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Embedded Developer Jobs in Melbourne, FL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Embedded Software Engineer is responsible for the architecture, design, development, integration, verification, and sustainment of complex embedded software solutions. This ...

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join their multidisciplinary team developing cutting-edge technologies for national security. The role involves architecting and implementing ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Embedded Developer information

See Melbourne, FL salary details

$34.3K

$119.7K

$369.8K

How much do embedded developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded developer in Melbourne, FL is $119,660.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,700.00 and $123,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Embedded Developer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectEmbedded DeveloperFirmware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields; knowledge of C/C++, RTOSBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields; expertise in C/C++, hardware interfaces
Work EnvironmentEmbedded systems development, often on microcontrollers or embedded platformsDeveloping low-level firmware for hardware devices, often on microcontrollers or SoCs
Employer & Industry UsageElectronics, automotive, consumer devices, IoTConsumer electronics, automotive, industrial equipment, IoT

Embedded Developers and Firmware Engineers share similar skills and work environments, focusing on embedded systems and hardware integration. However, Embedded Developers often work on application-level software within embedded systems, while Firmware Engineers focus on low-level firmware that directly interacts with hardware components. Both roles are essential in the development of embedded products, with overlapping credentials and industry usage.

What does an embedded developer do?

An embedded developer designs, develops, and tests software for embedded systems such as microcontrollers and real-time operating systems. They work with hardware interfaces, write efficient code in languages like C or C++, and often use tools like debuggers and oscilloscopes to ensure system performance and reliability.

Is embedded a good career?

Embedded development is a stable and growing field that involves designing software for hardware devices such as microcontrollers and IoT systems. It requires skills in programming languages like C and C++, knowledge of hardware interfaces, and often involves working in industries like automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics. The demand for embedded developers is expected to remain strong due to increasing reliance on connected and smart devices.

Will AI replace embedded programmers?

Embedded developers design and implement software for hardware systems, and while AI can automate certain coding tasks, it is unlikely to fully replace embedded programmers due to the need for specialized knowledge of hardware, real-time constraints, and system integration. AI tools may assist in coding and testing, but human expertise remains essential for complex embedded system development.

What are some common challenges Embedded Developers face when integrating hardware and software components?

Embedded Developers often encounter challenges such as ensuring real-time performance, managing limited system resources (like memory and processing power), and debugging hardware-software interactions. These tasks require strong problem-solving skills and a solid understanding of both hardware schematics and programming. Collaboration with electrical engineers and testing teams is also vital, as seamless integration depends on clear communication and coordinated troubleshooting.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or systems architecture can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries like technology or finance. Executive-level engineering roles, such as CTOs or engineering directors, may also earn this level of compensation. Achieving this often requires advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, and working in competitive markets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Embedded Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded Developer, you need strong programming skills in C/C++, a solid understanding of microcontrollers, embedded systems architecture, and typically a degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), debugging tools (e.g., JTAG, oscilloscopes), and experience with version control systems like Git are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are essential for developing reliable, efficient, and safe embedded solutions that meet both technical and user requirements.

What are Embedded Developers?

Embedded Developers are software engineers who design, develop, and maintain software that runs on embedded systems—specialized computing devices that are part of larger mechanical or electrical systems. These systems often have real-time computing constraints and are found in products like cars, medical devices, consumer electronics, and industrial machines. Embedded Developers work closely with hardware components and typically use programming languages such as C, C++, or assembly. Their work ensures that the embedded devices operate efficiently, reliably, and safely.
Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Leonardo DRS

Melbourne, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Leonardo DRS rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job ID: 114737
Location: Melbourne FL
Schedule: 9/80

The Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business within DRS has locations in Dallas and Austin, TX, Melbourne, FL, and Cypress, CA. EOIS develops, manufactures, and supports infrared and electro-optical solutions for soldiers, ground vehicles and airborne platforms. We offer an exciting and challenging work environment, a competitive salary and benefits package, and a business culture that rewards performance.
Employing the world's brightest. Supporting the world's bravest.
Job Summary
The Principal Embedded Software Engineer serves as a technical leader responsible for defining software architecture, leading execution of complex embedded software projects, and driving technical decisions across multiple disciplines. This role combines deep hands-on technical expertise with project leadership responsibilities. The individual is expected to function as an individual contributor while also leading small software teams, coordinating technical execution, assigning work, monitoring progress, managing technical risks, and communicating project status to engineering and program leadership. The Principal Engineer is recognized as a subject matter expert and is responsible for ensuring successful technical execution of critical business and customer programs.
Job Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
  • Define software architectures for complex embedded systems and mission-critical products.
  • Lead technical strategy, design reviews, and architectural decisions.
  • Serve as the technical authority for software development activities.
  • Drive technical solutions involving processors, FPGAs, sensors, imaging systems, networking, and embedded platforms.
  • Evaluate technologies, tools, frameworks, and development approaches.
  • Lead root-cause investigations for complex system-level issues.

Project Leadership
  • Lead small software development teams while remaining an active contributor.
  • Translate program objectives into executable software development plans.
  • Break down project work into tasks and assign responsibilities across team members.
  • Track execution against schedules, milestones, and technical deliverables.
  • Identify, communicate, and mitigate technical and program risks.
  • Coordinate software activities across systems, hardware, FPGA, verification, manufacturing, and program teams.
  • Provide regular project status, risks, and recovery plans to engineering management and program leadership.
  • Support staffing, workload balancing, and technical mentoring activities.

Individual Contributor Responsibilities
  • Develop, integrate, debug, and verify embedded software.
  • Perform code reviews and maintain software quality standards.
  • Support customer demonstrations, field activities, integration events, and technical reviews.
  • Contribute directly to critical project deliverables when needed.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical discipline.
  • Minimum 8 years of embedded software development experience.
  • Expert-level proficiency in C and C++.
  • Strong Python development experience.
  • Extensive experience with Bare-Metal, FreeRTOS, and Embedded Linux environments.
  • Extensive experience with AMD/Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC and/or MicroBlaze platforms.
  • Strong understanding of embedded software architecture, real-time systems, and hardware/software co-design.
  • Experience developing complex device drivers and middleware components.
  • Experience leading software development efforts through the full product lifecycle.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead small engineering teams while remaining a hands-on contributor.
  • Experience developing project schedules, assigning technical work, and tracking execution.
  • Experience presenting technical status, risks, and recommendations to management and stakeholders.
  • Strong technical decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience leading embedded software efforts for defense, aerospace, medical, or safety-critical products.
  • Experience with EO/IR imaging systems, video processing, sensor integration, and high-speed interfaces.
  • Experience with Ethernet, TCP/IP, lwIP, networking protocols, and distributed embedded systems.
  • Experience with requirements-based development and formal verification methodologies.
  • Experience supporting proposal activities, technical planning, and technology roadmaps.
  • Experience serving as a technical lead, team lead, or project lead on multi-disciplinary engineering

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.
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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