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

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 ...

Sr. Engineer, Software (FW)

Waukegan, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Sr. Engineer, Software (FW)

Waukegan, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Sr. Engineer, Software (FW)

Waukegan, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Sr Engineer Design Electrical

Northfield, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Sr Engineer Design Electrical

Northfield, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Sr Engineer Design Electrical

Northfield, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Sr Engineer Design Electrical

Northfield, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$75.8K

$125.8K

$169.1K

How much do embedded firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded firmware engineer in Chicago, IL is $125,785.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,200.00 and $145,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an embedded firmware engineer do?

An Embedded Firmware Engineer develops and maintains low-level software that controls hardware devices, ensuring they function efficiently and reliably. They write code in languages like C and C++ for microcontrollers and processors, often working with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and communication protocols. Their role involves debugging, optimizing performance, and collaborating with hardware and software teams to integrate systems.

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

To excel as an Embedded Firmware Engineer, you need a strong command of C/C++ programming, embedded systems design, and microcontroller architecture, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with debugging tools, real-time operating systems (RTOS), version control systems like Git, and industry-relevant certifications such as Certified Embedded Systems Engineer (CESE) are valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective cross-functional communication, and adaptability are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure high-quality, reliable firmware development and efficient collaboration with hardware, software, and testing teams.

How much do embedded firmware engineers make?

Embedded firmware engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in real-time operating systems or hardware interfaces can command higher salaries. Certifications and proficiency with tools like C, C++, and debugging hardware can also influence compensation.

Is embedded firmware engineering a good career?

Embedded firmware engineering is a stable and growing field that involves developing software for hardware devices such as microcontrollers and IoT products. It requires skills in programming languages like C and C++, knowledge of hardware interfaces, and often involves working with real-time operating systems. The demand for embedded firmware engineers is strong across industries like automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics, making it a viable career choice with good job prospects.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Embedded Firmware Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,785 per year, or $60.5 per hour.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer, DSP

OceanComm, Inc.

Chicago, IL

$140K - $175K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 18 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

Requirements

  • 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.