1

Embedded Flight Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

POSITION SUMMARY Within Infleqtion's Computing Product Group (CPG), the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to own and deliver highperformance embedded and ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$127K - $167K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY Within Infleqtion's Computing Product Group (CPG), the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to own and deliver high‑performance embedded and ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Mundelein, IL

$134K - $176K/yr

Engineering or CS degree. * Software development on an embedded device * Experience writing and building software. * Professional experience with C, C++, Golang, Python or Rust. Desired but Not ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Candidates for this position are software engineers with strong programming skills who demonstrate ... Hands-on experience in embedded software development is also beneficial. Our products are developed ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Embedded Flight Software Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$72.1K

$158K

$179.2K

How much do embedded flight software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded flight software engineer in Chicago, IL is $158,007.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,500.00 and $178,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Embedded Flight Software Engineers face when working on spacecraft projects?

Embedded Flight Software Engineers often work under strict reliability and safety requirements, which means testing and validation are critical and highly rigorous. They frequently collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure software and hardware integration is seamless, and must manage constraints such as limited processing power and memory. Additionally, they need to adapt to changing project requirements and tight deadlines, all while staying up-to-date with evolving aerospace standards and technologies. These challenges make strong problem-solving skills and effective communication essential in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Embedded Flight Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded Flight Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science or engineering, proficiency in C/C++ programming, and experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded systems. Familiarity with aerospace standards, software development tools (such as Git, Jenkins), and certifications like DO-178C for software safety are typically required. Exceptional problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure reliable, safe, and efficient software for mission-critical aerospace applications.

What is the difference between Embedded Flight Software Engineer vs Embedded Systems Engineer?

AspectEmbedded Flight Software EngineerEmbedded Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related; experience with aerospace standardsBachelor's or higher in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related; similar certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentSpacecraft, satellites, aerospace industry, safety-critical systemsConsumer electronics, automotive, industrial devices, various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace and defense sectorsBroad industry application including automotive, medical, consumer electronics
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared due to specialized embedded software in aerospaceMore general embedded systems roles in various sectors

Embedded Flight Software Engineers focus on developing software for aerospace applications like satellites and spacecraft, requiring specialized knowledge of aerospace standards. In contrast, Embedded Systems Engineers work across multiple industries, designing software for everyday devices. While both roles involve embedded programming, the industry focus and application environments differ significantly.

What are Embedded Flight Software Engineers?

Embedded Flight Software Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software that runs on embedded computer systems within aircraft, spacecraft, or satellites. They work closely with hardware engineers to ensure that the software interfaces correctly with sensors, actuators, and control systems used for flight operations. Their responsibilities often include programming in languages like C or C++, debugging real-time systems, and ensuring compliance with safety and reliability standards. This role is critical in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of aerospace vehicles.
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Infleqtion

Chicago, IL

$127K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

At Infleqtion we solve the world's most challenging problems using cutting-edge quantum technology. Our mission is to commercialize atom-based quantum products that provide orders of magnitude improvements in sensing and computing applications. We are proud to work tirelessly to create and lead the quantum ecosystem towards meaningful advancements today and set the technology roadmap for tomorrow. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

Within Infleqtion's Computing Product Group (CPG), the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to own and deliver highperformance embedded and systems software enabling realtime quantum error correction and classical control at scale. This role focuses on integrating NVIDIA highspeed interconnects with quantum errorcorrection decoding pipelines, in close collaboration with quantum software, physics, and hardware teams. 
This position is scoped as a seniorlevel individual contributor role: the engineer independently owns complex subsystems endtoend within an established architecture, solves technically hard problems, interacts directly with external partners, and mentors developing engineers, without defining longterm platform architecture. The engineer will also serve as a point-of-contact (POC) for subsystem hardware integration with NVidia's NVQLink. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

Typically, you will be entrusted with: 

