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Contract Embedded Software Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Embedded Software Engineer

Park Ridge, IL

$60 - $80/hr

Embedded Software Engineer This role focuses on leading and delivering complex embedded software ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Park Ridge, IL. Pay and Benefits The ...

Motorola

Embedded Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL

$75K - $150K/yr

Hands-on experience in embedded software development is also beneficial. Our products are developed ... Some contracts may have higher-level clearance requirements. Travel RequirementsNone Relocation ...

Actalent

Embedded Engineer

Schaumburg, IL

$60 - $90/hr

Develop and maintain low-level software for VxWorks and Yocto-based Linux platforms. * Implement ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Schaumburg, IL. Pay and ...

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All JobsContract Embedded Software JobsContract Embedded Software Jobs in Chicago, IL

Contract Embedded Software information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$72.1K

$158K

$179.2K

How much do contract embedded software jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract embedded software in Chicago, IL is $158,007.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,500.00 and $178,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical challenges faced in a contract embedded software role?

Contract embedded software professionals often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new hardware platforms, integrating with legacy systems, and rapidly understanding diverse project requirements. Since contracts are often project-based, there may be limited time for onboarding, requiring strong self-motivation and efficient troubleshooting skills. Additionally, clear documentation and collaboration with hardware engineers or cross-functional teams are critical to ensure smooth system integration. These challenges can be rewarding, as they provide opportunities to develop broad technical expertise and experience a wide variety of products and industries.

What is a Contract Embedded Software job?

A Contract Embedded Software job involves developing, testing, and maintaining embedded systems software for a company on a temporary or project basis. Contractors typically work with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and low-level programming languages like C or C++. These roles can vary in duration and may involve working remotely or onsite. Contract engineers often collaborate with hardware teams, follow specific project requirements, and ensure system reliability and performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Contract Embedded Software position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Contract Embedded Software professional, you need strong experience with programming languages like C or C++, real-time operating systems (RTOS), hardware interfacing, and a relevant degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with development tools such as JTAG debuggers, oscilloscopes, version control systems, and certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Engineer (CESE) are highly valued. Effective problem-solving, adaptability, and clear communication are important soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and managing project-based work. These capabilities ensure you can deliver robust, efficient solutions within project timelines in dynamic, technology-driven environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Embedded Software jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Embedded Software jobs in Chicago, IL? For Contract Embedded Software jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Embedded Software jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Embedded Software jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Contract Embedded Software jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Contract Embedded Software job openings:
Contract Embedded Software jobs near you
Embedded Software Engineer III

Embedded Software Engineer III

Prolim Global

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$132K - $174K/yr

Contractor

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

www.govt.prolim.com  Is hiring for federal client Northrup Grumman  Embedded Software Engineer III
Northrop Grumman | MANHATTAN BEACH,CA & ROLLING MEADOWS,IL& LINTHICUM MARYLAND CITIZENS ONLY

Interested candidate can share resume at alec.dsouza@prolim.com or call Senior Recruiter Alec at 214-764-6882

Job Description: Embedded Software Engineer III (Contract)

Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation
Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer III
Location: Manhattan Beach, CA (Onsite)
Employment Type: Full-Time Contract
Contract Duration: August 3, 2026 – December 31, 2027
Work Schedule: 9x80 A (40 hours/week)
Security Clearance: Active Secret Clearance Required
Citizenship Requirement: U.S. Citizenship Required

Position Overview

Northrop Grumman Strategic Space Systems is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer III to join its Software Engineering organization in Manhattan Beach, California. The selected candidate will develop high-performance embedded software for flight, space, and ground systems operating in resource-constrained environments with both soft and hard real-time requirements.

This role involves designing and implementing complex software solutions for data processing, control systems, and embedded applications while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams throughout the software development lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, test, debug, and maintain embedded software applications using C/C++.
  • Develop object-oriented software for real-time embedded systems.
  • Implement software for resource-constrained environments supporting aerospace and defense applications.
  • Work with real-time operating systems such as VxWorks, RT-Linux, FreeRTOS, or similar RTOS platforms.
  • Participate in software architecture, requirements analysis, design, coding, integration, verification, validation, and deployment.
  • Collaborate with systems, hardware, and test engineers to integrate software with complex hardware platforms.
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation and ensure compliance with software engineering standards.
  • Support software integration, troubleshooting, and debugging in laboratory environments.
  • Participate in Agile, Waterfall, or Spiral software development processes.
  • Ensure software quality through unit testing, code reviews, and system validation.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline from an ABET-accredited university.
  • Minimum of 5 years of professional software development experience.
  • Strong experience with C/C++ programming.
  • Experience with Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and Object-Oriented Software Design.
  • Hands-on experience developing software for real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, RT-Linux, FreeRTOS, or Green Hills Integrity.
  • Experience working in fast-paced laboratory or embedded development environments.
  • Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience across the complete software development lifecycle, including:
    • Software architecture
    • Requirements analysis
    • Design and implementation
    • Unit testing
    • System integration
    • Verification and validation
  • Experience with embedded aerospace or defense systems.
  • Familiarity with hardware validation and verification of RF, digital, or mixed-signal devices.
  • Experience using laboratory test equipment, including:
    • Signal generators
    • Noise generators
    • Logic analyzers
    • Spectrum analyzers
    • Network analyzers
    • Power supplies and switching equipment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience working within large multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Required Technical Skills

  • C/C++
  • Embedded C++ Development
  • Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
  • Object-Oriented Software Development
  • Wind River VxWorks
  • VxWorks RTOS
  • Embedded Systems Development
  • Software Integration & Testing
  • Real-Time Embedded Software

Work Environment

  • Onsite position in Manhattan Beach, California.
  • Collaborative engineering laboratory supporting advanced aerospace and space programs.
  • Opportunity to work on mission-critical embedded software supporting next-generation strategic space systems.