Embedded Firmware Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Software Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on developing, integrating, and testing C++ embedded software for mission‑critical RF systems within a real‑time operating system environment. You will contribute across the full software development lifecycle—from requirements and design through coding, verification, and hardware integration—while working in an Agile, lab‑based engineering setting. The position requires strong C++ and object‑oriented programming skills, experience with Linux and real‑time operating systems, and the ability to perform hands‑on testing and debugging on embedded hardware in support of high‑reliability defense applications.

Responsibilities

• This role is located in Illinois.
• Design, develop, and maintain C++ embedded software for real‑time RF systems running on Linux and other real‑time operating systems.
• Participate in the full software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, architecture and design, implementation, unit testing, integration, and verification.
• Perform hands‑on testing and debugging of embedded software in a lab environment, including integration of software with hardware platforms.
• Work closely with cross‑functional engineering teams to integrate embedded software into complex RF and defense systems.
• Use Agile development practices and tools such as Jira and Git (or similar) to plan work, track progress, manage code, and collaborate with team members.
• Develop and maintain scripts (for example, in Python or Bash) to support build, test, integration, and automation activities.
• Debug and resolve issues on embedded targets, including multi‑threaded and distributed embedded systems where applicable.
• Support validation of software in lab environments, including on‑target testing and verification of functionality and performance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of software development processes, coding standards, and best practices within the team.
• Ensure that all software work products meet reliability, performance, and quality requirements appropriate for mission‑critical defense systems.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of experience, Master’s degree with 6 years of experience, or equivalent practical experience in software or embedded systems engineering.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and object‑oriented programming, with the ability to apply solid design principles from day one.
• Experience developing embedded software on Linux or other real‑time operating systems.
• Hands‑on experience in a lab environment, including testing, debugging, and integrating embedded software on hardware platforms.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and tools such as Jira and Git, or similar issue‑tracking and version‑control systems.
• Scripting experience using languages such as Python or Bash to support development, automation, and testing tasks.
• Experience working with embedded systems and firmware development.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.
• Ability to work independently, be self‑sufficient, and quickly become productive in a complex engineering environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with C++11 and modern C++ features.
• Strong debugging and integration skills on embedded targets, including on‑target testing and troubleshooting.
• Experience with multi‑threaded or distributed embedded systems.
• Experience with SPs or ARM cores embedded in FPGAs or SoCs.
• Active Secret security clearance.
• Experience developing embedded software on real‑time operating systems (RTOS) is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge on RF‑based technology or defense‑related systems.
• Experience with Linux‑based embedded systems and firmware development in a regulated or high‑reliability environment.

Work Environment

The role is based onsite in a team‑oriented engineering environment, working closely with other embedded software engineers and cross‑functional partners in similar roles. You will work in a lab‑based setting that includes access to embedded hardware, RF‑related equipment, and secure computing resources. Due to the nature of the programs and cleared systems involved, this position requires working onsite five days per week to access secure servers and hardware used on government programs. The environment emphasizes hands‑on lab work to validate and verify the code you develop, including on‑target testing and integration activities. The culture values engineers who can hit the ground running, apply strong C++ and object‑oriented design skills immediately, and collaborate effectively within an Agile framework to deliver mission‑critical capabilities.

This is a Contract position based out of Schaumburg, IL.

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $120.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Schaumburg,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.