2027 Associate Systems Engineer - Rolling Meadows IL with Security Clearance
The Associate Systems Engineer at Confidential Client's Mission Systems Sector in Rolling Meadows, IL, supports the design, integration, and testing of advanced navigation, targeting, and self-protection systems. This role involves creating model-based engineering products, tracing requirements, evaluating complex electronic systems, and executing integration tests to ensure mission-critical system performance. The position requires a U.S. Government Secret clearance and offers opportunities to work on cutting-edge defense technologies impacting national security.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is seeking entry-level and early-career Systems Engineers to join a Mission Systems team in Rolling Meadows, IL. This role supports development, integration, and test of complex electronics and systems used in mission-critical applications.
Key responsibilities:
- Create and refine Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) artifacts and engineering documentation.
- Trace requirements to test plans, procedures, and results to track program progress and identify gaps.
- Update and maintain system drawings, schematics, and related documentation.
- Evaluate electronics systems from hardware/software design through aircraft installation.
- Execute integration and verification activities in System Integration Labs (SILs).
- Analyze and model data to support algorithm development and optimization.
Clearance & travel:
- U.S. Government Secret clearance required to start. U.S. citizenship is a prerequisite.
- Ability to obtain Special Access Program access within a reasonable timeframe, if needed.
- Travel: approximately 10% of the time.
- Relocation assistance may be available.
Minimum Qualifications
Associate Systems Engineer (entry-level)
- Bachelor’s degree (completed or near completion) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related STEM field.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
Systems Engineer (early-career)
- Master’s degree (completed or near completion) plus ~1 year of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience in the disciplines listed above.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
Preferred Qualifications
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher (preferred for campus hires).
- Current/active U.S. Government Secret clearance (strongly preferred).
- Familiarity with one or more of the following tools/technologies is helpful (not required):
- Modeling & simulation: GitHub, Digital System Model (DSM), simulation development.
- System design: DOORS, ClearCase/ClearQuest, MATLAB, Python, digital signal processing, RF analysis tools (HFSS), ANSYS, optics tools.
- Integration & testing: MATLAB, Python, JIRA, Cortex, Java, CUDA, hardware troubleshooting tools (oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal analyzers).
- Mission modeling & MBSE: CAMEO, AFSIM, OpenCL, SysML, Rhapsody, Agile development, EO/IR concepts.
Salary & Benefits
Pay ranges (posted by the client and provided here for transparency):
- Associate Systems Engineer: $72,700 - $109,100 per year
- Systems Engineer: $87,600 - $131,400 per year
Benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, savings/retirement plans, paid holidays and paid time off, and eligibility for discretionary bonuses. Actual compensation offers will consider role, experience, education, skills, and market factors.
Additional Information
- This position is classified as FULL_TIME.
- U.S. citizenship is required for all positions that require a government security clearance.
- Confidential Client is committed to professional development and offers meaningful on-the-job learning opportunities and exposure to multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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