  • Independently design, implement, validate, and maintain embedded and systemslevel software subsystems supporting realtime quantum error correction and control. 
  • Translate quantum errorcorrection requirements (code distance, syndrome rates, latency budgets) into concrete classical compute, memory, and interconnect requirements. 
  • Design systems that meet deterministic latency, bandwidth, and reliability requirements across CPU, GPU, FPGA, and highspeed interconnect domains. 
  • Serve as the technical pointofcontact for NVIDIA NVQLink integration, including topology, bandwidth modeling, latency characterization, and failure modes. Involves direct interaction with NVIDIA personnel as well as HPC experts in academia and US national labs. 
  • Collaborate closely with Quantum Software, Physics, Electrical, and Systems Engineering to codesign hardware/software interfaces. 
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex performance, scaling, and integration issues spanning firmware, drivers, OS (Embedded Linux / bare-metal environments), GPU runtimes, and hardware. 
  • Develop and maintain validation infrastructure, performance benchmarks, and test harnesses for deterministic behavior and scaling. 
  • Provide informal mentorship through design reviews, code reviews, and technical guidance.

Requirements

WE HOPE YOU HAVE: 

  • A degree (PhD preferred) in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with experience in high-performance computing (HPC). 
  • Demonstrated experience owning complex embedded or systemslevel software subsystems endtoend. 
  • Strong experience with C/C++ in performancecritical systems. 
  • Experience debugging across software and hardware boundaries (drivers, firmware, interconnects, timing). 
  • Solid understanding of computer architecture fundamentals (memory hierarchies, interconnects, latency vs throughput tradeoffs). 
  • Experience with hardware/software codesign for quantum control systems 
  • Experience working in Linuxbased embedded or HPC environments. 
  • Familiarity with GPU programming models (CUDA or equivalent) at a systems level. 

WE HIGHLY VALUE: 

  • Highperformance computing (HPC) systems design or deployment. 
  • Familiary with NVIDIA CUDA-Q 
  • Direct experience with NVIDIA Holoscan Sensor Bridge, RDMA over Converged Ethernet, or similar highspeed coherent interconnects. 
  • Experience supporting or developing errorcorrection decoding pipelines (quantum or classical). 
  • Background similar to advanced academic research groups in quantum architectures or decoding (e.g., largescale syndrome decoding research). 
  • Experience performancemodeling compute systems as a function of problem size and algorithmic complexity. 
  • Exposure to FPGAaccelerated or heterogeneous compute systems. 
  • Detail-oriented mindset witha strong senseof ownership and technical accountability. 
  • Positive, collaborative working style and enthusiasm for mentoring and developing engineers. 

NOTE 

  • Job responsibilities and requirements are illustrative, other responsibilities may be assigned as needed. 
  • This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license. 

TRAVEL 

Up to 10% travel may be required. 

WORKING CONDITIONS and PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS  

Work will normally be performed in an office and laboratory environment and around technical equipment including computers and lasers.  Able to sit, stand, bend, lift and carry up to 40 pounds without assistance.  Able to efficiently use automated office equipment such as laptops, copiers, and printers; able to effectively engage in communications (via phone, computer, or in-person).  Any required Personal Protective Equipment will be provided and must be properly used in accordance with company requirements. 

Benefits

The targeted salary range for this role is $140,000 to $175,000 on an annualized basis plus eligibility to participate in our annual incentive plan.

In addition to your base compensation, we offer a generous Total Rewards program which includes:

  • 100% company paid Employee coverage for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short/Long Term Disability insurance programs
  • Employer funded Health Savings Account
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) Matching Programs
  • Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Flexible Healthcare Savings Account
  • Paid FMLA Leave
  • Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
  • Employer Assistance Program
  • Student Loan Repayment
  • Equity Package

Equal Opportunity

Here you have freedom to embrace your whole self: who you love, your gender identity and expression, skin color, age, appearance, disability, neurodiversity, DNA, military/veteran status, citizenship, and other factors that make up who you are. Your uniqueness is valued, welcomed, and appreciated here. We are dedicated to providing a positive workplace and base all employment decisions on your qualifications, performance, merits, as well as business needs. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Contact Information

If this opportunity interests you and you fit the job description, please submit an application. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability, please feel free to contact us at hr@coldquanta.com.