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

Embedded Software Engineer

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$127K - $190K/yr

Design, develop, and maintain embedded drivers and firmware with a strong focus on C programming for embedded systems. * Develop and support real-time embedded applications using RTOS, ensuring ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$127K - $190K/yr

Design, develop, and maintain embedded drivers and firmware with a strong focus on C programming for embedded systems. * Develop and support real-time embedded applications using RTOS, ensuring ...

Embedded Software Engineer

IL

$135K - $178K/yr

... and firmware. • Diagnose issues related to startup behavior, communication failures, timing ... in embedded programming languages (e.g., C/C++), version control (Git/Github) and real-time ...

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 ...

Be Seen First

Electrical Engineering Technician Location: Oak Brook, Onsite (occasional remote flexibility ... Experience supporting embedded systems and firmware updates We value hands-on experience and ...

New

EE Technician

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Support Electrical and Firmware Engineers with product development activities * Conduct RF, thermal ... Experience supporting embedded systems and firmware updates We value hands-on experience and ...

New

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

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

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

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

Showing results 41-60

Embedded Firmware Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$49

$54

$56

How much do embedded firmware developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for embedded firmware developer in Chicago, IL is $54.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52.74 and $55.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Embedded Firmware Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,629 per year, or $54.1 per hour.

Engineer II - Software Engineering

Federal Signal

University Park, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Federal Signal rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

250th of 494 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing the low-level software (firmware) that controls the functionality of electronic hardware devices, like embedded systems and computer peripherals, requiring a deep understanding of hardware architecture and proficiency in programming languages like C/C++ to create code that interacts directly with the hardware components, often utilizing real-time operating systems (RTOS) to ensure timely system responses; they collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration and troubleshoot issues throughout the product development cycle. 

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Develop firmware architectures and algorithms to meet product requirements, considering hardware constraints and performance optimization.
  • Write clean, efficient, and well-documented firmware code using embedded C/C++ programming languages, adhering to coding standards and best practices.
  • Implement video technologies using protocols including FFmpeg, GStreamer, H.264/H.265, RTSP, and WebRTC.
  • Understand and determine best fit strategies for incorporation of OpenCV, PyTorch, TensorFlow, YOLO, and/or TensorRT algorithms.
  • Understand and utilize various hardware components like microcontrollers, memory, peripherals, and communication interfaces to interact with them through firmware.
  • Work with RTOS to manage system tasks with precise timing and priority levels.
  • Conduct thorough unit integration, and system-level testing to identify and resolve firmware defects, utilizing debugging tools and techniques.
  • Work closely with hardware engineers to ensure smooth integration between firmware and hardware components, addressing design challenges and providing feedback.
  • Create detailed technical documentation for firmware design, implementation, and testing procedures.
  • Support existing firmware by implementing bug fixes, feature enhancements, and updates to address customer needs.
  • May include travel to the field and/or trade shows.
  • Perform product evaluations to determine if engineering standards are met.
  • Flexibility to perform other duties and assignments as required

Position Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent from an accredited university.
  • 5-7 years of previous experience in a similar role.
  • Demonstrated use of Python, Roboflow, NodeJS, Figma or similar tools for rapid prototyping.
  • Familiarity with creating and modifying YAML for configurations and collaboration.
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming languages with a focus on embedded systems.
  • Experience with developing containerized analytics modules using Docker.
  • Fluency in switching between Windows, Linux, and embedded environments and toolkits.
  • Deep knowledge of microcontroller architectures, memory management, peripherals, and communication protocols.
  • Experience with popular RTOS like FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or similar.
  • Familiarity with IDEs, debuggers, emulators, and other development tools for embedded systems.
  • Experience with unit testing, integration testing, and system-level validation methodologies.
  • Excellent analytical and debugging skills to identify and troubleshoot complex firmware issues.
  • Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Wage Range: $68,731 - $98,187 Plus Bonus

Benefits of Employment

In addition to excellent career growth opportunities, Federal Signal Corporation offers a wide array of benefits including: annual bonus potential, insurance (life, medical, dental, vision), paid holidays, paid vacation, 401(k) with matching contributions and tuition reimbursement. We provide our employees with a smoke-free, drug-free workplace.

About Us

Federal Signal in University Park is a leading manufacturer and supplier of comprehensive systems and products used to protect people and property. Our products and integrated solutions include systems for campus and community alerting, emergency vehicles, first responder interoperable communications, industrial communications, and command and municipal networked security. Specific products include: lightbars and sirens, public warning sirens and public safety software.

Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) builds and delivers equipment of unmatched quality that moves material, cleans infrastructure, and protects the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer and manufacturer of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and commercial customers. Headquartered in Downers Grove, IL, with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates two groups: Environmental Solutions and Safety and Security Systems. For more information on Federal Signal, visit: www.federalsignal.com

The Company is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category, characteristic, or trait under applicable law. If you require reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at HR@federalsignal.com. All other applications must be submitted online.


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