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Contract Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

DMC, Inc.

Embedded Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$135K - $178K/yr

(Hybrid) Description Are you passionate about embedded systems, from initial ideas to hardware design to the final firmware? As an Embedded Engineer at DMC, you will use your embedded expertise and ...

Shure

Engineer Sr, Embedded Systems Development

Niles, IL · Hybrid

$115K - $185K/yr

As a Senior Embedded Software Development Engineer, you will work in the Product Development ... Engage in unit, integration and testing of software components and systems. * Other duties as ...

Shure

Engineer Sr, Embedded Systems Development

Niles, IL · Hybrid

$115K - $185K/yr

As a Senior Embedded Software Development Engineer, you will work in the Product Development ... Engage in unit, integration and testing of software components and systems. * Other duties as ...

Shure

Engineer Sr, Embedded Systems Development

Niles, IL · Hybrid

$115K - $185K/yr

As a Senior Embedded Software Development Engineer, you will work in the Product Development ... Engage in unit, integration and testing of software components and systems. * Other duties as ...

Shure

Engineer Sr, Embedded Systems Development

Niles, IL · On-site

$115K - $185K/yr

As a Senior Embedded Software Development Engineer, you will work in the Product Development ... Engage in unit, integration and testing of software components and systems. * Other duties as ...

Honeywell

Advanced Embedded Engineer

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$118K - $148K/yr

As an Advanced Embedded Engineer here at Honeywell, you will drive the design and development of ... systems engineers to ensure seamless integration of software and hardware. • Investigate and ...

DMC Engineering

Entry Level Embedded Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$83K - $95K/yr

(Hybrid) Description Are you passionate about embedded systems, from initial ideas to hardware design to final firmware? As an Embedded Engineer at DMC, you will use your embedded expertise and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsContract Embedded Systems Engineer JobsContract Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Contract Embedded Systems Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$64.4K

$141.4K

$197.8K

How much do contract embedded systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract embedded systems engineer in Chicago, IL is $141,412.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,900.00 and $168,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract embedded systems engineer?

Contract Embedded Systems Engineers are professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to design, develop, and maintain embedded systems—specialized computing systems that perform dedicated functions within larger mechanical or electrical systems. Unlike permanent employees, contract engineers typically work for a set period or until a specific project is completed, offering flexibility to both engineers and employers. They may work on projects involving hardware and software integration, firmware development, real-time operating systems, and troubleshooting embedded devices. Their skills are often sought in industries like automotive, consumer electronics, medical devices, and industrial automation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract embedded systems engineer?

To thrive as a Contract Embedded Systems Engineer, you generally need a solid background in computer engineering or electrical engineering, with expertise in C/C++ programming, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and hardware-software integration. Familiarity with tools like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, version control systems (such as Git), and protocols like SPI, I2C, or UART is typically required, along with certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Engineer (CESE) being advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with diverse teams and clients. These skills and qualifications are essential to deliver reliable, efficient embedded solutions on time while meeting client specifications in a dynamic contract environment.

What are some common challenges faced by contract embedded systems engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Contract embedded systems engineers often encounter challenges such as rapidly adapting to new codebases, working within tight project timelines, and ensuring seamless integration with existing hardware and software. Success in this role often requires strong communication with both in-house and external teams to clarify requirements and resolve issues quickly. Proactively documenting your work, asking clarifying questions early, and leveraging version control systems can help manage these challenges and deliver reliable solutions on schedule.

What is the difference between Contract Embedded Systems Engineer vs Contract Firmware Engineer?

AspectContract Embedded Systems EngineerContract Firmware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related; often certifications in embedded systemsBachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering; certifications in embedded or firmware development
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing embedded hardware/software in labs or on-siteDeveloping and debugging firmware primarily in software environments
Employer & Industry UsageElectronics, aerospace, automotive, industrial automationConsumer electronics, IoT devices, robotics, embedded systems

Contract Embedded Systems Engineers focus on designing and integrating hardware and software for embedded systems, often working with both hardware and firmware. Contract Firmware Engineers specialize in developing low-level software that runs directly on embedded hardware. While both roles require embedded systems knowledge, the embedded systems engineer has a broader scope including hardware design, whereas firmware engineers concentrate on software development within embedded environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Contract Embedded Systems Engineer job openings:

Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Embedded Systems Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,412 per year, or $68 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer III

Prolim Global

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$132K - $174K/yr

Contractor

Re-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.