Embedded Automotive Software Testing Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Description:

We build mission-critical software for tethered aerostat systems, where reliability and real-world performance matter. Our systems operate in demanding environments and interface directly with flight hardware. TCOM is seeking an Embedded Software Application Engineer to design and develop software that runs on our airborne and ground-based systems.

This role focuses on building robust, maintainable embedded software applications that integrate closely with hardware and support real-time telemetry, control systems, and mission operations. You will contribute to the development of software across the stack—from low-level hardware interfaces to higher-level application logic—ensuring systems perform reliably in the field.

You will work closely with electrical, systems, and software engineers to deliver high-quality embedded solutions and improve the overall reliability and maintainability of our systems.

What You’ll Do:

• Design and implement embedded software applications for near-real-time systems
• Develop and maintain drivers, interfaces, and control logic for sensors and onboard systems
• Contribute to system architecture and technical design for embedded features
• Write efficient, reliable, and maintainable code in moderately resource-constrained environments
• Debug and troubleshoot issues across hardware and software boundaries
• Participate in integration, testing, and validation of embedded systems
• Identify and address performance, reliability, and maintainability challenges
• Participate in code reviews and provide constructive feedback to peers

What We’re Looking For:

You are an experienced embedded engineer who can independently deliver complex functionality in real-world systems.

You have contributed to the design and implementation of embedded software and understand the tradeoffs between performance, reliability, and hardware constraints.

You are comfortable working close to the hardware.

You enjoy solving challenging problems that span software and hardware and collaborating across disciplines.

You are pragmatic, detail-oriented, and focused on building systems that work reliably in production environments.

You can write software without the assistance of AI but are open to using it to enhance your toolset.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Typically, 5+ years of professional experience in embedded software development

Preferred Experience:

• C/C++ for embedded systems
• Linux OS
• Hardware and data interfaces (E.g., SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, ModBus, RS-232/422/485, Ethernet)
• Working with sensors, radios, or communication systems
• Experience with high-reliability or mission-critical systems

How We Work:

We are not a startup, but we operate with ownership and technical rigor.

We are building serious aerospace systems, and we expect strong engineering discipline.

Strong preference for onsite collaboration. Hybrid may be considered. Remote candidates will not be prioritized.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• Physical Requirements: Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and reach. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.
• Working Conditions: Primarily in a standard office environment, with occasional exposure to labs and production areas, including noise, fumes, moving machinery, and varying temperatures. Occasional travel to field sites within the United States or overseas may be required to support system deployment, integration, testing, or troubleshooting activities.

In compliance with state and local laws, the salary range for this role is $93,000 - $140,000. The range provided is a general guideline and good faith estimate representative of all experience levels but is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. TCOM considers several factors when extending an offer including, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, a candidate’s experience, education/training, key skills, internal equity, and current market conditions. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.

TCOM offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts/HSAs, EAP, tuition reimbursement, parental leave, paid time off (PTO), and company-paid holidays. The specific programs, options and eligibility may vary depending on date of hire, classification, and schedule type.