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Contract Embedded Software Jobs in Frederick, MD

... embedded software, mechanical and RF modules and related interfaces; System architecture ... Experience working with Low Cost Country Contract Manufacturers. PERKS OF WORKING AT MAXTENA:

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Contract Embedded Software information

See Frederick, MD salary details

$69.6K

$152.5K

$173K

How much do contract embedded software jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract embedded software in Frederick, MD is $152,504.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,700.00 and $172,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical challenges faced in a contract embedded software role?

Contract embedded software professionals often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new hardware platforms, integrating with legacy systems, and rapidly understanding diverse project requirements. Since contracts are often project-based, there may be limited time for onboarding, requiring strong self-motivation and efficient troubleshooting skills. Additionally, clear documentation and collaboration with hardware engineers or cross-functional teams are critical to ensure smooth system integration. These challenges can be rewarding, as they provide opportunities to develop broad technical expertise and experience a wide variety of products and industries.

What is a contract embedded software?

A Contract Embedded Software job involves developing, testing, and maintaining embedded systems software for a company on a temporary or project basis. Contractors typically work with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and low-level programming languages like C or C++. These roles can vary in duration and may involve working remotely or onsite. Contract engineers often collaborate with hardware teams, follow specific project requirements, and ensure system reliability and performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the contract embedded software position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Contract Embedded Software professional, you need strong experience with programming languages like C or C++, real-time operating systems (RTOS), hardware interfacing, and a relevant degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with development tools such as JTAG debuggers, oscilloscopes, version control systems, and certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Engineer (CESE) are highly valued. Effective problem-solving, adaptability, and clear communication are important soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and managing project-based work. These capabilities ensure you can deliver robust, efficient solutions within project timelines in dynamic, technology-driven environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software jobs in Frederick, MD? The most popular types of Embedded Software jobs in Frederick, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Embedded Software jobs in Frederick, MD? For Contract Embedded Software jobs in Frederick, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Embedded Software jobs in Frederick, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Embedded Software jobs in Frederick, MD are:
What cities near Frederick, MD are hiring for Contract Embedded Software jobs? Cities near Frederick, MD with the most Contract Embedded Software job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Embedded Software job openings in Frederick, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,504 per year, or $73.3 per hour.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Leonardo DRS

Germantown, MD • On-site

$107 - $145/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Leonardo DRS rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

117th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

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Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Location: Germantown, MD, US, 20876

Job ID: 114921

DRS RADA Technologies, a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, is focused on proprietary radar solutions and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance.

Job Summary

DRS RADA Technologies in Germantown, MD, is hiring a Senior Embedded Software Engineer. This position is full time and on-site.

Join our dynamic radar defense company as a Senior Embedded Software Engineer where you'll drive technical vision and architect transformative solutions across our entire product ecosystem. We're seeking a distinguished engineer who can seamlessly bridge the gaps between software, hardware, product strategy, and manufacturing while delivering innovative, secure solutions. In this role, you'll serve as a technical visionary and hands-on architect, collaborating across teams to design and implement mission-critical systems that scale with our rapid growth, all while embracing our collaborative, ego-free culture that values results over hierarchy.

Your deep technical expertise, proven ability to solve multifaceted engineering challenges, and talent for aligning diverse teams will be crucial as we partner with major defense contractors and scale our impact in the industry. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape not just software architecture, but the entire technical direction of a growing defense technology company. Our radar software runs on a real-time operating system; prior experience with our specific platform is not required, and RTOS experience is highly transferable.

Job Responsibilities
  • Be involved with the design, development, analysis, testing, and debugging of computer software applications and/or systems.
  • Be ready to learn about Image and Signal Processing, Real-time, Firmware, Database Design, Operating Systems, and more.
  • Take ownership of the outcome and the journey there: budget, costs, estimated schedules, leadership.
  • Communicate clearly (written and oral) with other company personnel and the customer as required.
  • Be a team player and provide technical knowledge and assistance to other engineers and support personnel and teach others on the team.
  • Be able to work with clients, products, hardware, and other teams.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field with a minimum of 5 years of experience
  • Fluency in C/C++
  • Experience developing software on a real-time operating system (RTOS), with an understanding of deterministic timing, task scheduling, and priority management.
  • Understanding of concurrent and multithreaded programming, including synchronization and shared-resource management.
  • Experience working close to hardware — device interfaces, memory-mapped I/O, or debugging on target hardware — and the ability to troubleshoot complex problems spanning both software and hardware.
  • Proficiency with software configuration management, code review, and automated testing practices.
  • Ability to ramp quickly on proprietary or specialized tools and environments.
  • Experience with, or willingness to learn, Matlab, Python, and Rust.
  • Ability to lead a technical group independently
  • Open to occasional travel

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment. The salary range for this position is $107,089.00-$144,570.00. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate’s qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.

Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:

  • Integrity
  • Agility
  • Excellence
  • Customer Focus
  • Community & Respect
  • Innovation

We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.

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