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Embedded Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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 researchers and engineers developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our ...

iDirect GOVERNMENT

Embedded Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$135K - $177K/yr

We are looking for a professional Embedded Software Engineer, a team player with solid technical skills to add to our core engineering team. Candidates must have a strong technical background and be ...

iDirect GOVERNMENT

Embedded Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$135K - $177K/yr

Overview We are looking for a professional Embedded Software Engineer, a team player with solid technical skills to add to our core engineering team. Candidates must have a strong technical ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

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 ...

iDirect GOVERNMENT

Embedded Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$135K - $177K/yr

Overview We are looking for a professional Embedded Software Engineer, a team player with solid technical skills to add to our core engineering team. Candidates must have a strong technical ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Arlington, VA

$110K - $151K/yr

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 ...

TrustPoint

Embedded Software Engineer

Dulles, VA

$130K - $171K/yr

The Position TrustPoint is currently seeking a Full Time Embedded Software Engineer to join the team and will be responsible for implementing electrical components into hardware and firmware needed ...

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 researchers and engineers developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsEmbedded Engineer JobsEmbedded Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Embedded Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$72.8K

$159.6K

$181K

How much do embedded engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded engineer in Reston, VA is $159,573.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,800.00 and $180,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software, electrical, or systems engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in industries like technology, aerospace, or finance, and may include bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior embedded engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in hardware and software integration, and often advanced certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation is typically associated with leadership roles, working in high-demand industries like aerospace or defense, or in companies with competitive pay structures.

What is the difference between Embedded Engineer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectEmbedded EngineerFirmware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related fields; certifications like ARM or IoT certifications are commonBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related; often similar certifications in embedded systems or firmware development
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing hardware-software integrated systems, often in industrial, automotive, or consumer electronicsWriting, testing, and debugging low-level code that runs directly on hardware devices like microcontrollers or embedded processors
Employer & Industry UsageElectronics manufacturers, automotive, aerospace, IoT companiesConsumer electronics, IoT devices, medical devices, automotive systems

Embedded Engineers and Firmware Engineers often work closely, but Embedded Engineers focus on both hardware and software integration, while Firmware Engineers specialize in low-level code development that runs directly on hardware. Both roles require similar skills and certifications, but their primary focus and work environment differ slightly.

What does an embedded engineer do?

An embedded engineer designs, develops, and tests software and hardware for embedded systems, which are specialized computing devices within larger systems such as appliances, vehicles, or industrial machines. They work with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems, and programming languages like C or C++, often collaborating with hardware engineers to ensure system functionality and reliability.

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

To thrive as an Embedded Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science or electrical engineering, with strong skills in C/C++, microcontroller programming, and embedded systems design. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), hardware debugging tools, and version control systems like Git is typically required, and certifications such as Certified Embedded Systems Engineer (CESE) can be beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for developing reliable, efficient embedded solutions that integrate seamlessly with hardware and meet user requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by Embedded Engineers when working on cross-functional teams?

Embedded Engineers often collaborate closely with hardware designers, software developers, and test engineers, which can present challenges related to communication and integration. Aligning the firmware with hardware specifications, managing resource constraints, and ensuring timely debugging across different platforms are frequent hurdles. To succeed, Embedded Engineers need strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset to bridge gaps between disciplines and deliver cohesive, reliable systems.

Will an embedded engineer be replaced by AI?

Embedded engineers design and develop software and hardware for embedded systems, and while AI can automate certain tasks like testing and data analysis, it is unlikely to fully replace the need for human engineers who require specialized knowledge of hardware, real-time constraints, and system integration. AI tools can augment their work but do not currently replace the critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential to the role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Embedded Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Embedded Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Embedded Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Embedded Engineer job openings:
Embedded Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $159,573 per year, or $76.7 per hour.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Bare-Metal)

TAP Engineering LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

$194K - $254K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Bare-Metal)
Software | Washington, DC | Full Time
Position: Senior Embedded Software Engineer
Location: Washington, DC
Category: Software Engineering
Schedule: Standard Day Shift, Monday-Friday
Clearance Requirement: Active Secret security clearance (required)
Experience Requirement: Senior-level
Compensation Range: $191,000 - $254,000 (based on experience)
Position Overview
We are seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to support the design and development of low-level embedded software for next-generation hardware platforms in a mission-focused environment. This role focuses on bare-metal development, board bring-up, and infrastructure code supporting advanced ARM-based System-on-Chip (SoC) devices.
The ideal candidate has deep experience with embedded systems, strong low-level programming skills, and a security-focused mindset. This position plays a critical role in building, validating, and securing embedded software that supports complex hardware systems operating in constrained environments.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop low-level bare-metal infrastructure code that is rigorously tested and validated
  • Build and maintain the embedded software ecosystem supporting next-generation hardware platforms
  • Perform board bring-up on embedded ARM-based boards, including bootloaders and drivers
  • Customize and maintain vendor Board Support Packages (BSPs) for ARM-based SoC platforms
  • Develop and implement security controls for embedded system devices
  • Create and maintain automated tests to validate embedded system functionality
  • Debug complex hardware/software integration issues
  • Collaborate with hardware, systems, and security engineers throughout the development lifecycle
Required Qualifications
  • Experience with one or more of the following languages: Rust, C, C++, ARMv7/ARMv8 assembly
  • Hands-on experience developing bare-metal code, infrastructure, and device drivers
  • Strong understanding of embedded system architecture and low-level software design
  • Experience performing board bring-up and low-level debugging
  • Ability to maintain an active Secret security clearance
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience developing operating systems or operating system components
  • Strong focus on secure embedded software development
  • Experience working with complex System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms
  • Experience implementing Control Flow Integrity or similar security mechanisms
  • Familiarity with ISRs, MMUs, timers, health monitoring, and entropy sources
  • Experience working with standard I/O interfaces such as UART, I2C, SPI, eMMC, and similar
Benefits Overview
TAP Engineering offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:
  • Paid Time Off: 15-25 days annually based on tenure, plus 11 paid holidays (never use-or-lose)
  • Retirement: Up to 15% employer contribution to a 401(k) through match and profit sharing
  • Medical Coverage: Free medical insurance for employees, with optional buy-up plans for dependents
  • Dental & Vision: Employer-paid plans with optional enhancements
  • Insurance Coverage: Employer-paid life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and dependent care FSAs
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $36,000 per year for approved coursework
  • Additional Benefits: Employee Assistance Program, wellness incentives, discount programs, virtual care, prescription savings, and travel support
  • Performance-Based Rewards: Merit increases, performance bonuses, and referral bonuses
Clearance Requirement
This position requires an active Secret security clearance. Clearance processing and maintenance will be conducted in accordance with U.S. Government requirements.
Additional Information
By submitting your resume for this position, you acknowledge and agree that TAP Engineering may share your resume and related application materials with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for consideration for other available positions.
TAP Engineering is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

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