Contract Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Ashburn, VA

Job Description About the Role Pinnacle Partners is recruiting for an Embedded Software Engineer on behalf of a client in Sterling, Virginia. We are seeking an experienced embedded software professional with strong C/C++, RTOS, microcontroller, and DSP experience to support the development of complex power-management and monitoring systems for large-scale data centers. This is a highly hands-on opportunity where engineers will work closely with hardware and electrical engineering teams, develop embedded software, and participate directly in lab testing, troubleshooting, and system validation.

Key Responsibilities: Develop and maintain embedded software for power quality metering and branch circuit monitoring systems. Develop real-time embedded software using C/C++ and RTOS. Work with microcontrollers, DSP, USB, Ethernet/internet communications, data logging, and real-time data processing.

Develop software supporting power-quality measurements including RMS current, harmonics, sag, and other electrical parameters. Collaborate with electrical and hardware engineers to integrate, test, troubleshoot, and validate embedded systems. Perform hands-on laboratory testing using oscilloscopes and other electrical instrumentation.

Support product testing, compliance, safety requirements, and system-level validation. Troubleshoot hardware/software issues and support products through development and testing. Take ownership of assigned projects and deliver software from development through validation.

Senior-level engineers will provide system-level software architecture and technical direction while helping guide other engineers. Potentially contribute to FPGA, real-time systems, and SIL safety requirements associated with new product development. Requirements: Strong embedded software development experience using C/C++.

Experience working with real-time operating systems (RTOS). Strong microcontroller experience. Strong DSP/digital signal processing experience.

Experience with embedded communications such as USB and Ethernet/internet connectivity. Experience with data logging and real-time data processing. Strong understanding of how software interacts with embedded hardware.

Ability to understand embedded systems at a system level. Hands-on experience testing and troubleshooting embedded hardware/software in a lab environment. Experience working closely with electrical and hardware engineering teams.

Demonstrated ability to take ownership of projects and deliver assigned work. Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field preferred; relevant experience is highly valued. Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or another STEM-related discipline.

Electrical Engineering background preferred over Mechanical Engineering. Experience developing DSP algorithms and signal-processing applications. Experience with TI C2000 or similar DSP/microcontroller platforms.

FPGA experience. SIL safety-level experience. Analog and digital electronics knowledge.

Experience with aerospace, marine, industrial automation, power systems, or other safety/reliability-focused industries. Experience with high-voltage systems or power monitoring. Experience designing products or systems from the ground up.

HMI/GUI development experience and ability to manage large amounts of system data. Experience with compliance and safety testing. Experience developing complex products in a hands-on, cross-functional engineering environment.

Benefits Overview: Competitive base salary of approximately $110,000-$140,000. 10% annual bonus. Relocation assistance available.

Minimal travel required. Direct-hire opportunity with a growing engineering team. Hands-on environment with significant technical ownership and visibility.

Opportunity to work on new product development and complex power-management technology. Opportunity for senior engineers to own system-level software architecture and provide technical direction. Explore More Engineering Opportunities This role falls within our Engineering/Manufacturing division, where we specialize in placing professionals in areas such as: Mechanical/Electrical Engineer Manufacturing/Process Engineer Controls Engineer Designer/Drafter Operations (Plant Engineering) Explore additional Engineering roles and learn more about how we support Engineering professionals: Find Jobs or Manufacturing & Engineering Opportunities Not the right fit.

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