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

Software Engineer III

Madison, WI · On-site

$58 - $77.75/hr

Experience integrating software with hardware, instruments, devices, or embedded systems ... Experience mentoring or supporting other engineers. * Familiarity with regulated, quality-focused ...

Software Engineering Manager

Windsor, WI · On-site +1

$135K - $160K/yr

We are looking for a Software Engineering Manager to lead a multi-domain software team building embedded firmware, HMI/SCADA systems, instrument applications, and cloud-connected mobile/web platforms ...

Software Engineering Manager

Windsor, WI · Hybrid

$135K - $160K/yr

We are looking for a Software Engineering Manager to lead a multi-domain software team building embedded firmware, HMI/SCADA systems, instrument applications, and cloud-connected mobile/web platforms ...

Software Engineering Manager

Windsor, WI · Hybrid

$135K - $160K/yr

We are looking for a Software Engineering Manager to lead a multi-domain software team building embedded firmware, HMI/SCADA systems, instrument applications, and cloud-connected mobile/web platforms ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded systems engineer in Madison, WI is $138,321.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,400.00 and $164,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Do Embedded Systems Engineers 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.

Will AI replace embedded developers?

Embedded Systems Engineers design and develop software for hardware devices, and while AI can automate certain coding tasks and optimize processes, it is unlikely to fully replace the need for human expertise in understanding hardware constraints, debugging, and system integration. AI tools can assist developers but require skilled engineers to oversee, customize, and ensure safety and reliability in embedded systems.

What do you do as an Embedded Systems Engineer?

An Embedded Systems Engineer designs, develops, and tests software and hardware for embedded devices such as microcontrollers and processors. They work with programming languages like C or C++, use tools like oscilloscopes and debuggers, and often collaborate with hardware teams to create reliable, efficient systems for applications like consumer electronics, automotive, or industrial equipment.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, or aerospace engineering can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially with experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Executive or leadership roles in engineering companies may also offer compensation at this level, often including bonuses and stock options.

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.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and certain executive or management roles can earn $300,000 or more annually. In embedded systems engineering, high-level positions with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities may reach or exceed this salary level, especially in high-demand industries or companies offering competitive compensation packages.

What are Embedded Systems Engineers?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Embedded Systems Engineer jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Embedded Systems Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Embedded Systems Engineer job openings in Madison, WI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,321 per year, or $66.5 per hour.
Senior Embedded Hardware Engineer

Senior Embedded Hardware Engineer

Extreme Engineering Solutions

Verona, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Extreme Engineering Solutions (X-ES) is seeking a highly motivated individual to join one of our skilled and tight-knit design teams in creating rugged, high-performance embedded computing solutions. This person will be involved in all aspects of board-level product design through the formal transfer to production. This key position has broad exposure to and close interaction with electrical and mechanical design, software integration and debug, qualification testing, and production planning.
Duties and Responsibilities
Perform engineering work related to hardware design, debugging, and electronic system testing. Specific responsibilities may include the following:
  • Lead and participate in product development, integration, debug, product testing, and customer support.
  • Perform digital circuit design, through component selection, simulation, and schematic entry.
  • May perform as the technical contact with external customers in partnership with a Project Manager.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to identify best fit solutions and to quickly resolve technical issues and ensure a high level of product quality.
  • Provide guidance in the creation and execution of design verification, qualification, and production test plans.
  • Create and review product technical documentation.
  • Debug hardware problems down to the component level.
  • Lead others through solving complex problems by coaching/mentoring early career engineers.
  • Be a trusted resource to less senior engineers and review their work.
  • Manage customer and internal requirements throughout the design process.
  • Work with project managers, technical leads and team members to ensure that design checks are performed in a timely fashion.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related engineering field.
  • Minimum of seven (7+) years of related engineering experience.
  • Experience delivering project goals across one or more concurrent projects.
  • Highly organized with a strong attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, signal integrity, PCB, power, programmable logic, project management, and software.
  • Experience solving complex problems and making informed technical decisions with a demonstrated ability to consider all relevant factors when proposing technical solutions.
  • Experience reviewing others' work and providing constructive feedback.
  • Demonstrated ability to present technical data in a manner that facilitates quick decisions.
  • Track record of guiding PCB layout engineers.
  • Experience with complex eCAD software such as Siemens Xpedition, Altium or Cadence Allegro.
  • Ability to work efficiently and independently with a strong sense of urgency and ownership.
  • Ability to work onsite from our facility located at 9901 Silicon Prairie Parkway in Verona, WI.

Desired Qualifications
  • Experience in all areas of the engineering development life cycle: requirement gathering, design, development, testing, debug, deployment, and sustaining maintenance.
  • Ability to translate product specifications into requirements.
  • Familiarity with any of the following: Intel x86 architecture or ARM architecture, Xilinx FPGA or SoCs, Linux or VxWorks operating systems, SPICE simulation, Ethernet, PCIe, DDR4, MIL-STD 1553, C or C++ programming, Python, HDL.
  • Experience with embedded products form factors (VPX, COM Express, XMC, VME, cPCI, ATCA).
  • Familiarity with military requirements (MIL-STD 810, 461, 464, 704, 1275, DO-160, 178).

Compensation and Benefits
X-ES offers a competitive compensation package and excellent benefits, including:
  • No-deductible, low-copay group health and dental insurance (90% employer paid)
  • Health and wellness benefits coverage eligibility begins on the first of the month following your start date
  • Life insurance and long-term disability insurance (100% employer paid)
  • Paid time off, plus eight paid holidays a year
  • 401(k) employer match up to 4%, subject to plan terms & waiting periods. Roth option is available.
  • Participation in the 100% employee-owned Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) at no cost to employees

X-ES also takes a casual, small-business approach to company culture. At our state-of-the-art office and manufacturing facility located in Madison's growing tech corridor, there's no formal dress code, flexible day shift scheduling, and dedicated personal workspaces. Our employees kick back at regular company events and enjoy lunches from local pizza places and food carts. At X-ES, we strive to offer a comfortable, relaxed environment for our employees to do their best work.
About X-ES
When "rugged enough" isn't rugged enough for embedded computing systems, industry leaders in the military, aerospace, industrial, and commercial sectors turn to Extreme Engineering Solutions (X-ES). Because we strive to be the premier provider of mission-critical embedded products while delivering exceptional levels of customer and employee satisfaction, we hire strong contributors and give them space to thrive. As a 100% employee-owned company, our employees both drive and directly benefit from our success. Together, we meticulously design and build products that stand up to some of the most extreme conditions on the planet.
X-ES is located on the far west side of Madison, WI. The company designs and manufactures rugged embedded computing solutions for a variety of applications. For more information, visit www.xes-inc.com.
X-ES is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other category protected by law.
All X-ES job postings and application procedures are posted in compliance with Section 39.08 of the Madison General Ordinances.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.