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Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

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 ...

FPGA Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$131K - $168K/yr

... embedded software, System Integration, Hardware Security, Xilinx, Simulation, IP core, Versal ... S. Government Security Clearance FPGA Engineer The EndoSec FPGA Engineer is responsible for the ...

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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 Aug 21, 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 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 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,321 per year, or $66.5 per hour.

Principal Systems Engineer / System Architect

Kelly Services

Madison, WI

$190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Principal Systems Engineer / System Architect

Madison, WI | Full-Time | Onsite
Up to $190,000 + Annual Bonus

Define the technical architecture of a product platform that doesn't exist yet.

Kelly Engineering is partnering with an industry-leading medical device manufacturer to identify an experienced System Architect to lead the technical vision and end-to-end architecture of a next-generation product platform.

This is a rare opportunity to join at the beginning of a major product development initiative. As the first technical hire on a newly formed engineering team, you'll establish the system architecture, influence key technology decisions, and help shape the engineering organization that brings the platform to market.

If you're energized by solving complex engineering challenges, integrating multiple engineering disciplines, and bringing innovative products from concept through production, we'd love to speak with you.


Position Highlights
  • Compensation up to $190,000 + Annual Bonus

  • Madison, Wisconsin

  • Full-Time Onsite Position

  • Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates

  • No current or future visa sponsorship available

  • Rare opportunity to architect an entirely new product platform from the ground up


What You'll Do
  • Define the end-to-end architecture for a complex multidisciplinary product platform.

  • Establish system requirements, subsystem definitions, interfaces, and integration strategies.

  • Drive collaboration across electrical, mechanical, optical, embedded, and software engineering teams.

  • Lead architecture trade-off decisions balancing performance, manufacturability, reliability, scalability, usability, and cost.

  • Translate customer and business needs into scalable technical solutions.

  • Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend system-level architecture decisions.

  • Identify and mitigate technical risks throughout the product development lifecycle.

  • Participate in rapid prototyping, system integration, validation, and technical problem solving.

  • Collaborate with Product Management, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Engineering teams from concept through production.

  • Provide technical leadership through influence, collaboration, and engineering expertise.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related engineering discipline.

  • 15+ years designing and developing complex physical products.

  • 5+ years leading system architecture, subsystem definition, and product integration.

  • Proven success bringing products from concept through production.

  • Strong experience integrating hardware and software within complex electromechanical systems.

  • Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership skills.

  • Ability to travel approximately 10–15% as needed.


Preferred Experience

Experience in one or more of the following is highly desirable:

  • Medical Device Development

  • Consumer Electronics

  • Robotics

  • Embedded Systems

  • Imaging Technologies

  • Industrial Automation

  • Aerospace

  • Highly integrated hardware/software products


Why This Opportunity?

Most System Architect opportunities focus on improving an existing product.

This opportunity gives you the chance to help build what's next.

You'll play a foundational role in defining the technical architecture of a new product platform while influencing future engineering decisions, technology selection, and long-term product strategy. If you're looking for an opportunity where your technical expertise will have a lasting impact, we'd love to connect.


As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Engineering?

Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we’re here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.