Embedded Firmware Security Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Join the Astronics team as a Senior Software Engineer, Firmware!

As a Senior Software Engineer, Firmware you’ll design, develop, integrate, and maintain firmware and software for embedded Linux and microprocessor-based systems. You’ll work across the full product lifecycle—from requirements and design to development, board bring-up, testing, documentation, production support, and customer troubleshooting—while collaborating closely with hardware and software teams.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, detail-oriented, and team-oriented professional who can work autonomously, take ownership, and proactively solve problems. This role requires someone willing to roll up their sleeves and contribute wherever needed to ensure a successful program.

This is a hybrid role, where you will collaborate onsite with the team on Tuesdays and Thursdays in our Waukegan, IL office. During the first few months of hire, a larger onsite presence will be needed for training support and team integration.

What You’ll Do

• Formulate, architect, design, develop, document, integrate, test, and maintain software for embedded Linux targets (applications, drivers, kernel, hardware abstraction layer/APIs/services to provide to 3rd party developers, etc.) or other microprocessor targets using industry best practices and standard design frameworks as appropriate.
• Analyze software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
• Customization, deployment, and maintenance of Linux BSP distributions or microprocessor firmware on different hardware platforms.
• Interact with Linux kernel and integrate new device drivers.
• Improve and maintain existing software components.
• Implement, perform, and document software unit, design verification, and validation test of the developed products.
• Review and provide input to and advice on hardware designs.
• Assist with the hardware board, bring up and troubleshooting.
• Consult with hardware engineers and other engineering staff to evaluate interface between hardware and software, and operational and performance requirements of overall system.
• Provide pre-sales support and contribute to the creation of proposals.
• Conduct code analysis, requirements analysis, and software reviews.
• Coordinate the transfer to production and support factory manufacturing and customers in troubleshooting and root causing issues related to the firmware and/or programming software.
• Responsible for implementing and complying with all ethical and legal compliance requirements.
• Other duties & functions may be assigned to this position as needed.

What You’ll Bring

• BS in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering
• 10+ years’ of work experience in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, and/or Electrical Engineering related positions
• Working knowledge of ISO/9001/14000/DO-178C and AS9100 processes is preferred
• Extensive experience with microprocessor firmware and Linux kernel and device-driver development
• Strong familiarity with different microprocessor firmware or Linux operating systems (Ubuntu, Yocto Poky, Debian, Alma for example), including BSP creation/support, and can configure and troubleshoot network, video, and other devices by installing, or possibly customizing kernel modules
• Ability to write effective and reusable C/C++, Bash, or Python code as needed for firmware, APIs, services, custom test software, or firmware programming software development according to industry best practices
• Strong familiarity with Configuration Management, Revision Control, Defect/Change Tracking systems and software such as Github, Subversion, and JIRA, plus an interest in using and contributing to these systems
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, software documentation, and procedure manuals
• Ability to effectively and professionally present information and respond to questions from peers, groups of managers, clients, and customers
• Detail oriented, proactive team player and methodical self-starter able to complete projects in a timely manner
• Proven ability to act independently and as part of a team when appropriate
• Strong technical leadership and ability to review tasks strategically
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Competencies

• Customer Service - Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Able to read and interpret written information
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed
• Judgment - Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions. Maintains Confidentiality
• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Monitors own work to ensure quality
• Adaptability - Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events
• Attendance/Punctuality – arrives to work consistently and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent
• Dependability - Commits to completing team and company goals, including working extra hours as needed

Compensation:

• Base salary: $125,000 through $145,000, influenced by several factors including experience, skill set, education, certifications, market conditions, and business needs.
• The salary range specified is applicable to positions within the State of Illinois and reflects various factors considered in compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, individual skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and the specific needs of our business and organization. At Astronics CSC, it is uncommon for new hires to receive an offer at or near the top end of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are made based on the unique facts and circumstances of each candidate.
• All employees are eligible for our highly competitive Quarterly Profit-Sharing Incentive program.
• An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a pre-employment background screen and drug test.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Stay Healthy – Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity.
• Rewards That Matter: Competitive compensation, quarterly bonuses tied to company profitability, a 401(k) with a 3% company contribution with additional annual discretionary contribution, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan to secure your financial future.
• Find Balance – Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program
• Time for You – Generous Paid Time Off (PTOS), Volunteer Time Off Program (VTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave.
• Professional Growth - Tuition Reimbursement Program

About Astronics Connectivity Systems & Certification  (Astronics CSC):

Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly Telefonix PDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems. Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality. The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago’s Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award.