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Embedded Firmware Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

S&C

Software Engineer III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Join Our Team as a Software Engineer III! As a Software Engineer III , you'll be crucial in ... Design embedded application firmware for microprocessor-based switch and fault interrupting ...

Medline

Sr Engineer Design Electrical

Northfield, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Design Engineer researches, designs, develops, and supports complex medical ... Experience with embedded firmware/software development or architecture, including requirements ...

Medline

Sr Engineer Design Electrical

Northfield, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Design Engineer researches, designs, develops, and supports complex medical ... Experience with embedded firmware/software development or architecture, including requirements ...

Medline

Sr Engineer Design Electrical

Northfield, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Design Engineer researches, designs, develops, and supports complex medical ... Experience with embedded firmware/software development or architecture, including requirements ...

Medline

Sr Engineer Design Electrical

Northfield, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Design Engineer researches, designs, develops, and supports complex medical ... Experience with embedded firmware/software development or architecture, including requirements ...

Astronics

Sr. Engineer, Software (FW)

Waukegan, IL · On-site

... and maintain software for embedded Linux targets (applications, drivers, kernel, hardware ... Has knowledge of and experience with microprocessor firmware or Linux kernel and device-driver ...

Astronics

Sr. Engineer, Software (FW)

Waukegan, IL

... and maintain software for embedded Linux targets (applications, drivers, kernel, hardware ... Has knowledge of and experience with microprocessor firmware or Linux kernel and device-driver ...

Astronics

Sr. Engineer, Software (FW)

Waukegan, IL

... and maintain software for embedded Linux targets (applications, drivers, kernel, hardware ... Customization, deployment, and maintenance of Linux BSP distributions or microprocessor firmware on ...

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All JobsEmbedded Firmware Developer JobsEmbedded Firmware Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Embedded Firmware Developer information

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How much do embedded firmware developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for embedded firmware developer in Chicago, IL is $54.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52.79 and $55.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges an embedded firmware developer faces when integrating new hardware components into existing systems?

Integrating new hardware components often requires Embedded Firmware Developers to adapt existing code to support different communication protocols or hardware interfaces. This process can be challenging due to limited documentation, real-time resource constraints, and the need to ensure compatibility with legacy systems. Developers must also rigorously test the firmware to catch timing and synchronization issues, which are crucial in embedded environments. Close collaboration with hardware engineers and thorough debugging are essential to successfully overcome these integration challenges.

What is an embedded firmware developer?

Embedded Firmware Developers are engineers who design, write, and test the low-level software (firmware) that runs on embedded systems. These systems are specialized computing devices found in products like cars, medical devices, appliances, and industrial machines. Firmware developers work closely with hardware engineers to ensure the software efficiently controls and interacts with hardware components, often using programming languages like C or C++. Their work is crucial for the reliable operation and functionality of devices that rely on embedded technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded firmware developer?

To thrive as an Embedded Firmware Developer, you need a solid background in computer science or electrical engineering, strong programming skills in C/C++, and experience with microcontroller architectures. Familiarity with development tools like debuggers, oscilloscopes, version control systems (e.g., Git), and real-time operating systems (RTOS) is typically required. Analytical problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for designing reliable, efficient firmware that integrates seamlessly with hardware and meets project requirements.

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

AspectEmbedded Firmware DeveloperEmbedded Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; knowledge of C/C++Bachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related; proficiency in C/C++, RTOS
Work EnvironmentHardware-focused, working closely with microcontrollers and embedded systemsSoftware-focused, developing applications for embedded platforms
Industry UsageConsumer electronics, automotive, medical devicesIndustrial automation, IoT devices, consumer electronics
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Embedded Firmware Developers primarily focus on programming microcontrollers and firmware directly interacting with hardware. Embedded Software Engineers develop higher-level software for embedded systems, often working on applications running on embedded OS or platforms. Both roles require similar technical skills but differ in hardware interaction depth and scope.

What are popular job titles related to Embedded Firmware Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Embedded Firmware Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Firmware Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Firmware Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Embedded Firmware Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Firmware Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,718 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer, DSP

OceanComm, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$140 - $175/hr

Other

PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Underwater communication is one of the hardest wireless problems on Earth. Radio waves attenuate quickly underwater, so our systems use sound, much like whales and dolphins, to transmit high‑bandwidth data, including video. We are looking for engineers excited by challenging embedded DSP problems where algorithms, firmware, electronics, mechanics, and real‑world operating conditions all have to work together.

This is a high‑ownership role on a small, quickly growing team. You will not be one engineer among hundreds working on a narrow subsystem; you will have direct visibility into the full product, from modem firmware and acoustic signal processing to undersea drones and customer deployments.

About Us

Underwater, the wireless transfer of a single picture used to take an hour. OceanComm brought to market wireless modems that transfer data 100 to 1,000 times faster. Legacy modems were largely status and command links; our modems can control undersea drones with live video feedback, fundamentally changing what operators can see, decide, and do underwater. Leading organizations in defense, offshore energy and oceanographic research rely on OceanComm to keep their undersea systems connected.

What You Will Do
  • Develop and maintain real‑time embedded C/C++ code for core components of OceanComm’s acoustic modem firmware, owning features from concept through deployment
  • Provide technical leadership through exemplary code and design judgment that others trust and want to build on
  • Implement, optimize, and validate advanced acoustic signal processing algorithms
  • Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, systems, and field teams to define interfaces and verify system performance
  • Develop tests, tools, and procedures for firmware validation, hardware bring‑up, production test, troubleshooting, and repair
  • Help evaluate tradeoffs in performance, reliability, complexity, schedule, cost, and risk
  • Help improve engineering culture, communication, and technical standards as the team grows
Qualifications
  • B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related discipline
  • 5+ years of experience developing embedded real‑time systems with C/C++
  • Proficiency in developing DSP software for real‑time systems
  • Solid knowledge of linear algebra, signal processing theory, algorithms, and implementation techniques (filters, transforms, synchronization, estimation, etc.)
  • Experience drafting technical documentation
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • U.S. Person
What Will Put You Ahead
  • Experience with underwater acoustic communications, sonar, modem design, SDR, RF communications, or similar signal‑processing systems
  • Experience optimizing DSP algorithms for embedded platforms, including fixed‑point, floating‑point, memory, latency, or power constraints
  • Experience with machine learning models deployed on embedded platforms
  • Experience designing domain‑specific deep neural networks
  • Experience with analog and mixed‑signal integrated circuits, e.g., low‑noise amplifiers, analog‑to‑digital converters, and integrated analog‑front‑ends
Benefits
  • Competitive base salary and incentive stock options
  • Paid vacation starting at 20 days per year, increasing with tenure
  • Paid sick leave with carryover
  • Flexible schedule with core hours
  • Close mentorship from experienced engineers and technical leaders
  • Professional development support for conferences, books, courses, or technical training
  • Hands‑on work with advanced acoustic, embedded, and undersea robotics hardware
Compensation

The pay range for this position is $140,000 – $175,000 per year. Actual pay will depend on the candidate’s experience and skills demonstrated during interviews and other evaluations.

OceanComm is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vet.

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