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Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Agile Enterprise Solutions

Embedded Engineers

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$128K - $168K/yr

... Software Engineer ( Infotainment), Software Engineer (Embedded). Qualifications Need three Senior SW Engineers with embedded C++ experience - preferable with domain knowledge in ADAS and ADAS ...

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All JobsEmbedded Software Engineer JobsEmbedded Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Embedded Software Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$72.2K

$158.1K

$179.4K

How much do embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded software engineer in Chicago, IL is $158,132.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,600.00 and $178,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectEmbedded Software EngineerFirmware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; often requires knowledge of C/C++Similar credentials; strong C/C++ skills, understanding of hardware
Work EnvironmentDevelops software for embedded systems in various industries like automotive, IoT, consumer electronicsFocuses on low-level hardware interaction, often working closely with hardware teams
Industry UsageCommon in automotive, medical devices, consumer electronics, industrial automationPrimarily in consumer electronics, IoT devices, and hardware startups

Embedded Software Engineers design and develop software for embedded systems, focusing on system-level programming. Firmware Engineers write low-level code that directly interacts with hardware components. While both roles require similar skills and work environments, Embedded Software Engineers often work on a broader range of software, whereas Firmware Engineers focus on hardware-specific code. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What Is an Embedded Software Engineer?

Embedded software is installed on devices that operate like personal computers. Examples of embedded software can be found in geographic positioning systems, or GPS devices, smart watches, and calculators. Embedded software engineers perform a range of embedded software engineering functions, including running system software updates and designing software for embedded systems. Embedded software engineers also advise on product development, approve new product designs, and optimize the product lifecycle.

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

To thrive as an Embedded Software Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science or electrical engineering, strong programming skills in C/C++, and experience with embedded systems design. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), microcontroller architectures, debugging tools, and version control systems like Git is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top engineers apart. These competencies are crucial for building reliable, efficient, and safe embedded solutions that meet industry standards.

What are Embedded Software Engineers?

Embedded Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain software that runs on embedded systems—specialized computing devices that are part of larger systems, such as cars, medical devices, industrial machines, and consumer electronics. Their work involves programming in languages like C or C++ to interact closely with hardware components, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and safety. Embedded Software Engineers work closely with hardware engineers to integrate and test software with physical devices, often working within real-time and resource-constrained environments. Their expertise is crucial in developing the 'brains' of many devices we use every day.

How does an Embedded Software Engineer typically collaborate with hardware engineers during product development?

Embedded Software Engineers work closely with hardware engineers throughout the product development lifecycle. Collaboration often involves joint design reviews, debugging sessions, and integration testing to ensure software and hardware function seamlessly together. Effective communication is crucial, as changes in hardware can impact software functionality and vice versa. This cross-disciplinary teamwork helps resolve technical issues quickly and ensures the end product meets performance and reliability standards.
More about Embedded Software Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
Embedded Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $158,132 per year, or $76 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer (C++ / Linux)

Pentangle Tech

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$132K - $174K/yr

Contractor

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer (C++ / Linux)

Location: Oak Brook, IL
Duration: Long term
Clients: CNH
 
Job Description:
 
  • CNH in Oak Brook, IL manufactures and develops tractors and construction equipment for the agriculture and construction/mining industries.
  • This team is responsible for the electronic displays and guidance systems for the tractor. This system controls many elements of the tractor including the implements connected to the back of the tractor and also controls many portions of the auto guidance autonomous functions
  • They have had an increase in work on this platform and do not have enough people on the team to come through on the timelines over the next few years.
  • The specific project that this team will be working on is setting up the foundation for the display to be changed over from an Android/Java based display to a QT, C++, Linux Display.
  • Much of the work will be rewriting applications from Java to C++. A portion of the work is re-coding to C++ and other portion is re-architecting to C++. Much of the middle layers of the application have to be redefined and redeveloped (from business logic to UI).
  • They are looking for Software engineers that can do object oriented and multithreaded embedded application development.
 

Responsibilities:

  • Work with Senior Engineers to establish goals for week
  • Design display and guidance systems in C++
  • Interface with Systems Engineers on refinement of requirements and solutions
  • Will be designing new feature sets for the platform.
  • Help with Linux Device development
  • If candidate has QT, will help with architecture
  • Will perform unit-tests on code for bugs
  • Utilize networking for communication with the vehicle (CAN, LIN, etc)
  • Each day will be 60-80% development
  • some example things they will work on are:
  • c++ conversion from Java
  • customer facing code down to register
  • clock cycles
  • data on communication bus and transmission to tractor
  • stability related to data latency issues

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering
  • 4+ years of embedded application development experience
  • Strong experience in C++
  • Java is a plus
  • QT is a plus
  • Experience with object oriented and multithreaded systems is a must
  • Experience with Linux is a plus
  • Experience with SQL, Postgres, PostgreSQL, is a plus
  • Must have experience with hardware or systems. They will not look at a Tek Systems candidate who has just developed a website.
  • Must have experience with communication protocols / networking like CAN, LIN, RS-232, RS-484, ethernet, USB, etc.
  • GIT is a plus
  • Must have strong communication skills
  • Experience from automotive industry is a plus, but will also look at people from companies like motorola, RIM/Blackberry, etc.