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

Motorola

Senior Cyber Embedded Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$121K - $159K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Ideal candidates for this position are software engineers with strong knowledge and hands-on experience in embedded systems, telecommunications protocols, reverse engineering, and cybersecurity. We ...

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

Embedded Software Engineer information

See McHenry, IL salary details

$68.9K

$151K

$171.3K

How much do embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded software engineer in McHenry, IL is $150,983.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,400.00 and $170,300.00 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded software engineer?

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 is an embedded software engineer?

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 McHenry, IL? The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in McHenry, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Software Engineer jobs in McHenry, IL? For Embedded Software Engineer jobs in McHenry, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near McHenry, IL are hiring for Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities near McHenry, IL with the most Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
Embedded Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Software Engineer job openings in McHenry, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, and 46% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $150,983 per year, or $72.6 per hour.

Space Systems Embedded Software Engineer - Level 2 (TS/SCI)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$87K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

At Northrop Grumman Space Systems, you will engineer the enduring icons of modern space exploration and global security, from manufacturing the vital Solid Rocket Boosters for NASA's Artemis missions and the engineering behind the James Webb Space Telescope, to pioneering on-orbit logistics with our uncrewed Cygnus cargo spacecraft and Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV), alongside developing next-generation national defense constellations and strategic missile systems.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems (NGSS), Rolling Meadows, IL is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to add to its Software and Controls Department to contribute to full-cycle product development of new software subsystems and defense electronics as well as customization of current systems to support customer needs. As an Embedded Software Engineer, you will be supporting a team of experienced engineers performing requirements analysis and system design, coding, test, and verification activities using state-of-the-art tools and techniques. These products and systems power the next generation of products. Our products are integrated with our customers' machines and systems, and many of the applications are highly customized and unique. We are interested in highly motivated candidates with embedded software design experience with a focus on software interactions with safety-critical real-time systems, digital signal processing, and secure software solutions.

This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to maintenance at the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work

Basic Qualifications:

  • Active or Current Top Secret clearance with SCI

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or another STEM discipline from an accredited university and 2 years of related experience; OR Master's degree in the fields listed above.

  • Experience developing software in C/C++

  • Experience with scripting languages such as: Python, JavaScript, Perl, Unix/DOS shell scripts

  • Working knowledge of electronic test equipment (Oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers)

  • Experience with hands-on lab testing of electronic equipment

  • Basic understanding of digital signal processing concepts

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Working knowledge of RTOS (RTLinux, VxWorks, Integrity, FreeRTOS) concepts and operation

  • Experience with Linux Embedded real-time OS development (Yocto)

  • Experience developing in a hybrid Linux/Windows environment

  • Working knowledge of Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket)

  • Understanding of Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms and architectures

  • Experience developing software for microcontroller platforms (CortexM4, TI, STM, etc)

  • Experience developing drivers and BSPs for custom hardware platforms

  • Experience with System on a Chip (AMD, Xilinx, Altera) software/FPGA integration

  • Experience with digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms

  • Experience with hands-on hardware testing, debugging and board bring-up

  • Experience with GNU Radio and/or Redhawk SDR development

Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

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At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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