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Firmware Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

DMC Engineering

Entry Level Embedded Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$83K - $95K/yr

(Hybrid) Description Are you passionate about embedded systems, from initial ideas to hardware design to final firmware? As an Embedded Engineer at DMC, you will use your embedded expertise and ...

DMC Engineering

Entry Level Embedded Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$83K - $95K/yr

(Hybrid) Description Are you passionate about embedded systems, from initial ideas to hardware design to final firmware? As an Embedded Engineer at DMC, you will use your embedded expertise and ...

DMC, Inc.

Embedded Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$135K - $178K/yr

(Hybrid) Description Are you passionate about embedded systems, from initial ideas to hardware design to the final firmware? As an Embedded Engineer at DMC, you will use your embedded expertise and ...

New

S&C

Software Engineer III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Join Our Team as a Software Engineer III! As a Software Engineer III , you'll be crucial in ... Design embedded application firmware for microprocessor-based switch and fault interrupting ...

AHEAD

Product Engineer 1

Libertyville, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Product Engineer I - Configuration Services, you will be instrumental in implementing ... Diagnose and resolve hardware, firmware, and software compatibility issues in coordination with ...

AHEAD

Product Engineer 1

Libertyville, IL

$80K - $120K/yr

As a Product Engineer I - Configuration Services, you will be instrumental in implementing ... Diagnose and resolve hardware, firmware, and software compatibility issues in coordination with ...

AHEAD

Product Engineer 1

Libertyville, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Product Engineer I - Configuration Services, you will be instrumental in implementing ... Diagnose and resolve hardware, firmware, and software compatibility issues in coordination with ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsFirmware Developer JobsFirmware Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Firmware Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$79.9K

$115.7K

$185.1K

How much do firmware developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for firmware developer in Chicago, IL is $115,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,300.00 and $124,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a firmware developer?

Firmware Developers are engineers who design, develop, and maintain low-level software that directly controls hardware devices. Their work typically involves writing code in languages like C or C++ to ensure hardware components operate as intended, often within embedded systems such as microcontrollers and consumer electronics. Firmware developers collaborate closely with hardware engineers and may also troubleshoot or update firmware to enhance device performance. Their role is crucial in industries like automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial automation.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a firmware developer?

To thrive as a Firmware Developer, you need a solid background in embedded systems, proficiency in C/C++ programming, and a degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. Experience with microcontroller architectures, debugging tools (like JTAG or ICE), and version control systems such as Git is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across hardware and software teams. These skills are crucial for developing reliable, efficient firmware that enables hardware devices to function correctly and meet user requirements.

What are common challenges firmware developers face when working on embedded systems projects?

Firmware Developers often encounter challenges such as optimizing code for limited memory and processing power, integrating with diverse hardware platforms, and ensuring reliable communication between software and hardware components. Debugging can be especially tricky due to limited visibility into low-level operations, requiring specialized tools like JTAG debuggers or oscilloscopes. Collaboration with hardware engineers and cross-functional teams is essential to address hardware-software integration issues and to ensure timely delivery of stable, efficient firmware.

What is the difference between Firmware Developer vs Embedded Software Engineer?

AspectFirmware DeveloperEmbedded Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Embedded Systems EngineerBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing low-level code for hardware devices, often working in hardware labs or development teamsDeveloping software for embedded systems, often in cross-functional teams, with focus on hardware-software integration
Industry UsageUsed in consumer electronics, automotive, IoT devices, and industrial equipmentCommon in automotive, medical devices, consumer electronics, and industrial automation

Firmware Developers and Embedded Software Engineers share similar skills and work environments, focusing on hardware-related software development. The main difference lies in their scope: Firmware Developers typically work on low-level code directly interacting with hardware, while Embedded Software Engineers may handle higher-level embedded applications. Both roles are essential in industries like automotive, IoT, and consumer electronics.

Are firmware developers in demand?

Firmware developers are in high demand due to the growth of embedded systems in industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, and IoT. Skills in C, C++, and real-time operating systems are particularly valuable, and job opportunities are expected to remain strong as technology continues to advance.

What are popular job titles related to Firmware Developer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Firmware Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Firmware Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Firmware Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Firmware Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firmware Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,707 per year, or $55.6 per hour.

System Level Software Engineer - Driver Development - 2784 -OJO

Right Talent Right Now

Chicago, IL

$178K - $211K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 hours ago

Job description

Job Description

System Level Software Engineer - Driver Development - 2784


Job Ref.: 2784

Job Title: System Level Software Engineer - Driver Development

Role: Information Technology

Relocation Available: Yes

Industry: I.T.

Location: South Carolina

Town / City: Greer

Job Type: Permanent full-time



Job description:

Company develops custom system level software, including device drivers, firmware, embedded applications, protocol stacks, board support packages, and custom interfaces. They specialize in wireless communications for military and embedded systems.


They are seeking a talented Software Development professional who specializes in system-level development (device drivers, firmware, embedded systems) to serve as a key member of the engineering team. This individual will be responsible for developing and supporting user mode applications, device drivers, and firmware for a wide variety of systems, including networking and communication hardware and software products. These responsibilities include the design and development of protocols and algorithms for a variety of technologies, including USB, PCI, 802. WLAN, Ethernet, VoIP, Bluetooth, cellular, and broadband communications. This individual must be able to communicate effectively with clients and be attentive to customer satisfaction.

Windows Kernel and/or Driver Programming experience (XP, Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8) or current Linux Kernel Driver programming experience.

6-8+ years C, C+ programming experience.

6-8+ years of application development experience

Excellent written and verbal communications skills

Strong debugging skills

Superior problem solving abilities 

Ability to work independently or as part of a team

Required Education: Bachelors or Masters in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science. 



Desired Skills (not required)

WinDBG

embedded Linux

Experience with multiple Linux distributions (Montavista, Ubuntu, OpenEmbedded, Red Hat, Buildroot, etc.) 

Embedded Linux development for a variety of platforms (ARM, MIPS, x86, PowerPC, etc.) and board support packages.

Experience writing software that interfaces with hardware (one or more of the following: device drivers, firmware, embedded systems).

Experience with real time and multithreaded applications

Experience performing architectural definition, documentation, and development at the system level

Reverse Engineering (IDA Pro, Ollydbg, etc.) 

Communication protocol experience (designing, implementing)

Experience writing software that interfaces with hardware (one or more of the following: device drivers, firmware, embedded systems)

Clearance Required: Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen in order to meet the minimum requirement to obtain the required clearance.



Bottom Line Requirements:

1. Bachelors or Masters in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related.

2. Windows Kernel or Driver Programming experience (XP, Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8) or current Linux Kernel Driver programming experience.

3. 6-8+ years C, C+ programming experience.

4. 6-8+ years of application development experience.

5. US Citizen able to obtain clearance.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Apply