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Firmware Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sterling Engineering, Inc.

Be Seen First

Electrical Engineering Technician

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Support Electrical and Firmware Engineers with product development activities * Conduct RF, thermal, and power supply testing * Load and update firmware on development hardware * Troubleshoot ...

New

Sterling Engineering Inc.

EE Technician

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Support Electrical and Firmware Engineers with product development activities * Conduct RF, thermal, and power supply testing * Load and update firmware on development hardware * Troubleshoot ...

New

NEOTECH

Firmware Engineer (24760)

Naperville, IL · On-site

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field * Experience developing firmware for embedded systems * Strong programming skills in ...

NEOTech

Firmware Engineer (24760)

Naperville, IL · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field * Experience developing firmware for embedded systems * Strong programming skills in ...

Fermilab

FPGA Firmware Developer

Batavia, IL · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Work adheres to all applicable regulations, requirements, engineering standards, and DOE orders. What your day-to-day as a FPGA Firmware Developer at Fermilab will look like: * Designing and ...

Resideo

Firmware Engineer I

Aurora, IL · Hybrid

Applies foundational engineering knowledge to assist with coding, debugging, testing, and ... Support the development and modification of embedded systems firmware code for assigned product ...

New

Resideo

Firmware Engineer I

Aurora, IL · On-site

Entry-level professional role responsible for supporting embedded systems firmware development ... Applies foundational engineering knowledge to assist with coding, debugging, testing, and ...

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All JobsFirmware Engineering JobsFirmware Engineering Jobs in Illinois

Firmware Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$72.7K

$162.3K

$198.7K

How much do firmware engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for firmware engineering in Illinois is $162,251.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,600.00 and $198,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is firmware engineering?

Firmware engineering is the process of designing, developing, testing, and maintaining the low-level software that controls and interacts with hardware devices. Firmware sits between the hardware and higher-level software, enabling the hardware to function correctly and efficiently. Firmware engineers often work with embedded systems, microcontrollers, and specialized hardware across industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial equipment. Their work ensures that devices operate reliably and can be updated or improved over time.

How does a firmware engineer typically collaborate with hardware and software teams during product development?

Firmware Engineers play a central role in bridging the gap between hardware and software teams. They often work closely with hardware engineers to understand device specifications and constraints, while also collaborating with software developers to ensure seamless integration and functionality. Regular cross-functional meetings, code reviews, and hardware testing sessions are common practices to address issues early and optimize product performance. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as firmware must often be adapted to accommodate both hardware changes and evolving software requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a firmware engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Firmware Engineer, you need a strong background in embedded systems, C/C++ programming, and electronics, usually supported by a degree in computer engineering or a related field. Experience with microcontroller architectures, RTOS, hardware debugging tools, and version control systems like Git is typically required. Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure reliable, efficient firmware development and seamless integration with hardware, which is critical for product functionality and performance.

What is the difference between Firmware Engineering vs Embedded Systems Engineering?

AspectFirmware EngineeringEmbedded Systems Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related; certifications like Certified Embedded Systems ProfessionalBachelor's or higher in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDeveloping low-level code for hardware devices, often in embedded environmentsDesigning and integrating hardware and software for embedded systems
Industry UsageConsumer electronics, IoT devices, automotive, aerospaceMedical devices, industrial automation, consumer electronics

Firmware Engineering focuses on writing low-level code that directly interacts with hardware components, often in resource-constrained environments. Embedded Systems Engineering encompasses a broader scope, including designing entire embedded systems, integrating hardware and software, and system-level development. While overlapping, Firmware Engineers typically specialize in firmware development, whereas Embedded Systems Engineers may handle system architecture and integration tasks.

Are firmware engineers in demand?

Firmware engineers are in high demand due to the growth of embedded systems in industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, and healthcare. They often require skills in C/C++, debugging, and working with hardware, and job opportunities are expected to grow as technology advances. Certifications and experience with real-time operating systems can enhance employability.

How much money do firmware engineers make?

Firmware engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in embedded systems and real-time operating systems can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000 annually.

What do you do as a firmware engineer?

A firmware engineer designs, develops, and tests low-level software that controls hardware devices such as microcontrollers and embedded systems. They often work with programming languages like C or C++, use debugging tools, and ensure the firmware operates reliably within hardware constraints. This role requires knowledge of hardware architecture and real-time operating systems.
Firmware Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firmware Engineering job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,251 per year, or $78 per hour.

Senior Firmware Engineer / FitnessTech

Chicago, IL • On-site

Motion Recruitment
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Motion Recruitmentexternal

$123K - $162K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

A rapidly growing consumer hardware and AI company is seeking a Senior Firmware Engineer, Connectivity, to join their full-time engineering team. This role can be based in the United States and focuses on building next-generation connected devices that blend embedded systems, cloud technology, and machine learning. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), embedded development in C/C++, and wireless device architecture while helping scale a globally deployed product platform.
This is a unique opportunity to become the primary technical owner of wireless connectivity for a category-defining consumer product. The engineer joining this team will influence architecture decisions, firmware update strategy, power optimization efforts, manufacturing validation, and customer-facing reliability initiatives. Candidates who enjoy solving difficult challenges across firmware, RF, hardware, and mobile environments will find significant growth opportunities and ownership in this position.
Required Skills & Experience
  • · 5+ years of embedded software or firmware engineering experience
  • 3+ years building and shipping BLE-enabled products
  • Strong understanding of Bluetooth protocols including GAP, GATT, L2CAP, SMP, and BLE security
  • Expertise with C and/or C++ development on microcontrollers
  • Experience with embedded peripherals including UART, SPI, I2C, and DMA
  • Hands-on debugging experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol sniffers
  • Experience deploying OTA firmware updates in production environments
  • Knowledge of low-power device optimization techniques
Desired Skills & Experience
  • Nordic Semiconductor platform experience
  • Zephyr or nRF Connect SDK experience
  • Consumer electronics or IoT product experience
  • Secure boot and embedded security knowledge
  • Regulatory certification experience (FCC, CE, Bluetooth SIG)
  • Manufacturing support experience
  • Python or Node.js tooling experience
  • Multi-device BLE architecture expertise
What You Will Be Doing
Tech Breakdown
  • 70% Embedded Firmware Development
  • 20% Wireless Connectivity & RF Optimization
  • 10% Automation, Tooling & Testing
Daily Responsibilities
  • 80% Hands-On Engineering
  • 5% Leadership & Mentorship
  • 15% Cross-Functional Collaboration

The Offer
  • Bonus eligible
You will receive the following benefits:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Vacation Time
  • Stock Options

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the US on a full-time basis now and in the future.
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