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Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Vortex Optics

Embedded Systems Engineer

Barneveld, WI · On-site

If so, we would love to talk to you about joining our New Product Development (NPD) team as our Embedded Systems Engineer. Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to join our New Product ...

Vortex Optics

Embedded Systems Engineer

Barneveld, WI · On-site

If so, we would love to talk to you about joining our New Product Development (NPD) team as our Embedded Systems Engineer. Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to join our New Product ...

Vortex Optics

Embedded Systems Engineer

Barneveld, WI · On-site

If so, we would love to talk to you about joining our New Product Development (NPD) team as our Embedded Systems Engineer. Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to join our New Product ...

EndoSec LLC

FPGA Engineer

Madison, WI

$131K - $168K/yr

Apply Now RTL, C/C++, Python, VHDL, Verilog, Tcl, cryptography, hardware, embedded software, System ... S. Government Security Clearance FPGA Engineer The EndoSec FPGA Engineer is responsible for the ...

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All JobsEmbedded Systems Engineer JobsEmbedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

Embedded Systems Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$63K

$138.3K

$193.5K

How much do embedded systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded systems engineer in Madison, WI is $138,341.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,400.00 and $164,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an embedded systems engineer?

Embedded Systems Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain embedded systems—specialized computing systems that perform dedicated functions within larger mechanical or electrical systems. These engineers work with both hardware and software, often programming microcontrollers or microprocessors to control devices like automobiles, medical equipment, consumer electronics, and industrial machines. Their expertise ensures devices are efficient, reliable, and optimized for specific tasks, making embedded systems a crucial part of modern technology.

What does an embedded systems engineer do?

An embedded systems engineer creates the software to control electronics or machines that are different from regular computers. This software needs to run on the specific hardware it controls. Their duties also include troubleshooting and testing. Essential skills include problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. Work is typically in an office environment with full-time business hours. Educational qualifications include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in embedded systems engineering or a related field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded systems engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded Systems Engineer, you need strong proficiency in C/C++ programming, embedded hardware knowledge, and a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), microcontroller development platforms, and debugging tools like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers is typically required. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities are essential to design reliable embedded solutions that meet strict performance, safety, and efficiency requirements.

What are some common challenges an embedded systems engineer faces when integrating hardware and software components?

Embedded Systems Engineers often encounter challenges when ensuring that hardware and software components work seamlessly together. These can include dealing with limited memory and processing power, timing constraints, and real-time performance requirements. Troubleshooting issues that arise from hardware-software interactions—such as driver compatibility, signal integrity, or power management—requires strong problem-solving skills and close collaboration with hardware designers and software developers. Engineers must frequently debug at both the hardware and code level, making attention to detail and cross-disciplinary communication essential in this role.

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

AspectEmbedded Systems EngineerFirmware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Embedded Systems EngineerBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering; certifications like Certified Firmware Engineer
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing embedded hardware/software for devices like automotive, medical, consumer electronicsWriting low-level code to optimize firmware for microcontrollers and embedded devices
Industry UsageUsed across automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, industrial automationPrimarily in consumer electronics, IoT devices, and embedded hardware products

Both roles focus on embedded development but differ in scope. Embedded Systems Engineers work on both hardware and software integration, while Firmware Engineers specialize in writing low-level code for device firmware. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Are embedded systems engineers in demand?

Embedded systems engineers are in high demand due to the growth of IoT, automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics industries. They typically require skills in programming languages like C and C++, and knowledge of hardware design, with job opportunities available across various sectors worldwide.
More about Embedded Systems Engineer jobs

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For Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:

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Cities near Madison, WI with the most Embedded Systems Engineer job openings:

Embedded Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Systems Engineer job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,341 per year, or $66.5 per hour.

Embedded Systems Engineer

Vortex Optics

Barneveld, WI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop PCB and electrical systems that integrate with mechanical and software platforms.

  • Design electrical circuits, lay out PCBs, develop schematics, and verify electrical circuits and system operation.

  • Program embedded systems in C/C++, develop communication protocols, and prototype electronic parts and PCBs.

Job description

Description

Do you enjoy learning multiple languages, most of them programming? Do you have strong soft(ware) and hard(ware) skills? Do you love figuring out how to get various hardware and working together? If so, we would love to talk to you about joining our New Product Development (NPD) team as our Embedded Systems Engineer. 


Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to join our New Product Development (NPD) team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing PCB and electrical systems that integrate with our mechanical and software platforms. You will be working with our project managers & engineers to develop electronic solutions that integrate with our sport optics products. We are looking for an individual that has a strong background in electrical engineering and a reasonable understanding of software development fundamentals, coupled with a desire to develop new and innovative products in a collaborative environment.


What You'll Be Doing

  • Electrical circuit design and development.
  • Develop and define product architecture(s).
  • Lay out PCBs and develop electrical schematics. 
  • Electrical circuit verification.
  • Perform module and system-level verification to confirm the product's operation against specifications.
  • Develop and improve device communication protocols.
  • Program communication to various display technologies (LCD, micro-displays, etc.).
  • Program embedded systems in C/C++.
  • Design parts and products for achievement of project goals, ease of manufacturing, reduced cost, and use of common parts.
  • Prototype electronic parts and PCB's.
  • Develop embedded solutions for testing and prototyping consumer products.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related degree
  • Familiarity with Oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, DMMs, etc.
  • Experience with communication protocols such as USB, UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, etc.
  • Experience developing software using embedded frameworks and SDKs
  • Prior relevant experience 
  • CAD design experience (Altium, Solidworks PCB, OrCAD, KiCad, EAGLE, etc.)
  • Experience with PWM


Preferred Experience and Skills

  • Experience incorporating Bluetooth / Wireless communication into PCB designs
  • Experience with software development using embedded C/C++ including use of chip-vendor APIs
  • Electrical Testing (EMC, etc) & experience with obtaining electrical regulatory approvals (CE, UL)
  • Programming with ASIC's and FPGA's 
  • Algorithm development and refinement 
  • Experience with ARM, MSP430, PIC or similar microcontrollers


When you join Team Vortex, you'll enjoy:

  • Great health, dental and vision insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
  • 401(k), life insurance and short- and long-term disability
  • Employee Ownership Opportunities
  • Various onsite amenities including a fitness center, a nature preserve with walking trails and dog friendly work areas
  • Neighboring daycare facility
  • Casual and flexible work environment
  • Employee discounts on industry leading products


What's it like to join Team Vortex?

From the production floor to the repair room, from consumer sales to new product development, we're a growing team of makers and doers, working together to give our customers an experience they'll never forget. Our employees thrive in situations that require demonstrating our core values:


  • About You
  • Customer is King
  • Willingness to Shovel Snow
  • Be the Buffalo


Every Vortex product that leaves our door is covered by our Very Important Promise (VIP) Warranty. The Vortex VIP Warranty simply means, if you ever have a concern, issue or want to order a Vortex product, you will be met with a customer experience that will exceed all expectations! Our promise is unlimited, unconditional and lasts a lifetime. Whether your Vortex role is in Sales, Customer Service, IT, Marketing, Finance, NPD or Operations, every day starts with supporting that promise and PUTTING THE CUSTOMER FIRST! 


* Must already be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer.

* This is a full-time, onsite position in Barneveld, WI. Relocation assistance is available.

* Applications will be accepted until September 18th, 2026. Interviews will not begin until after this date. 


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