1

Embedded Microcontroller Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Staff Hardware Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Develop innovative full system embedded architecture for new ... microcontroller/microprocessor-based systems Experience taking a project from concept all the way ...

Software Engineer II (Vehicle Solutions)

La Grange, IL · Hybrid

$95K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge in developing embedded 8bit/16bit/32bit microcontrollers in C. * Experience with J1939 ... Understanding of common microcontroller peripherals such as: timers, GPIO, watchdog, ADC, UART, DMA.

Staff Hardware Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Develop innovative full system embedded architecture for ... microcontroller/microprocessor-based systems • Experience taking a project from concept all the ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL

$110K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... microcontroller/microprocessor-based systems Experience taking a project from concept all the way ... embedded systems at HW level Experience with automotive OBD-II On-Board Diagnostics and Vehicle ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... microcontroller/microprocessor-based systems • Experience taking a project from concept all the ... for debugging embedded systems at HW level • Experience with automotive OBD-II On-Board ...

Showing results 21-32

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 Aug 16, 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?

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:

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 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $158,007 per year, or $76 per hour.

Engineer II - Software Engineering

Federal Signal

University Park, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Federal Signal rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

251st of 490 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing the low-level software (firmware) that controls the functionality of electronic hardware devices, like embedded systems and computer peripherals, requiring a deep understanding of hardware architecture and proficiency in programming languages like C/C++ to create code that interacts directly with the hardware components, often utilizing real-time operating systems (RTOS) to ensure timely system responses; they collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration and troubleshoot issues throughout the product development cycle. 

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Develop firmware architectures and algorithms to meet product requirements, considering hardware constraints and performance optimization.
  • Write clean, efficient, and well-documented firmware code using embedded C/C++ programming languages, adhering to coding standards and best practices.
  • Implement video technologies using protocols including FFmpeg, GStreamer, H.264/H.265, RTSP, and WebRTC.
  • Understand and determine best fit strategies for incorporation of OpenCV, PyTorch, TensorFlow, YOLO, and/or TensorRT algorithms.
  • Understand and utilize various hardware components like microcontrollers, memory, peripherals, and communication interfaces to interact with them through firmware.
  • Work with RTOS to manage system tasks with precise timing and priority levels.
  • Conduct thorough unit integration, and system-level testing to identify and resolve firmware defects, utilizing debugging tools and techniques.
  • Work closely with hardware engineers to ensure smooth integration between firmware and hardware components, addressing design challenges and providing feedback.
  • Create detailed technical documentation for firmware design, implementation, and testing procedures.
  • Support existing firmware by implementing bug fixes, feature enhancements, and updates to address customer needs.
  • May include travel to the field and/or trade shows.
  • Perform product evaluations to determine if engineering standards are met.
  • Flexibility to perform other duties and assignments as required

Position Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent from an accredited university.
  • 5-7 years of previous experience in a similar role.
  • Demonstrated use of Python, Roboflow, NodeJS, Figma or similar tools for rapid prototyping.
  • Familiarity with creating and modifying YAML for configurations and collaboration.
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming languages with a focus on embedded systems.
  • Experience with developing containerized analytics modules using Docker.
  • Fluency in switching between Windows, Linux, and embedded environments and toolkits.
  • Deep knowledge of microcontroller architectures, memory management, peripherals, and communication protocols.
  • Experience with popular RTOS like FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or similar.
  • Familiarity with IDEs, debuggers, emulators, and other development tools for embedded systems.
  • Experience with unit testing, integration testing, and system-level validation methodologies.
  • Excellent analytical and debugging skills to identify and troubleshoot complex firmware issues.
  • Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Wage Range: $68,731 - $98,187 Plus Bonus

Benefits of Employment

In addition to excellent career growth opportunities, Federal Signal Corporation offers a wide array of benefits including: annual bonus potential, insurance (life, medical, dental, vision), paid holidays, paid vacation, 401(k) with matching contributions and tuition reimbursement. We provide our employees with a smoke-free, drug-free workplace.

About Us

Federal Signal in University Park is a leading manufacturer and supplier of comprehensive systems and products used to protect people and property. Our products and integrated solutions include systems for campus and community alerting, emergency vehicles, first responder interoperable communications, industrial communications, and command and municipal networked security. Specific products include: lightbars and sirens, public warning sirens and public safety software.

Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) builds and delivers equipment of unmatched quality that moves material, cleans infrastructure, and protects the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer and manufacturer of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and commercial customers. Headquartered in Downers Grove, IL, with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates two groups: Environmental Solutions and Safety and Security Systems. For more information on Federal Signal, visit: www.federalsignal.com

The Company is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category, characteristic, or trait under applicable law. If you require reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at HR@federalsignal.com. All other applications must be submitted online.


What Federal Signal employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom