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Embedded Firmware Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$134K - $184K/yr

Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems

Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems

Responsibilities : • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and ...

Develop firmware and low-level drivers to interface with sensors, communication buses, and custom hardware. * Support integration of embedded software with hardware components, including bring up ...

Embedded Yocto Build Engineer

Rosslyn, VA · On-site

$149K - $197K/yr

... of embedded software and firmware that runs on specialized hardware platforms. You'll help ... translate system requirements into implementable designs, build and integrate low-level components ...

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... Rehost unknown or sparsely documented firmware by analyzing binaries, identifying hardware ...

Embedded Software Engineer

VA

$130K - $171K/yr

... and firmware. • Diagnose issues related to startup behavior, communication failures, timing ... in embedded software development or related engineering roles. • Proficiency in embedded ...

Responsibilities : • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and ...

Senior Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Responsibilities : • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and ...

Responsibilities : • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and ...

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... Rehost unknown or sparsely documented firmware by analyzing binaries, identifying hardware ...

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Embedded Firmware information

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$121K

$162.6K

How much do embedded firmware jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded firmware in Virginia is $120,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,100.00 and $139,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by embedded firmware engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Embedded firmware engineers often encounter challenges such as resource constraints, debugging hardware-software interactions, and ensuring real-time performance. Working within limited memory and processing power requires efficient coding practices and thorough optimization. Additionally, close collaboration with hardware teams is essential to troubleshoot issues that may arise from tight integration with physical components. Staying updated with the latest tools and methodologies, along with strong problem-solving skills, helps address these challenges effectively.

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

To thrive as an Embedded Firmware Engineer, you need a strong background in computer engineering or electrical engineering, with expertise in C/C++ programming, microcontroller architectures, and hardware-software integration. Familiarity with tools like debuggers, oscilloscopes, version control systems (e.g., Git), and industry certifications such as Certified Embedded Systems Engineer can be beneficial. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for diagnosing issues and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are vital for developing reliable, efficient firmware that meets product requirements and ensures seamless operation of embedded devices.

What are embedded firmware engineers?

Embedded firmware engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain the low-level software (firmware) that controls hardware devices. Their work involves writing code that directly interfaces with microcontrollers or processors, enabling devices such as appliances, automotive systems, medical devices, and consumer electronics to function as intended. They often work closely with hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration between hardware and software, optimizing performance and reliability. Embedded firmware engineers typically use programming languages like C or C++ and have a deep understanding of both hardware and software systems.

What is the difference between Embedded Firmware vs Embedded Software Developer?

AspectEmbedded FirmwareEmbedded Software Developer
CredentialsTypically requires embedded systems or electronics background, often with certifications in embedded systemsRequires programming skills, often with degrees in computer science or software engineering
Work EnvironmentHardware-focused, working closely with microcontrollers, sensors, and hardware componentsSoftware-focused, developing applications that run on embedded systems
Industry UsageUsed in consumer electronics, automotive, medical devices, and industrial equipmentDevelops software for embedded systems across various industries

Embedded Firmware specialists focus on programming low-level code directly on hardware devices, often requiring hardware knowledge. Embedded Software Developers create higher-level software that runs on embedded systems, emphasizing coding and application development. Both roles are essential in embedded systems development but differ in scope and focus.

Infographic showing various Embedded Firmware job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,961 per year, or $58.2 per hour.

Embedded Software Developer

JRC Careers

Dahlgren, VA

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Join JRC's SB&IO Team!
JRC is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to design, develop, and test embedded software and firmware solutions for microcontroller, RTOS, and Linux-based systems. This role involves hardware/software integration, low-level driver development, performance optimization, secure coding, debugging, testing, and cross-functional collaboration to support mission-critical embedded systems and end-to-end solution performance.

What You'll Do

  • Design, implement, and test embedded software solutions in C/C++ for microcontrollers, real time operating systems (RTOS), or Linux based embedded systems.
  • Develop firmware and low-level drivers to interface with sensors, communication buses, and custom hardware.
  • Support integration of embedded software with hardware components, including bring up, debugging, and troubleshooting.
  • Participate in system architecture discussions and assist in defining requirements and design specifications.
  • Implement secure coding practices and support cyber-hardened embedded software designs.
  • Conduct unit testing, integration testing, and performance validation.
  • Analyze system logs, memory usage, and timing behavior to optimize performance.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation, including design descriptions, interface control documents (ICDs), test procedures, and user guides.
  • Participate in Agile sprint cycles, technical reviews, and code walkthroughs.
  • Provide technical support for fielded systems and assist with defect resolution.
  • Collaborate with electrical, systems, and test engineering teams to ensure end to end solution performance.

What You Bring to the Table

  • An active DoD security clearance at the SECRET level or above (or have held an active DoD clearance within the last 2 years)
  • A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from an accredited college or university in an engineering, scientific, or technical discipline.
  • Six (6) years professional technical experience which includes at least four (4) years specialized experience performing computer hardware engineering, software design, coding and compilation of code; computer or software requirements
  • management, computer systems or software integration; and utilizing systems engineering software tools.
  • Specialized experience shall also include demonstrated ability to engineer
  • complex systems with integrated software and hardware solutions. An example includes experience related to weapons systems and/or Navy programs utilizing agile software design processes, such as, but not limited to, Python, R, HTML, C/C++, Unix, and Linux.
  • Strong understanding of SharePoint and Microsoft Teams, including experience building and managing sites, pages, lists, and libraries.
  • Strong experience developing embedded software in C and/or C++.
  • Experience working with microcontrollers, SoCs, or embedded Linux systems.
  • Hands on experience with embedded toolchains, debugging tools (JTAG, SWD), oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or serial interfaces.
  • Knowledge of embedded communication protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, Ethernet, or similar.
  • Strong understanding of real time constraints, interrupts, and low-level hardware interactions.
  • Familiarity with version control systems (Git preferred).
  • Ability to analyze technical problems and produce reliable solutions under schedule constraints.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Bonus Points

  • Experience with RTOS environments (FreeRTOS, VxWorks, QNX, RTEMS, etc.).
  • Experience with ARM Cortex processors or similar embedded architectures.
  • Familiarity with Python for test automation and scripting.
  • Experience with embedded security, trusted computing, or secure boot.
  • Background in DoD, Navy systems, or safety critical applications.
  • Experience with modeling tools, interface definition, or hardware simulation.