Systems Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Systems Engineer jobs in Illinois are active and competitive, with demand concentrated in aerospace and defense, information technology, telecommunications, and advanced manufacturing across experience levels from entry-level associate engineer through senior systems architect. Chicago, Rockford, and the suburban Chicagoland corridor around Schaumburg and Naperville are the primary hiring hubs, where employers like Boeing, Motorola Solutions, and Caterpillar maintain significant engineering operations. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois listings include embedded systems, network systems engineering, and defense systems integration. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 205+ Systems Engineer jobs
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.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!
Tasking can include:
- Software development of physics-based in-house models and algorithms
- 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
Candidates may be hired as a Systems Engineer (level 2) or a Principal Systems Engineer (level 3) based on their qualifications. This position is part of our Space Sector Eastern Region SEIT Engineering Organization located at Rolling Meadows, IL.
Basic Qualifications:
- Systems Engineer: BS + 2 years of experience; MS + 0 years of experience
- Principal Systems Engineer: BS + 5 years of experience; MS + 3 years of experience; PhD + 0 years of experience
- BS and/or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related technical degree
- Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access
- Educational background or experience with signal processing and algorithm development
- Proficiency with MATLAB or Python object-oriented programing languages
Preferred Qualifications:
- 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
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!
Tasking can include:
- Software development of physics-based in-house models and algorithms
- 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
Candidates may be hired as a Systems Engineer (level 2) or a Principal Systems Engineer (level 3) based on their qualifications. This position is part of our Space Sector Eastern Region SEIT Engineering Organization located at Rolling Meadows, IL.
Basic Qualifications:
- Systems Engineer: BS + 2 years of experience; MS + 0 years of experience
- Principal Systems Engineer: BS + 5 years of experience; MS + 3 years of experience; PhD + 0 years of experience
- BS and/or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related technical degree
- Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access
- Educational background or experience with signal processing and algorithm development
- Proficiency with MATLAB or Python object-oriented programing languages
Preferred Qualifications:
- 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
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!
Tasking can include:
- Software development of physics-based in-house models and algorithms
- 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
Candidates may be hired as a Systems Engineer (level 2) or a Principal Systems Engineer (level 3) based on their qualifications. This position is part of our Space Sector Eastern Region SEIT Engineering Organization located at Rolling Meadows, IL.
Basic Qualifications:
- Systems Engineer: BS + 2 years of experience; MS + 0 years of experience
- Principal Systems Engineer: BS + 5 years of experience; MS + 3 years of experience; PhD + 0 years of experience
- BS and/or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related technical degree
- Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access
- Educational background or experience with signal processing and algorithm development
- Proficiency with MATLAB or Python object-oriented programing languages
Preferred Qualifications:
- 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
#RollingMdwSpace
#SpaceSysEngJobs
#SpaceEngJobs
Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00 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.
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.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!
Tasking can include:
- Software development of physics-based in-house models and algorithms
- 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
Candidates may be hired as a Systems Engineer (level 2) or a Principal Systems Engineer (level 3) based on their qualifications. This position is part of our Space Sector Eastern Region SEIT Engineering Organization located at Rolling Meadows, IL.
Basic Qualifications:
- Systems Engineer: BS + 2 years of experience; MS + 0 years of experience
- Principal Systems Engineer: BS + 5 years of experience; MS + 3 years of experience; PhD + 0 years of experience
- BS and/or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related technical degree
- Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access
- Educational background or experience with signal processing and algorithm development
- Proficiency with MATLAB or Python object-oriented programing languages
Preferred Qualifications:
- 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
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!
Tasking can include:
- Software development of physics-based in-house models and algorithms
- 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
Candidates may be hired as a Systems Engineer (level 2) or a Principal Systems Engineer (level 3) based on their qualifications. This position is part of our Space Sector Eastern Region SEIT Engineering Organization located at Rolling Meadows, IL.
Basic Qualifications:
- Systems Engineer: BS + 2 years of experience; MS + 0 years of experience
- Principal Systems Engineer: BS + 5 years of experience; MS + 3 years of experience; PhD + 0 years of experience
- BS and/or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related technical degree
- Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access
- Educational background or experience with signal processing and algorithm development
- Proficiency with MATLAB or Python object-oriented programing languages
Preferred Qualifications:
- 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
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!
Tasking can include:
- Software development of physics-based in-house models and algorithms
- 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
Candidates may be hired as a Systems Engineer (level 2) or a Principal Systems Engineer (level 3) based on their qualifications. This position is part of our Space Sector Eastern Region SEIT Engineering Organization located at Rolling Meadows, IL.
Basic Qualifications:
- Systems Engineer: BS + 2 years of experience; MS + 0 years of experience
- Principal Systems Engineer: BS + 5 years of experience; MS + 3 years of experience; PhD + 0 years of experience
- BS and/or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related technical degree
- Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access
- Educational background or experience with signal processing and algorithm development
- Proficiency with MATLAB or Python object-oriented programing languages
Preferred Qualifications:
- 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
#RollingMdwSpace
#SpaceSysEngJobs
#SpaceEngJobs
Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00 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.
See All 205+ Systems Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Systems Engineer JobsSystems Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Systems Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Northrop Grumman15
- Shure6
- Gotion6
- Sargent & Lundy6
- AbbVie5
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software12
- Manufacturing8
- Energy7
- Automotive6
- Consulting & Professional Services3
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in systems engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field
- Experience with systems integration, requirements analysis, and lifecycle documentation
- Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, SysML, or equivalent platforms
- Familiarity with defense or aerospace standards including MIL-STD or DO-178 where applicable
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with hardware, software, and test engineering teams
- Active or eligible security clearance preferred for defense-sector roles in Illinois
Systems Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a systems engineer in Illinois?
A bachelor's degree in systems engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a closely related field is the standard entry point for Illinois employers. Illinois does not require a state-issued license specifically for systems engineers, though engineers who stamp public infrastructure designs may pursue Professional Engineer licensure through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Certifications such as INCOSE's Certified Systems Engineering Professional strengthen candidacy considerably in Illinois's defense and aerospace hiring markets.
Which companies hire systems engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring systems engineers in Illinois right now include Northrop Grumman, Shure, and Gotion, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's dense concentration of defense contractors, telecommunications firms, and advanced manufacturing headquarters means openings appear across a wide range of company sizes and sectors throughout the Chicagoland region and beyond.
Which Illinois cities have the most systems engineer jobs?
Chicago, Rolling Meadows, and Peoria lead Illinois for systems engineer openings. Chicago anchors demand through its large corporate headquarters, technology companies, and federal contracting presence, while suburban centers like Schaumburg and Naperville draw heavily from Motorola Solutions, Motorola Mobility, and the dense corridor of defense and IT firms clustered along the I-90 and I-88 technology belts.
Are there remote systems engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than many technical fields. About 65% of systems engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that much of the role centers on documentation, modeling, and cross-functional coordination that translates well to distributed work. Hands-on integration, lab testing, and classified defense programs are the segments most likely to require on-site presence in Illinois.
How can I get hired as a systems engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a rotational or associate engineer program at one of Illinois's large defense or technology employers. Boeing and Motorola Solutions run structured early-career engineering programs that place candidates without prior professional experience into project rotations. Adjacent roles such as systems technician, quality assurance engineer, or IT infrastructure analyst at Illinois manufacturers or telecommunications firms are strong lateral starting points. Completing an INCOSE student membership, building a portfolio of documented systems projects, or earning a relevant certification like CompTIA Network+ noticeably strengthens applications for junior-level openings.
Where can I find and apply to systems engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to systems engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across industries and experience levels. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 205+ Systems Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Systems Engineer Jobs