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Embedded Microcontroller Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Embedded Software Engineer

IL

$135K - $178K/yr

... microcontroller-based embedded systems. Expectations: This role blends hands-on engineering with cross-functional collaboration, technical problem solving, product lifecycle support and software ...

Sales Engineer - Electronic Hardware Location: Wheaton, IL Type: Full-Time Posted: May 2026 About ... Strong working knowledge of digital and analog circuitry; embedded microcontroller experience ...

Summary Electrical Engineer needed to design and develop new products and modify and improve ... Experience with embedded microcontroller and microprocessor design. * Ability to interpret customer ...

... grade embedded code. * Minimum of 5 years of hands-on firmware development experience focused on driver-level and low-level microcontroller programming (not application-level development)

... grade embedded code. * Minimum of 5 years of hands-on firmware development experience focused on driver-level and low-level microcontroller programming (not application-level development)

Summary Electrical Engineer needed to design and develop new products and modify and improve ... Experience with embedded microcontroller and microprocessor design. * Ability to interpret customer ...

... grade embedded code. * Minimum of 5 years of hands-on firmware development experience focused on driver-level and low-level microcontroller programming (not application-level development)

... microcontroller/microprocessor IC suppliersTop 3 Responsibilities 1. Develop and support embedded ... in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or ...

... microcontroller/microprocessor IC suppliersTop 3 Responsibilities 1. Develop and support embedded ... in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or ...

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Showing results 1-20

Embedded Microcontroller Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$72.1K

$158K

$179.2K

How much do embedded microcontroller engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded microcontroller 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 does an Embedded Microcontroller Engineer do?

An Embedded Microcontroller Engineer designs, develops, and tests systems that use microcontrollers to perform specific functions within larger electronic devices. They write firmware (software that runs directly on hardware), integrate hardware and software components, and troubleshoot issues to ensure reliable operation. These engineers work on products like automotive systems, consumer electronics, medical devices, and industrial machinery. Their role often involves optimizing code for performance and memory constraints, as well as collaborating closely with hardware and software teams.

What are some common challenges an Embedded Microcontroller Engineer faces when integrating hardware and software components?

Embedded Microcontroller Engineers often encounter challenges in synchronizing hardware with software, especially when dealing with timing constraints and resource limitations. Debugging issues can be complex, as problems may arise from either the code or the physical hardware. Additionally, ensuring compatibility between different components and maintaining system stability during updates require strong problem-solving skills and close collaboration with hardware designers and firmware developers.

What is the difference between Embedded Microcontroller Engineer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectEmbedded Microcontroller EngineerFirmware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Computer Engineering or related; certifications like ARM or embedded systems coursesBachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering; certifications in embedded systems or programming languages
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing microcontroller-based systems, often in hardware labs or development environmentsDeveloping low-level code for devices, often in software development environments
Industry UsageConsumer electronics, automotive, industrial automationConsumer electronics, IoT devices, embedded systems

Both roles involve embedded systems, but Embedded Microcontroller Engineers focus more on hardware integration and microcontroller-specific development, while Firmware Engineers concentrate on writing low-level code to control hardware functions. The roles often overlap, but their primary focus and work environments differ slightly.

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

To thrive as an Embedded Microcontroller Engineer, you need strong proficiency in C/C++ programming, embedded systems design, and a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with development tools such as debuggers, oscilloscopes, version control systems (e.g., Git), and experience with microcontroller families like ARM, PIC, or AVR are typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving skills help you excel in troubleshooting and optimizing embedded systems. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure the reliability, efficiency, and functionality of hardware-software integrations in complex electronic products.
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Microcontroller Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Embedded Microcontroller Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Embedded Microcontroller Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Embedded Microcontroller Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Embedded Microcontroller Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $158,007 per year, or $76 per hour.
Embedded Software Engineer

Embedded Software Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Itasca, IL

$128K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Title: Embedded Firmware Engineer
Location: Seattle, WA
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: 150-220k
Must have Skill Set:

  • Must have Professional C programming experience (Required)
  • Must have Embedded firmware development experience
  • Must have Java experience (used for decoding compressed data and supporting software tools)
  • Experience debugging at the hardware/software interface
  • Ability to read hardware schematics and component datasheets
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
Highly Preferred
  • Bare-metal embedded development experience
  • ARM microcontroller experience
  • GNU toolchains
  • Serial communication protocols (UART, SPI, I²C)
  • Embedded software testing and verification

Overview:

Join a small, highly collaborative engineering team developing fully autonomous robotic vehicles that operate in the world's oceans to support environmental and climate research. This is a unique opportunity to develop firmware for sophisticated autonomous systems where software reliability, efficiency, and precision are critical.
This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy working close to the hardware and solving challenging low-level programming problems rather than developing desktop or web applications.

Job Duties:

  • Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware in C
  • Develop software for ARM-based embedded controllers
  • Implement efficient data compression algorithms used by autonomous ocean robotics
  • Support Java-based software used to decode and process collected data
  • Integrate firmware with sensors, electronics, and embedded hardware
  • Debug complex hardware/software interactions
  • Develop unit tests and verification procedures
  • Collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers throughout the product lifecycle
Relocation Assistance Available
Please Note: Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates relocating within the U.S. This position is not eligible for candidates requiring current or future visa sponsorship or visa transfers.


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.