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Entry Level Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

AI & DevOps Engineer (Elite Entry-Level Track) Salary: $70,000/year W2 with a guaranteed ... who are currently embedded at Fortune 500 firms. They provide the "insider" technical and ...

Systems Integrator (Entry-Level)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We thrive in a casual but dynamic work environment and are seeking a motivated, entry-level systems ... automation, embedded systems, or programming * Strong written and oral communication skills

Systems Integrator (Entry-Level)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We thrive in a casual but dynamic work environment and areseekinga motivated, entry-level systems ... automation, embedded systems, or programming * Strong written and oral communication skills

Application Engineer

Cary, IL

$74K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This is an entry level rotational position for STEM bachelor level graduates who have limited ... Embedded software development and HW/SW codesign and co-verification * UNIX , C/C++, and scripting ...

Application Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$74K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This is an entry level rotational position for STEM bachelor level graduates who have limited ... Embedded software development and HW/SW codesign and co-verification * UNIX , C/C++, and scripting ...

Application Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$74K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This is an entry level rotational position for STEM bachelor level graduates who have limited ... Embedded software development and HW/SW codesign and co-verification * UNIX , C/C++, and scripting ...

Graduate Developer Programme Chicago 2027

Chicago, IL

$140K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Graduate Developer Program Chicago 2027 Maven Securities is a leading proprietary trading firm that ... Graduates are embedded directly into our tech teams, contributing to critical projects from day one.

Graduate Developer Programme Chicago 2027

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Graduate Developer Program Chicago 2027 Maven Securities is a leading proprietary trading firm that ... Graduates are embedded directly into our tech teams, contributing to critical projects from day one.

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Embedded Firmware Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$75.7K

$125.7K

$168.9K

How much do entry level embedded firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level embedded firmware engineer in Chicago, IL is $125,686.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,100.00 and $145,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level embedded firmware engineer do?

An Entry Level Embedded Firmware Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing low-level software that runs on hardware devices, such as microcontrollers and embedded systems. They work closely with hardware engineers to ensure that the firmware correctly interfaces with the hardware components. Typical tasks include writing code in languages like C or C++, debugging firmware, conducting unit tests, and assisting in hardware bring-up. Entry-level engineers often learn on the job and may help maintain or update existing firmware as needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level embedded firmware engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Embedded Firmware Engineer, you need a strong grasp of C/C++ programming, embedded systems concepts, and a relevant engineering degree such as Electrical or Computer Engineering. Familiarity with microcontroller development kits, debuggers, oscilloscopes, and version control systems like Git is typically required. Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure reliable firmware development, seamless integration with hardware, and successful collaboration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level embedded firmware engineers during their first projects?

Entry-level embedded firmware engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex hardware interfaces, debugging low-level code, and adapting to strict resource constraints like limited memory and processing power. Collaborating closely with hardware engineers and learning to interpret hardware schematics can also be initially daunting. However, most teams provide mentorship and code reviews to help new engineers build confidence and develop their problem-solving skills in a supportive environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Entry Level Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Embedded Firmware Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $125,686 per year, or $60.4 per hour.

Engineer Embedded Software

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$132K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 542 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is looking for you to join us as an Engineer, Embedded Software - Manufacturing Test Engineering (IRCM) based on-site in Rolling Meadows, IL.
Manufacturing Engineers thrive in an environment of daily unique challenges and close proximity to products. Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product, collaborate and communicate well across functions, and are innovative problem solvers. Best suited to this role are those who enjoy learning and bring a sense of urgency and energy to their tasks.
This position will support software efforts associated with testing Infrared Countermeasure (IRCM) production hardware in a dynamic, fast-paced and technically challenging production environment.
Behavioral Traits sought out:
  • The Manufacturing Software Engineers are expected to be problem solvers with the ability to provide results that are innovative and often achieved through collaboration across functional groups.
  • We seek individuals with proven excellence in the following 6 core competencies:
  • a) High levels of Self-accountability and Ownership
  • b) Acts with Speed
  • c) Responds to Challenges with Resilience
  • d) Leads with Courage
  • e) Sets vision for the assigned products
  • f) Builds a High Performing Team

This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location.
What you will get to do:
  • Design, integrate, validate, and release software for Acceptance Testing of LRUs and System level sell-off supporting multiple Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) including Processors, Sensors, Transmitters and system-level testing.
  • Collaborate with the Integrated Product Team (IPT) to coordinate cross-functional test software development from requirements capture through final validation and release, and driving collaboration among product design engineers, test hardware engineers, quality assurance engineers, and manufacturing technicians.
  • Develop and maintain documentation for Manufacturing Acceptance Test and Environmental Screening procedures.
  • Review testability of products and collaborate with design engineering to achieve testability in new and updated product design.

The ideal candidate will have:
  • Familiarity with communication protocols including RS-232, GPIB, TCP/IP
  • Familiarity with reading schematics and interpreting electrical one-lines.

Basic Qualifications for the Embedded Software Engineer (IRCM):
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical and/or Computer Engineering or related STEM field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience; OR a Master's degree in equivalent fields with 0 or more years of relevant work experience.
  • Experience using C# / C / C++
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance
  • US Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications for the Embedded Software Engineer (IRCM):
  • 2 or more years of experience in electronic hardware Manufacturing environment and/or electronic hardware software or firmware design environment preferred.
  • Experience with use of lab test instruments such as (but not limited to) Oscilloscope, Signal Generator, Power Supplies, Power Meters.
  • Experience developing automated test software
  • Prior software troubleshooting experience of test equipment or prime hardware.
  • Experience developing in Visual Studios
  • Experience developing in LabView / TestStand
  • Experience using GitHub.
  • Active DoD Security Clearance.

What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off, and Additional Benefits, including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
#MPR
Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00
The 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

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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