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Embedded Software Developer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Software Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

$95K - $126K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Location: Mossville, IL Duration: 12 months Position type: W2 contract Top 3 Must-Have Skills  (Hard Requirements): 1. C++ Programming - Demonstrated ...

Embedded Software Engineer This position is associated with the design and development of embedded ... Integration of software in a multi-developer team environment using modern software development ...

A typical embedded software engineer researches, designs, develops and tests operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military ...

Showing results 41-60

Embedded Software Developer information

See Illinois salary details

$32

$59

$89

How much do embedded software developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for embedded software developer in Illinois is $59.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.22 and $67.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an embedded software developer?

Embedded Software Developers are engineers who design, develop, and maintain software that operates on specialized hardware systems, such as microcontrollers, IoT devices, automotive systems, and consumer electronics. Their work involves programming in low-level languages like C or C++ to ensure software interacts efficiently with hardware components. They often work closely with hardware engineers to optimize system performance, reliability, and resource usage. Embedded Software Developers must also consider constraints like memory, power consumption, and real-time processing when building robust solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded software developer?

To thrive as an Embedded Software Developer, you need a strong understanding of programming languages like C/C++, experience with microcontroller architectures, and typically a degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), debugging tools, and version control systems such as Git is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout developers apart. These capabilities ensure robust, efficient, and reliable software development for critical hardware systems.

What are some common challenges faced by embedded software developers when integrating software with hardware components?

Embedded Software Developers often encounter challenges related to hardware-software integration, such as debugging timing issues, managing limited memory and processing resources, and ensuring reliable communication between devices. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills and close collaboration with hardware engineers to diagnose and resolve issues efficiently. Additionally, developers must frequently work with low-level programming languages and proprietary hardware interfaces, which can require continuous learning and adaptation.

What is the difference between Embedded Software Developer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectEmbedded Software DeveloperFirmware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; programming skills in C/C++Similar credentials; often requires experience with hardware and low-level programming
Work EnvironmentDevelops software for embedded systems in various industries like automotive, consumer electronicsFocuses on designing and implementing firmware directly on hardware devices
Industry UsageCommonly employed in electronics, automotive, IoT, and consumer device companiesPrimarily used in hardware-centric industries like aerospace, medical devices, and consumer electronics

Both roles require strong programming skills in C/C++ and familiarity with embedded systems. While Embedded Software Developers focus on creating software that runs on embedded devices, Firmware Engineers work closely with hardware to develop low-level code that directly interacts with hardware components. The roles often overlap, but Firmware Engineers typically have a deeper understanding of hardware architecture and low-level programming.

Is embedded software a good career?

Embedded software development is a stable and growing field that involves creating software for hardware devices such as appliances, automotive systems, and medical equipment. It requires skills in programming languages like C and C++, knowledge of hardware interfaces, and often involves working with real-time operating systems. The demand for embedded developers remains strong due to the increasing integration of electronics in everyday products.

What job categories do people searching Embedded Software Developer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Embedded Software Developer jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Embedded Software Developer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,391 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Itasca, IL

$128K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 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.