primarily in Lake Zurich, IL and Waukegan, IL. May require occasional travel, < 25% of time, to laboratories in the Chicago region.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and/or Experience Requirements:
- BS in Electrical and/or Computer Engineering from an accredited university program with a minimum of 20 years’ experience.
- ECAD experience for schematic capture and layout, preferably Altium Designer.
- Team player and methodical self-starter able to complete projects in a timely manner.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred:
- Experience designing for EMI, lighting, pin-injection and other qualification test following DO-160, Boeing, and Airbus standards.
- Experience generating qualification test procedures and setup diagrams for EMC qualification testing.
- Experience reviewing board level design and system level design for appropriate grounding techniques and implementation of design techniques to pass EMC qualification tests.
- Experience troubleshooting and resolving failed EMI/EMC tests, including creating documentation and deviation requests.
- Board-level and system-level experience implementing RF design principles on RF and/or high-speed digital signals.
- Software experience in languages or environments such as C/C++, Python, Linux, Bash, Arduino and Raspberry Pi to assist with troubleshooting and engineering evaluation activities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Complete PCBA level design including BOM management, revision control, configuration management, hardware bring-up/debug, and issue tracking.
- Design of multilayer PCBs that include the following functions: 1. High-speed communication supporting up to10Gbps speeds, 2. Wireless modules or discrete design for 802.11 b/g/n/ac, BTLE, RFID/NFC, and LTE, 3. Microcontroller/Microprocessor circuits, 4. Power management including budgeting, analysis and characterization as it relates to current draw and thermal characteristics, 5. Serial/Peripheral interfaces.
- Product verification/testing including final analysis and development of tests, reports, and programming scripts.
- Develop electrical system architectures.
- Use of and selection of test equipment—oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, meters, supplies, etc.
- Provide direction to Engineering Technician and on occasion direct support of PCBA assembly, rework, and changes using soldering irons, heat guns, hot plates, etc.
- Mentor interns and engineers.
- Provide direction to Ukraine engineers and CAD specialists.
- Develop and review the creation and evolution of the electrical engineering design process.
- Support the transfer of design files into the manufacturing process.
- Support regulatory compliance testing.
- Become Subject Matter Expert for the manufacturing team on all electrical engineering designs.
- Lead all level complexity programs including multiple programs concurrently.
- Subject Matter Expert in all level of complexity programs for technical design reviews.
- Project management/engineering on cross-functional programs.
- Working knowledge and awareness of ISO/9001/14000/13485 and AS9100 processes.
- Support ISO and internal audits of electrical engineering processes.
- Other duties & functions assigned to this position as necessary
Competencies:
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions.
- Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; parse large amounts of data and distinguish the pieces with a large impact; uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs work flows and procedures; employs logic when solving problems.
- Technical Skills - Strives for continuous expansion of knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others; builds knowledge base from research and experience.
- Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things; takes responsibility and ownership for mistakes.
- Oral Communication - Listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings.
- Teamwork - Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit.
- Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works in an ethical manner and with integrity; upholds organizational values.
- Organizational Support – Disciplined in thought and action; follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values.
- Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; sets goals and objectives; strives to increase productivity.
- Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
- Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.
- Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions.
- Adaptability - Manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
- Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; communicates conflicting work/personal needs in a timely manner.
- Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; follows up on assigned tasks; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.
An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a drug test and background check, and applicants who do not successfully pass both the drug test and background check will not be considered for employment.
The salary range specified is applicable to positions within the State of Illinois and reflects various factors considered in compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, individual skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and the specific needs of our business and organization. At Astronics CSC, it is uncommon for new hires to receive an offer at or near the top end of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are made based on the unique facts and circumstances of each candidate. The current estimated yearly salary range for this position is $120,000 to $150,000 per year. In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus. Astronics offers a competitive salary, along with opportunities for career growth.
Astronics CSC provides a comprehensive benefits package available to full-time employees, with part-time employees potentially eligible for these benefits on a pro-rated basis.
- Stay Healthy – Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity.
- Save for the Future – 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- The Astronics Corporation Profit Sharing/ 401(k) Plan is a “safe harbor” plan. Under the plan, Astronics has committed to contribute 3% of your eligible wages, with the ability to do an annual discretionary adder on top.
- Find Balance – Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program
- Time for You – Generous Paid Time Off (PTOS), Volunteer Time Off Program (VTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave.
- Professional Growth - Tuition Reimbursement Program
Accommodation Request
Astronics CSC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail CSC-HR-All@astronics.com or call: 847-244-4500. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
Additional Information:
This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary.
See All 99 Principal Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Principal Engineer JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Principal Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Northrop Grumman24

- Baxter6

- AbbVie4

- CVS Health3

- Motorola Solutions3

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Medical Devices
- Manufacturing
- Food & Beverage
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, computer science, or a closely related field
- Ten or more years of progressive engineering experience with demonstrated technical leadership
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and setting architectural or design direction
- Deep expertise in at least one core discipline such as embedded systems, cloud infrastructure, or mechanical design
- Proven ability to define technical roadmaps and mentor senior and mid-level engineers
- Strong communication skills for presenting engineering decisions to executive and non-technical stakeholders
Principal Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a principal engineer in Illinois?
Most principal engineer roles in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science plus many years of progressive technical experience, culminating in demonstrated leadership on large-scale projects. For roles in civil, structural, or mechanical disciplines where stamped drawings are required, Illinois requires licensure as a Professional Engineer through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Software and systems-focused principal engineer titles typically follow a company-defined career ladder rather than a state license.
Which companies hire principal engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring principal engineers in Illinois right now include Northrop Grumman, Baxter, and AbbVie, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's concentration of aerospace primes, industrial manufacturers, and enterprise technology firms means openings appear across both legacy engineering companies and fast-growing technology divisions headquartered in the Chicago metro.
Which Illinois cities have the most principal engineer jobs?
Chicago, Rolling Meadows, and Round Lake account for the largest share of principal engineer openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates because of its density of technology headquarters, defense contractors, and financial technology firms, while Peoria reflects Caterpillar's global engineering operations and the broader industrial manufacturing corridor in central Illinois.
Are there remote principal engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and they are more common than in most engineering disciplines. About 63% of principal engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how much of the role centers on architecture reviews, design documentation, and cross-team coordination rather than hands-on lab or factory work. Platform, cloud, and software-focused principal engineer roles carry the highest rate of remote availability.
How can I get hired as a principal engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is starting in a senior or staff engineer role and building toward principal through internal promotion. Large Illinois employers such as Boeing in the Chicago suburbs and Caterpillar in Peoria run structured early-career engineering programs that place candidates on a defined advancement track. Earning a Professional Engineer license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation strengthens a candidacy for principal roles in civil and mechanical disciplines, while a strong technical portfolio or open-source contribution history helps for software and systems tracks.
Where can I find and apply to principal engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to principal engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 99 Principal Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Principal Engineer Jobs