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Entry Level Embedded Software Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Are you looking for a career where professional development is embedded in your employers core ... From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe theres always room to learn. We offer ...

Entry Level Embedded Software information

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

AspectEntry Level Embedded SoftwareEntry Level Firmware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentEmbedded systems development, hardware integration, real-time OSFirmware development, microcontroller programming, hardware interfacing
Industry UsageConsumer electronics, automotive, medical devicesConsumer electronics, IoT devices, industrial equipment
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Embedded Software and Entry Level Firmware Engineer roles often overlap in skills and industry usage. Both require knowledge of microcontrollers, programming languages like C, and understanding of hardware-software integration. The main difference lies in terminology: embedded software focuses broadly on software running on embedded systems, while firmware engineering emphasizes low-level programming directly on hardware. Both roles are essential in developing embedded products across various industries.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Embedded Software Engineer, you need a solid background in C/C++ programming, basic knowledge of embedded systems, and a relevant degree such as electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), debugging tools, and version control systems like Git is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help you excel in this role. These skills are essential to developing reliable software, collaborating with hardware teams, and meeting project requirements in embedded system environments.

What are entry level embedded software engineers?

Entry level embedded software engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test software that runs on specialized hardware devices, such as microcontrollers or embedded systems, often at the start of their careers. They typically work with programming languages like C or C++ and collaborate closely with hardware engineers to ensure software and hardware integration. These roles often involve tasks such as writing code for device drivers, debugging software, and performing basic testing, all under the guidance of more experienced engineers. Entry level positions are ideal for recent graduates or those new to embedded systems, providing foundational experience in this field.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry-level embedded software engineers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level embedded software engineers often encounter challenges such as debugging hardware-software interactions, understanding real-time constraints, and adapting to unfamiliar development environments. New engineers can overcome these hurdles by actively seeking mentorship from senior team members, practicing with debugging tools, and studying relevant hardware documentation. Regular collaboration with hardware engineers and participation in code reviews can also help build confidence and technical competence, while ensuring smoother integration and project delivery.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Embedded Software jobs in Illinois are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Embedded Software jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Embedded Software jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Embedded Software job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 54% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.
2026 Associate Embedded Software Engineer - Rolling Meadows IL

2026 Associate Embedded Software Engineer - Rolling Meadows IL

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$70K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 340 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 520 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: 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.

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.

Entry Level opportunities at Northrop Grumman are unique. Are you interested in boosting your knowledge through experience and exposure, while supporting a mission that seeks to protect our nation and its allies? If so, then Northrop Grumman is the place you!

Our professionals live and breathe different perspectives; we are curious about the world, accepting each other, and aware that the more ideas, backgrounds, opinions and experiences we bring to our work, the stronger that work will be. Just as you would invest your time and hard work into our company, we focus on investing back into you through enriching professional experiences and high-quality learning and development opportunities. We want you to bring your whole self to work, and for you to have meaningful connections with your coworkers, customers and communities, while providing the best products, systems and technologies to protect our world.

The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman's Multidomain Sensing, Targeting and Survivability (MSTS) Division.Rolling Meadows employees are all about redefining what's possible in the realms of navigation, targeting, and state-of-the-art self-protection. The systems that they design, build, integrate and test are created with the dynamics of present and future operational stakes in mind.

Northrop Grumman is seeking Embedded Software Engineers. This position will be located at our Mission Systems Sector in Rolling Meadows, IL.

You'll Have an Opportunity to:

Engage in a full life-cycle approach-- design, implementation, test verification, production of digital electronic equipment and other hardware systems

Basic Qualifications:

  • A candidate must meet ALL of the criteria below.
  • Be completing or has completed their degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD) from an accredited institution
  • Be majoring in or having majored in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering
  • A final DoD Secret clearance is required to start (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite)
  • The ability to obtain Special Access Program within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher
  • A current/active DoD Secret clearance
  • It will be helpful, though not required, for your course work to have included:
  • Structured Programming (C), and/or
  • Object Oriented Programming (C++, Java) and/or
  • Software architecture (design patterns, multithreaded programming, objected oriented design), and/or
  • Operating system concepts for embedded systems, and/or
  • Software development methodologies or frameworks (Waterfall Methodology or Agile), and/or
  • Version control (Git, GitLab, Visual Studio, GitHub, or Bitbucket, etc.), and/or
  • Agile software planning tools (Jira or Rally, etc.)

Pay Range:Bachelors:$70,600 - $106,000

#campusjobs

Primary Level Salary Range: $70,600.00 - $106,000.00The 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

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