Job Title: Software Engineer - Embedded FirmwareJob Description
This role focuses on designing, developing, and testing low-level software (firmware) that controls the functionality of electronic hardware devices, such as embedded systems and computer peripherals. The Software Engineer works closely with hardware engineers to create efficient, reliable code that interacts directly with hardware components, often using real-time operating systems (RTOS) to ensure timely system responses. The position requires a deep understanding of hardware architecture and strong proficiency in C/C++ to support seamless hardware-software integration throughout the product development cycle.
Responsibilities
Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware that controls electronic hardware devices, including embedded systems and computer peripherals.
Implement low-level software that interacts directly with microcontrollers, memory, peripherals, and communication interfaces.
Utilize real-time operating systems (RTOS), such as FreeRTOS or Zephyr, to ensure deterministic and timely system responses.
Collaborate closely with hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration between firmware and hardware components.
Participate in the full product development cycle, from initial design and prototyping through testing, validation, and release.
Conduct unit testing, integration testing, and system-level validation to verify firmware functionality, performance, and reliability.
Use IDEs, debuggers, emulators, and other embedded development tools to develop, analyze, and optimize firmware.
Identify, diagnose, and troubleshoot complex firmware and hardware-software interaction issues using strong analytical and debugging skills.
Document firmware designs, implementation details, and test results to support maintainability and knowledge sharing.
Communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Essential Skills
5-7 years of experience in a similar embedded software or firmware engineering role.
Strong proficiency in C and C++ programming languages with a focus on embedded systems development.
Deep knowledge of microcontroller architectures, including memory management, peripherals, and communication protocols.
Hands-on experience working with real-time operating systems (RTOS), such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or comparable platforms.
Proficiency with IDEs, debuggers, emulators, and other development tools commonly used in embedded software engineering.
Experience performing unit testing, integration testing, and system-level validation for embedded firmware.
Excellent analytical and debugging skills for identifying and resolving complex firmware issues.
Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Bachelor's degree in computer science or an equivalent discipline from an accredited university.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Background in embedded software engineering, including firmware development for microcontroller-based systems.
Experience working with a variety of communication protocols and hardware interfaces in embedded environments.
Familiarity with system-level validation methodologies and best practices for reliable product development.
Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional engineering teams and contribute to continuous improvement of development processes.
Work Environment
The role is based in an engineering-focused environment that centers on embedded systems and electronic hardware development. You will work with modern IDEs, debuggers, emulators, and other specialized tools tailored to firmware and microcontroller programming. The position involves close collaboration with hardware engineers and other technical professionals throughout the product development lifecycle, from design and prototyping to testing and validation. The work setting supports focused, detail-oriented tasks and encourages clear communication and teamwork to deliver robust, reliable embedded solutions.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of University Park, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $100000.00/yr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
In addition to excellent career growth opportunities, Federal Signal Corporation offers a wide array of benefits including: annual bonus potential, insurance (life, medical, dental, vision), paid holidays, paid vacation, 401(k) with matching contributions and tuition reimbursement. We provide our employees with a smoke-free, drug-free workplace
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in University Park,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
