1

Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

If so, we would love to talk to you about joining our New Product Development (NPD) team as our Embedded Systems Engineer. Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to join our New Product ...

If so, we would love to talk to you about joining our New Product Development (NPD) team as our Embedded Systems Engineer. Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to join our New Product ...

FPGA Engineer

Madison, WI

$131K - $168K/yr

Apply Now RTL, C/C++, Python, VHDL, Verilog, Tcl, cryptography, hardware, embedded software, System ... S. Government Security Clearance FPGA Engineer The EndoSec FPGA Engineer is responsible for the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$63K

$138.3K

$193.5K

How much do volunteer embedded systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for volunteer embedded systems engineer in Madison, WI is $138,321.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,400.00 and $164,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer embedded systems engineer?

Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineers are individuals who offer their expertise in designing, developing, and maintaining embedded systems—such as microcontroller-based hardware or firmware—without monetary compensation. They typically work with nonprofits, educational institutions, or community projects, helping to create or improve electronic devices and systems for social good. Their work can range from programming microcontrollers to designing circuit boards, often collaborating with other volunteers or professionals. Volunteering in this field is a great way to gain experience, contribute to meaningful projects, and support communities in need.

How do volunteer embedded systems engineers typically collaborate with other team members during a project?

Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineers often work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including hardware designers, software developers, and project coordinators. Collaboration usually involves regular meetings to discuss technical requirements, progress updates, and integration challenges. Since many volunteer projects are remote or have limited resources, effective communication and documentation are key to ensuring that all team members are aligned and project milestones are met. Team members may use collaboration tools like version control systems, shared documentation platforms, and virtual meeting software to stay connected and productive.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electronics, microcontrollers, and programming languages such as C/C++, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or related experience. Familiarity with tools like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and development environments (e.g., Arduino IDE, Keil, or MPLAB) is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you collaborate across diverse volunteer teams and overcome technical challenges. These competencies ensure you can design reliable embedded solutions, contribute effectively to projects, and support organizational missions.

What is the difference between Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineer vs Embedded Systems Engineer?

AspectVolunteer Embedded Systems EngineerEmbedded Systems Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires relevant technical skills, certifications are optionalOften requires a degree or certification in electrical engineering or computer science
Work EnvironmentNon-profit, humanitarian, or open-source projects, often remote or flexibleCorporate, industrial, or product development settings, usually full-time
Employer & IndustryNon-profit organizations, NGOs, open-source communitiesTechnology companies, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace

Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineers focus on contributing to projects for social good or open-source initiatives, often on a part-time or voluntary basis. Embedded Systems Engineers typically work in commercial settings, developing products or systems as part of their professional career. The main differences lie in the work environment, employment status, and project goals.

What job categories do people searching Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineer job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,321 per year, or $66.5 per hour.

Embedded Systems Engineer

Barneveld, WI

Vortex Optics
Sporting Product Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description

Do you enjoy learning multiple languages, most of them programming? Do you have strong soft(ware) and hard(ware) skills? Do you love figuring out how to get various hardware and working together? If so, we would love to talk to you about joining our New Product Development (NPD) team as our Embedded Systems Engineer. 


Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to join our New Product Development (NPD) team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing PCB and electrical systems that integrate with our mechanical and software platforms. You will be working with our project managers & engineers to develop electronic solutions that integrate with our sport optics products. We are looking for an individual that has a strong background in electrical engineering and a reasonable understanding of software development fundamentals, coupled with a desire to develop new and innovative products in a collaborative environment.


What You'll Be Doing

  • Electrical circuit design and development.
  • Develop and define product architecture(s).
  • Lay out PCBs and develop electrical schematics. 
  • Electrical circuit verification.
  • Perform module and system-level verification to confirm the product's operation against specifications.
  • Develop and improve device communication protocols.
  • Program communication to various display technologies (LCD, micro-displays, etc.).
  • Program embedded systems in C/C++.
  • Design parts and products for achievement of project goals, ease of manufacturing, reduced cost, and use of common parts.
  • Prototype electronic parts and PCB's.
  • Develop embedded solutions for testing and prototyping consumer products.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related degree
  • Familiarity with Oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, DMMs, etc.
  • Experience with communication protocols such as USB, UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, etc.
  • Experience developing software using embedded frameworks and SDKs
  • Prior relevant experience 
  • CAD design experience (Altium, Solidworks PCB, OrCAD, KiCad, EAGLE, etc.)
  • Experience with PWM


Preferred Experience and Skills

  • Experience incorporating Bluetooth / Wireless communication into PCB designs
  • Experience with software development using embedded C/C++ including use of chip-vendor APIs
  • Electrical Testing (EMC, etc) & experience with obtaining electrical regulatory approvals (CE, UL)
  • Programming with ASIC's and FPGA's 
  • Algorithm development and refinement 
  • Experience with ARM, MSP430, PIC or similar microcontrollers


When you join Team Vortex, you'll enjoy:

  • Great health, dental and vision insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
  • 401(k), life insurance and short- and long-term disability
  • Employee Ownership Opportunities
  • Various onsite amenities including a fitness center, a nature preserve with walking trails and dog friendly work areas
  • Neighboring daycare facility
  • Casual and flexible work environment
  • Employee discounts on industry leading products


What's it like to join Team Vortex?

From the production floor to the repair room, from consumer sales to new product development, we're a growing team of makers and doers, working together to give our customers an experience they'll never forget. Our employees thrive in situations that require demonstrating our core values:


  • About You
  • Customer is King
  • Willingness to Shovel Snow
  • Be the Buffalo


Every Vortex product that leaves our door is covered by our Very Important Promise (VIP) Warranty. The Vortex VIP Warranty simply means, if you ever have a concern, issue or want to order a Vortex product, you will be met with a customer experience that will exceed all expectations! Our promise is unlimited, unconditional and lasts a lifetime. Whether your Vortex role is in Sales, Customer Service, IT, Marketing, Finance, NPD or Operations, every day starts with supporting that promise and PUTTING THE CUSTOMER FIRST! 


* Must already be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer.

* This is a full-time, onsite position in Barneveld, WI. Relocation assistance is available.

* Applications will be accepted until September 18th, 2026. Interviews will not begin until after this date.