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Automotive Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Reporting to the Engineering Manager or Supervisor, you will design and develop embedded software-based products, contribute to product development, and ensure compliance with engineering standards.

Embedded Software Engineer III

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$134K - $177K/yr

Reporting to the Engineering Manager or Supervisor, you will design and develop embedded software-based products, contribute to product development, and ensure compliance with engineering standards.

Demonstrated history of delivering quality automotive embedded software products to market * 5+ years' experience in embedded software engineering in C and RTOS , release engineering and/or ...

We engineer our products from start to finish and manufacture them in-house. We're known for low ... Hands-on experience in embedded software development is also beneficial. * Our products are ...

Candidates for this position are software engineers with strong programming skills who demonstrate ... Hands-on experience in embedded software development is also beneficial. Our products are developed ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

Engineering or CS degree. * Software development on an embedded device * Experience writing and building software. * Professional experience with C, C++, Golang, Python or Rust. Desired but Not ...

Showing results 21-40

Automotive Embedded Software Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$72.2K

$158.1K

$179.4K

How much do automotive embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive embedded software engineer in Chicago, IL is $158,132.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,600.00 and $178,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an automotive embedded software engineer do?

An Automotive Embedded Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains software systems that are integrated into vehicles. These systems control a wide range of automotive functions, such as engine management, infotainment, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and safety features. The engineer works closely with hardware teams to ensure the software interacts seamlessly with vehicle electronics, adhering to industry standards for safety and reliability. Their work helps improve vehicle performance, safety, and user experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive embedded software engineer?

To thrive as an Automotive Embedded Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills in C/C++, deep knowledge of embedded systems, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with automotive-specific tools and standards such as MATLAB/Simulink, CAN protocol, AUTOSAR, and ISO 26262 certification is typically required. Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the development of reliable, safe, and efficient automotive software systems that meet industry standards and customer expectations.

What are some common challenges faced by automotive embedded software engineers when working with cross-functional teams?

Automotive Embedded Software Engineers often collaborate closely with hardware engineers, systems architects, and quality assurance teams. One common challenge is ensuring seamless integration between software and hardware components, which requires clear communication and thorough documentation. Additionally, aligning on safety standards and meeting rigorous automotive compliance requirements can add complexity to project timelines. Effective teamwork and adaptability are essential for navigating these challenges and delivering reliable embedded solutions.

What is the difference between Automotive Embedded Software Engineer vs Automotive Software Developer?

AspectAutomotive Embedded Software EngineerAutomotive Software Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related; knowledge of embedded systemsBachelor's in Computer Science or Software Engineering; programming skills
Work EnvironmentEmbedded systems in vehicles, real-time OS, hardware integrationApplication-level software, vehicle interfaces, user experience
Industry UsageDesigning firmware for ECUs, control units, safety systemsDeveloping vehicle infotainment, navigation, or telematics software

Automotive Embedded Software Engineers focus on developing firmware and low-level software for vehicle control units, working closely with hardware. Automotive Software Developers typically work on higher-level applications like infotainment systems. Both roles require programming skills, but embedded engineers often have specialized knowledge of real-time systems and hardware integration.

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Automotive Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Automotive Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 6% Temporary, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $158,132 per year, or $76 per hour.

Staff Software Embedded Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$169K - $253K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization 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!

As a Staff Principal Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation.

Northrop Grumman is looking to add to our talented team of Embedded Software Engineers. Our engineers are self-starters who are part of a team of software professionals developing world-class software to meet our customer's high expectations. The Embedded Software Engineer designs, develops, operates, and maintains software and firmware components and computing systems software to be applied to and integrated with engineering, scientific and manufacturing requirements. The individual shall apply the appropriate standards, processes, procedures, and tools throughout the system development life cycle to support the generation of engineering applications and products within the RF Business Unit. This includes interfacing with customers, suppliers, application users and other technical and support personnel. The ideal individual will have experience including the full software development life cycle, which includes requirements, design, coding, testing, and integration.

#MSRMTA

This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location.

Basic Qualifications for Staff Embedded Software Engineer:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 12+ years of engineering experience, or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline with 10+ years of engineering experience or in lieu of degree, an additional 4 years of experience is required.
  • Object Oriented Programming in C++
  • Familiarity with Software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design)
  • Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc.)
  • Experience Developing Embedded Software running Linux or VxWorks Operating Systems
  • Familiarity with software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile
  • Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc)
  • US Citizenship
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance prior to start.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Object Oriented Programming in C++11
  • Knowledge with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc)
  • Experience with Software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile.
  • Experience testing, debugging, and integrating Embedded Software on target hardware.
  • Experience with complex systems of systems that utilize Parallel Processing, Multi-Threading, Distributed Processing, Multi-Core, System-on-Chip, and Secure Processing.
  • Active Secret Clearance
  • Differentiating characteristics include demonstrated leadership and teamwork capability, interpersonal communication skills and activities.
Primary Level Salary Range: $169,000.00 - $253,600.00The 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