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Defense Contractor Embedded Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security ...

SeeScan

Senior Embedded Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

We are looking for a long-term, in-house teammate to join us, not a contractor or consultant. In this position, you will * Develop software in C/C++ for embedded systems * Continuously analyze and ...

SoloPulse

Systems Engineer - R&D

Peachtree Corners, GA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

SoloPulse is a DARPA-funded Georgia Tech spin-out and non-traditional defense contractor (NTDC). We ... Embedded coding for sensor, control, and data acquisition systems Required Qualifications

SoloPulse

Systems Engineer - R&D

Peachtree Corners, GA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

SoloPulse is a DARPA-funded Georgia Tech spin-out and non-traditional defense contractor (NTDC). We ... Embedded coding for sensor, control, and data acquisition systems Required Qualifications

Sparton Corporation

$119K - $157K/yr

Sparton is an innovative defense contractor headquartered in DeLeon Springs, Florida, with a rich ... Our expertise includes advanced research systems, maritime solutions, sophisticated sensor ...

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All JobsDefense Contractor Embedded Systems Jobs

Defense Contractor Embedded Systems information

See salary details

$62.5K

$137.3K

$192K

How much do defense contractor embedded systems jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense contractor embedded systems in the United States is $137,274.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $163,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are defense contractor embedded systems?

Defense contractor embedded systems are specialized computing systems designed to perform dedicated functions within military or defense equipment. These systems are typically integrated into hardware such as vehicles, aircraft, missiles, and communication devices, where they control critical operations like navigation, targeting, and real-time data processing. Defense contractors design, develop, and maintain these systems to meet stringent security, reliability, and performance standards required by defense agencies. Working in this field often involves strict compliance with government regulations and security protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Defense Contractor Embedded Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Contractor Embedded Systems Engineer, you need a deep understanding of embedded hardware and software development, C/C++ programming, and experience with real-time operating systems, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, VHDL/Verilog, and experience with defense industry standards and security clearances are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication are critical soft skills in this position. These competencies are vital for developing secure, reliable, and mission-critical embedded systems in compliance with strict defense requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by defense contractor embedded systems engineers, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Defense contractor embedded systems engineers often encounter challenges such as working with stringent security protocols, integrating legacy hardware with modern systems, and meeting rigorous testing standards. Applicants can prepare by developing strong skills in secure coding, understanding compliance requirements like ITAR or NIST standards, and gaining experience with both hardware and software debugging tools. Additionally, effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including systems engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and program managers—is crucial for success in this role.
Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

STR

Carlsbad, CA

$110K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our national security. In this role, you will work at the intersection of computer systems and real-world physical systems, building the tools and models that emulate complex cyber-physical platforms to enable analysis, reverse engineering, and experimentation.

We believe every employee brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives that are essential to providing innovative solutions for our customers. You do not need to have experience with every technology listed to be successful in this role. Strong fundamentals, curiosity, and the ability to learn new tools and domains are highly valued.

What you will do:

  • Work as part of a small, focused team to architect, develop, implement, and test modular software applications and tools for emulating cyber-physical systems.
  • Extend and customize existing emulation frameworks (e.g., QEMU) in C/C++ and Python to support new targets, peripherals, and capabilities.
  • Rehost unknown or sparsely documented firmware by analyzing binaries, identifying hardware dependencies, and adapting these to run correctly in emulated environments.
  • Develop emulator tooling and virtual device models to support reverse engineering and analysis of embedded systems across diverse architectures (e.g., ARM, PPC).
  • Develop digital models using virtualization tools (e.g., QEMU) and network them together to create integrated, end-to-end system simulations that closely approximate real hardware behavior.
  • Ensure model quality and correctness through unit-level and system-level testing, and by validating behavior against first principles, measured data, documentation, and hardware/software artifacts.
  • Communicate technical foundations of models and algorithms through reports and briefings

Who you are:

  • This position requires an Active Secret security clearance with eligibility for Top Secret (TS) clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government.
  • Proficiency in C/C++ for systems-level or embedded software development
  • Proficiency in Python for tool development, automation, and integration
  • Familiarity with emulation and virtualization tools (e.g., QEMU or similar frameworks)
  • Strong understanding of computer architecture, emulation principles, and software engineering best practices (e.g., modular design, testing, code review)
  • Experience using collaborative source code management (e.g., Git)

Education:

  • BS in Computer Engineering, Computers Science, Electrical Engineering or related field

Nice to have:

  • Active Top Secret (TS) Security Clearance
  • Familiarity with network architecture and protocols, and experience integrating networked simulations
  • Experience with low-level software modifications (e.g., implants, firmware changes, binary patch development)
  • Experience at the software/hardware interface, including device drivers or real-time/embedded operating systems
  • Experience with reverse engineering and firmware rehosting for embedded systems, including analysis of instruction set architectures (e.g., ARM, PPC) and use of tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, or Binary Ninja
  • Experience implementing component models (e.g., sensors, actuators, dynamics, environmental factors) in Python and/or C/C++, and integrate them into system-level simulations and software processing chains
  • Experience working with hardware components and interfaces
  • Masters or PhD in related field

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $110,000 - $151,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.


STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.