2026 Associate Embedded Software Engineer/ Embedded Software Eng with Security Clearance
The Associate Embedded Software Engineer at Confidential Client supports manufacturing test engineering by developing and troubleshooting embedded software and automated test solutions in a secure environment. This role requires collaboration across functional teams to deliver innovative results while maintaining high standards of accountability and resilience. Candidates must be U.S. citizens able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance and contribute to mission-critical defense technologies.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, IT.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is hiring an Associate Embedded Software Engineer (Manufacturing Test Engineering / IRCM) to join a mission-focused team in Rolling Meadows, IL. This is an early-career / entry-level role that supports manufacturing test software and firmware validation for secure, defense-oriented products. The role requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret clearance and, when needed, access to Special Access Programs.
What You’ll Do
- Develop, maintain, and debug embedded and test software used in manufacturing and hardware test environments.
- Create automated test solutions and test harnesses using languages such as C, C++, and C#.
- Integrate software with lab instruments and test equipment (oscilloscopes, signal generators, power supplies, power meters).
- Work with firmware and hardware teams to troubleshoot test failures and prime hardware issues.
- Collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to improve test coverage and production throughput.
- Contribute to configuration management using tools like GitHub and integrate with Visual Studio or similar IDEs.
- Support occasional travel (approximately 10%) as required by program needs.
Minimum Qualifications
A candidate must meet ALL of the following:
- Be completing or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related STEM degree.
- U.S. citizenship required and ability to obtain and maintain at least a Secret U.S. Government security clearance.
- Experience programming in C, C++, and/or C#.
- Willingness and ability to obtain Special Access Program eligibility within a reasonable timeframe when required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree preferred for the Embedded Software Engineer level.
- Overall cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher preferred for students/recent graduates.
- Experience in electronic hardware manufacturing, hardware test, or firmware development environments.
- Experience developing automated test software and using lab instruments (oscilloscope, signal generator, power supplies, power meters).
- Experience with Visual Studio, LabVIEW / TestStand, and version control (GitHub).
- Prior software troubleshooting experience for test equipment or prime hardware.
- Active DoD security clearance is a plus.
Compensation & Location
- Location: Rolling Meadows, IL (on-site / local)
- Employment type: Full-time
- Salary ranges (provided by the source posting):
- Bachelor: $72,700 to $109,100 per year
- Master’s: $87,600 to $131,400 per year
Why Join
- Early-career growth: structured learning, mentorship, and development opportunities.
- Work on mission-critical systems within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
- Exposure to hardware-software integration and manufacturing-level test engineering.
Additional Hiring Notes
- U.S. citizenship is required due to the security clearance requirement.
- Applicants will be evaluated based on skills, experience, and ability to meet clearance requirements.
- Confidential Client and Careertakes will consider candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or other protected characteristics.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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