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

About Our Client Our client is a leading global provider of cloud-based, AI-embedded software. With ... Open roles include direct hire, temporary, contract, and consulting opportunities in HCM technology ...

Contract to hire Rate: $23-$28/hr W2 Our client in Schaumburg, Illinois is seeking an Engineering ... Perform electronics testing, PCB troubleshooting, firmware/software validation, and embedded ...

New

... embedded directly with subject matter experts, product, and engineering teams to rapidly design ... Create clear technical documentation: architecture diagrams, data flow maps, API contracts, and ...

Establish standards and best practices around service design, API contracts, authentication ... Qualifications Required Qualifications & Skills * 6+ years of professional software engineering ...

Work collaboratively with all functional teams (hardware, RF, software, FPGA, mechanical) * Be a ... Working knowledge of Embedded SW (C/C++) and ability to bring-up new embedded systems. * Product ...

Legal Counsel - Softeon

Itasca, IL · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

We deliver award winning enterprise software solutions through the use of embedded digital ... Experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts; * Strong attention to detail and proven ...

We deliver award winning enterprise software solutions through the use of embedded digital ... Experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts; * Strong attention to detail and proven ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 7, 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?

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 cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Contract Embedded Software jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Contract Embedded Software job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Embedded Software job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $158,007 per year, or $76 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) Headquartered in Clarksburg, MD, is a U.S. company that has been serving domestic and international defense Air, Land and Sea domains for 60+ years. With over 1,000 employees, TDSI and its four subsidiaries (Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Digital Receiver Technology, Tampa Microwave, and Trusted Cyber Technologies), supports U.S. Joint Services, special operations forces and multi-national partners with a variety of communication, visualization, signal intelligence/electronic warfare, and sensor/sonar capabilities. TDSI's key technologies include tactical handheld radios, expeditionary satellite terminals, helmet-mounted displays, optics and target recognition capability, advanced radars, undersea sensing and missile systems. Lives depend on what we do!
Top Benefits (Subject to terms of applicable policies/plans)
  • Competitive Salary
  • Yearly Incentive Compensation Plan
  • Medical insurance for self and eligible family members
  • Generous 401(k) program- up to 7% company contribution and 100% immediate vesting
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid wellness, vacation, and holiday leave
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave
  • 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
  • Hybrid working environment

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) seeks an experienced Director of Engineering to support our helmet-mounted displays, inertial tracking & cueing technologies in Aurora, IL. The Director will oversee teams such as: Systems, Embedded Software, Electrical, Mechanical and Field Service. The ideal candidate will need to possess extensive knowledge of head and helmet-mounted display systems. This position reports into the Vice President of Engineering.
Responsibilities
  • Technical and administrative leadership of a multi-disciplined engineering department consisting of systems engineering, software engineering, electrical hardware engineering, and mechanical engineering product development groups.
  • Establish and/or maintaining processes, tools, and techniques for the engineering department in accordance with TDSI practices.
  • Interface with project leads and engineering management in resolving product development issues, coordinating resources, and managing design activities.
  • Work with department staff to develop and achieve strategic plan objectives. - Participate and/or support product development reviews, project planning, proposal and bid generation, and product requirements generation.
  • Actively promote and develop actions for continuous improvement in the department in the areas of people, process, tools and product technology to ensure overall product development is competitive as compared to industry best practices.
  • Ensure engineering projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet technical performance requirements.
  • Responsible for overall department strategic direction and ensuring assigned corporate strategic objectives are met.
  • Perform as an integral member of the management team by interacting on a regular basis with inter/intra-company disciplines including business development, contracts, program management, manufacturing and customer service.

Supervisor Responsibilities
This position carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's operating policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities can include interviewing, hiring, training and developing employees; creating effective staff plans - assigning and directing work in a matrix organization; performance appraisals, rewarding and management of employee discipline when required; and addressing complaints and resolving conflicts. Active mentoring and development of staff is a critical element of the supervisory responsibilities to create a highly performing cohesive team.
Qualifications
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • U.S. Citizenship required. - Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related technical degree. Advanced degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in an engineering leadership position (technical project management and/or functional management) involved with product development in the military aerospace business. Previous experience in hands on engineering position required.
  • Experience with military avionics systems (fixed wing and rotorcraft) highly preferred.
  • Proven ability to manage cross-functional engineering managers and development teams in a matrix organization.
  • Experience with AS9100D process implementation and adherence.
  • Must have working knowledge of relevant industry standards (DO-254, DO-160, DO-178 B/C, MIL-STD-461 and MIL-STD-810, DAL etc.).
  • Experience with agile methodology for software and hardware development.
  • Ability to work in a team environment and interact with employees in all departments and functions.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects.
  • Ability to travel up to 20%
  • Ability to comply with all Company guidelines, policies, procedures and embrace Company Core Values.

The annualized pay range for this role is $179,808.00 - $229,755.00 USD along with a target incentive compensation plan (ICP) of 15%. The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of the experience level for the role described above. TDSI considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
For specific questions about this job posting, candidates may contact talent acquisition at careers@thalesdsi.com.
Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is committed to non-discrimination as applicable under federal, state and local laws. We are an E-Verify Employer.
If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales Defense & Security, Inc., please call Human Resources at 240-864-7000.
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