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Embedded Flight Software Engineer Jobs in Rolling Meadows, IL

Ascend Engineering

Embedded Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

We are seeking an embedded software engineer to develop and maintain low-level flight software for UAV platforms running PX4 or ArduPilot. This role involves board bring-up, writing and porting ...

ASD GLOBAL

Embedded Software Engineer

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$132K - $174K/yr

Job Title - Embedded Software Engineer Job Location - 600 Hicks Road, Building 600 H Main, Rolling Meadows, Illinois, United States of America, 60008-1015 Northrop Grumman is looking for an Engineer ...

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Actalent

Embedded Software Engineer

Rolling Meadows, IL

$132K - $174K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer This Embedded Software Engineer role supports mission‑critical RF programs in a lab‑based engineering environment in Rolling Meadows, IL. You will design, develop, and ...

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All JobsEmbedded Flight Software Engineer JobsEmbedded Flight Software Engineer Jobs in Rolling Meadows, IL

Embedded Flight Software Engineer information

See Rolling Meadows, IL salary details

$70.4K

$154.3K

$175K

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

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded flight software engineer in Rolling Meadows, IL is $154,282.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,300.00 and $174,000.00 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 is an embedded flight software engineer?

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 Rolling Meadows, IL?

For Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs in Rolling Meadows, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Rolling Meadows, IL are hiring for Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Rolling Meadows, IL with the most Embedded Flight Software Engineer job openings:

Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Flight Software Engineer job openings in Rolling Meadows, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,282 per year, or $74.2 per hour.

Embedded Engineer

Ascend Engineering

Chicago, IL • On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an embedded software engineer to develop and maintain low-level flight software for UAV platforms running PX4 or ArduPilot. This role involves board bring-up, writing and porting device drivers, working directly with MCU peripherals and hardware buses, and getting firmware onto flight controllers reliably and repeatably. The engineer will work at the bottom of the UAV stack from bootloaders and RTOS internals up to MAVLink-level system behavior while maintaining a strong focus on reliability and practical field performance.

This position requires someone who is equally comfortable in a datasheet, a debugger, and on a bench with a logic analyzer. The ideal candidate enjoys hardware/software boundary problems, can diagnose an issue whether it originates in silicon or in code, and takes ownership of projects from schematic review through flight validation.

MUST HAVE PERMANENT RESIDENCE IN US

Responsibilities

  • Develop and modify PX4 (NuttX) or ArduPilot (ChibiOS) firmware, including board support packages and hardware definitions for new flight controller targets
  • Write, port, and debug device drivers over UART, I2C, SPI, CAN/DroneCAN, and USB for sensors, rangefinders, radios, gimbals, and payloads
  • Bring up new hardware from bare board to flying vehicle: clocks, power rails, pin muxing, peripheral configuration, and first-boot validation
  • Build, flash, and debug firmware and bootloaders using SWD/JTAG probes (J-Link, ST-Link), and maintain reliable field update paths (bootloader flashing, MAVLink FTP, parameter and storage layout)
  • Implement and validate MAVLink message handling and interfaces between the flight controller, companion computers, and ground stations
  • Diagnose timing, interrupt, DMA, memory, and bus-level issues at the bench using an oscilloscope, logic analyzer (Saleae or similar), CAN bus analyzer, and bench supply with current monitoring
  • Conduct bench and flight testing, analyze flight logs and telemetry, and resolve firmware issues found in the field
  • Document hardware interfaces, driver behavior, bring-up procedures, and design decisions

Required Qualifications

  • Strong C and C++ programming skills in resource-constrained embedded environments
  • Hands-on experience with ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers (STM32 or similar), including peripheral configuration from the datasheet and reference manual
  • Practical experience with UART, I2C, SPI, and CAN including debugging them on real hardware, not just calling an API
  • Experience flashing and debugging embedded targets over SWD/JTAG, and working with bootloaders and firmware update mechanisms
  • Comfort working in an RTOS or bare-metal context (interrupts, DMA, task scheduling, memory constraints)
  • Experience debugging complex software and hardware interactions with lab instrumentation oscilloscope, logic analyzer, protocol decoders, and a multimeter as second nature
  • Ability to work independently, take ownership of engineering tasks, and exercise practical engineering judgment

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience modifying or contributing to PX4 or ArduPilot codebases, particularly drivers or board configuration
  • Familiarity with MAVLink, autopilot parameters, and flight log analysis
  • Experience with DroneCAN/Cyphal, DShot or other ESC protocols, or PWM/timer-driven peripherals
  • Experience integrating IMUs, barometers, magnetometers, GPS, LiDAR, or camera modules at the driver level
  • Experience building or configuring drones from components, and reading schematics well enough to work with hardware engineers
  • Personal robotics, UAV, or embedded systems projects

What We Value

  • Engineers who build and experiment outside of work
  • Strong ownership and accountability for outcomes
  • Practical, hands-on problem solving
  • Clear communication and collaboration within small teams
  • Curiosity and continuous learning