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Entry Level Embedded Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Resideo

Firmware Engineer I

Aurora, IL · Hybrid

Entry-level professional role responsible for supporting embedded systems firmware development activities within a defined technical scope. Applies foundational engineering knowledge to assist with ...

Resideo

Firmware Engineer I

Aurora, IL · On-site

Entry-level professional role responsible for supporting embedded systems firmware development activities within a defined technical scope. Applies foundational engineering knowledge to assist with ...

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All JobsEmbedded JobsEntry Level Embedded JobsEntry Level Embedded Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Embedded information

See Illinois salary details

$69.4K

$148.6K

$171.2K

How much do entry level embedded jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level embedded in Illinois is $148,580.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,900.00 and $170,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level embedded engineer?

Entry level embedded engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test software and hardware systems that are 'embedded' within devices, such as consumer electronics, automotive systems, or industrial machines. These engineers usually work with microcontrollers, processors, and real-time operating systems to ensure products function as intended. At the entry level, they typically assist with coding, debugging, and integrating embedded systems under the supervision of senior engineers. This role requires a foundational knowledge of programming languages like C or C++, as well as an understanding of electronics and hardware interfaces.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on as an entry level embedded engineer?

As an entry-level embedded engineer, you'll typically be involved in tasks such as writing and testing firmware, debugging hardware interfaces, and assisting with the integration of software and hardware components. You may also participate in code reviews, document your work, and help with troubleshooting issues that arise during product development. Collaboration with electrical engineers and senior software developers is common, giving you exposure to different stages of the product lifecycle and opportunities to learn from experienced team members.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Embedded Engineer, a solid understanding of C/C++ programming, basic electronics, and computer architecture is essential, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with microcontrollers, debugging tools such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers, and version control systems like Git are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help individuals excel in this role. These competencies ensure reliable embedded system design, smooth team collaboration, and successful delivery of technical solutions.

What is the difference between Entry Level Embedded vs Entry Level Software Developer?

AspectEntry Level EmbeddedEntry Level Software Developer
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentHardware-focused, working with microcontrollers, embedded systems, and real-time operating systemsSoftware-focused, developing applications for desktops, web, or mobile platforms
Industry UsageElectronics, automotive, aerospace, consumer electronicsIT, software companies, tech startups, enterprise software
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Embedded roles typically involve working with hardware and embedded systems, requiring knowledge of electronics and real-time programming. In contrast, Entry Level Software Developer positions focus on developing software applications across various platforms. While both roles require programming skills, embedded roles emphasize hardware integration, making them distinct in work environment and skill set.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Embedded jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Embedded jobs in Illinois?

For Entry Level Embedded jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Embedded jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Embedded jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Embedded jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Embedded job openings:

Entry Level Embedded jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Embedded job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,580 per year, or $71.4 per hour.

Embedded Software Developer C++

RFA Engineering

Chillicothe, IL • On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an entry-level to experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Embedded Software Developer C++
The main function of this position is to apply the principles of computer science and mathematical analysis to the design, development, testing, and evaluation of the embedded software and systems that make computers work. A typical embedded software engineer researches, designs, develops and tests operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific and general computing applications.
Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and implement embedded software solutions in C++ for embedded devices and systems, supporting the full product lifecycle from requirements definition through production deployment and ongoing product support.
  • Develop and maintain firmware and software architectures for real-time embedded applications, ensuring compliance with performance, reliability, and quality requirements.
  • Analyze, debug, and optimize software performance to improve system efficiency, stability, scalability, and resource utilization across embedded platforms.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to define software requirements, develop technical specifications, and integrate software with hardware components and communication interfaces.
  • Design, implement, and maintain logical and physical database structures, data management solutions, and associated software interfaces to support application functionality and system performance.
  • Perform software verification, validation, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis to identify and resolve defects throughout the development process.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation, including software design descriptions, test procedures, interface specifications, and user documentation.
  • Evaluate project requirements, assess technical feasibility, and provide development effort, timeline, and cost estimates to support project planning and execution.
  • Participate in code reviews and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure adherence to software development best practices, coding standards, and quality processes.
  • Support product launch activities and provide ongoing enhancements, maintenance, and technical support for commercialized embedded software products.

Requirements
  • BS in Software, Computer, Electrical, or other relevant Engineering degree.
  • Experience with C or C++ development.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Self-motivated, quick learner, with an any-problem-can-be-solved attitude.
  • Good organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to identify needed actions and act to resolve issues.
  • Ability to communicate technical information effectively.
  • Ability to thrive in a team environment.
  • Must have a valid Driver's License.

Desired Attributes
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and cross-functional teams.
  • Proven analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities with a customer-focused approach to identifying and resolving technical issues.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, circuit diagrams, component datasheets, and hardware interface documentation.
  • Understanding of the complete Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), including requirements gathering, system analysis, software design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
  • Experience debugging embedded software and hardware issues, performing root-cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions to improve system reliability.
  • Knowledge of computer hardware architectures, microcontrollers, embedded systems, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and peripheral interfaces.
  • Strong programming experience in C and/or C++, including object-oriented design principles, data structures, memory management, and embedded software development best practices.
  • Familiarity with embedded development tools, IDEs, debuggers, version control systems (Git), and software configuration management processes.
  • Experience developing, maintaining, or interacting with databases and software applications utilizing technologies such as SQL, Visual Basic, or similar programming languages and development environments.
  • Ability to create and maintain software design documentation, test plans, technical specifications, and validation reports.
  • Knowledge of communication protocols such as CAN, UART, SPI, I2C, Ethernet, or similar embedded networking technologies is preferred.
  • Experience with software testing, verification, validation, and continuous improvement methodologies in embedded product development environments.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Pay Range: $75,000-$115,000 - Commensurate with experience
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
  • Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Supplemental Short-Term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
#ZR
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.

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