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Embedded Hardware Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Parsons

Hardware Reverse Engineer TS

Centreville, VA

$112K - $196K/yr

Parsons is looking for talented Cleared Hardware and Embedded Systems Reverse Engineers to join our team! In this role you will work directly on an agile, tight knit development team helping to drive ...

Bowhead

Embedded Software Developer

King George, VA · On-site

Overview Bowhead seeks an Embedded Software Developer that will support the Naval Surface Warfare ... engineer complex systems with integrated software and hardware solutions. An example includes ...

Curtiss-Wright

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to ... Minimum 15 years of experience in DoD embedded systems and hardware design (SBC, FPGA, switch, and ...

Curtiss-Wright

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$144K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to ... Minimum 15 years of experience in DoD embedded systems and hardware design (SBC, FPGA, switch, and ...

Curtisswright

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$144K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to ... Minimum 15 years of experience in DoD embedded systems and hardware design (SBC, FPGA, switch, and ...

Curtiss-Wright

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$144K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to ... Minimum 15 years of experience in DoD embedded systems and hardware design (SBC, FPGA, switch, and ...

SAIC

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Dahlgren, VA

$126K - $165K/yr

Embedded SW Engr Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 25% of the time Minimum Clearance ... Support integration of embedded software with hardware components, including bring up, debugging ...

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All JobsEmbedded Hardware Engineer JobsEmbedded Hardware Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Embedded Hardware Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$70.9K

$128.9K

$180.4K

How much do embedded hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded hardware engineer in Virginia is $128,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,600.00 and $155,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Embedded Hardware Engineers during product development?

Embedded Hardware Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines while ensuring reliable hardware performance and compatibility with embedded software. Balancing power consumption, size constraints, and cost-effectiveness in design can also be demanding. Additionally, troubleshooting hardware-software integration issues and staying updated with rapidly evolving technology standards are typical hurdles. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as firmware developers and mechanical engineers, is crucial to address these challenges effectively.

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

To thrive as an Embedded Hardware Engineer, you need a solid background in electronics, circuit design, and microcontroller architecture, typically supported by a degree in electrical or computer engineering. Familiarity with tools such as PCB design software (e.g., Altium Designer), oscilloscopes, and debugging systems, as well as knowledge of relevant industry standards, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set exceptional engineers apart in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure the reliable design, testing, and integration of hardware systems critical to product performance and innovation.

What does an Embedded Hardware Engineer do?

An Embedded Hardware Engineer designs, develops, and tests the physical components of embedded systems, such as microcontrollers, sensors, and circuit boards. They work closely with software engineers to ensure the hardware and software work seamlessly together within products like medical devices, automotive systems, and consumer electronics. Their responsibilities include schematic design, PCB layout, prototyping, debugging, and validating hardware performance. Embedded Hardware Engineers often collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to bring innovative electronic products from concept to production.

What is the difference between Embedded Hardware Engineer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectEmbedded Hardware EngineerFirmware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing hardware components, working in labs or manufacturing settingsDeveloping and debugging embedded software, often in software development labs
Industry UsageElectronics, consumer devices, automotive, aerospaceConsumer electronics, IoT devices, embedded systems
Common Search/ComparisonEmbedded Hardware Engineer vs Firmware Engineer

Embedded Hardware Engineers focus on designing and testing physical electronic components, while Firmware Engineers develop the software that runs on these hardware devices. Both roles often collaborate but require different skill sets and focus areas within embedded systems development.

What are popular job titles related to Embedded Hardware Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Embedded Hardware Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Hardware Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Hardware Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Hardware Engineer jobs in VA? For Embedded Hardware Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Embedded Hardware Engineer jobs near you

Embedded Systems and Technical SETA

Systems Planning and Analysis

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.
SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.
We have an immediate need for an Embedded Systems and Technical SETA to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.
Responsibilities
The candidate will perform technology management support of research efforts involving software and hardware platform research and assessment, integration, testing, prototype development, and transition of systems for secure multi-node processing. Provide expert technical advice and guidance to DARPA regarding all aspects of secure, multi-domain computing systems. Execute new concept and new program development with government principals. Explore current state-of-the-art and technical feasibility of new concepts and potential research approaches. Support DoD research programs in terms of technology management, engagement with research performers, deliverable review, and leading regular calls or meetings with research performers on a technical basis. Support testing and evaluation of DoD applied research and advanced technology development of cybersecurity technologies and/or prototypes in an operationally relevant environment. Directly engage with government transition partners (within the DoD and Intelligence Community) and related stakeholders.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
  • 8+ years of relevant experience in embedded hardware development, embedded systems programming, cybersecurity, and/or computer engineering
  • Active Top Secret clearance
  • Substantial experience in cybersecurity, as applied to embedded hardware systems (e.g. mobile and non-telecom devices, internet of things, and related military and intelligence type equipment)
  • Experience with secure Execution Environments (e.g. TEEs, TPMs) on embedded devices
  • Test & Evaluation experience in cybersecurity red-teaming (to include Counter-Intel style qualitative assessment), and demonstrated ability to 'break' systems, thus exposing design, architecture, and security flaws and identification of technical debt
  • Ability to work with little oversight to achieve team goals
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • A high degree of initiative, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and reliability
  • Familiarity with general systems engineering principles for complex systems development
  • Able to report to Arlington, VA full-time in a SCIF environment, based upon client needs

Desired:
  • Graduate/Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
  • Experience with a wide variety of reverse engineering (RE), vulnerability research (VR), offensive cyber, and defense cyber methods and state-of-the-art for embedded systems
  • Experience in experience in testbed development and usage for mixed real/virtual (i.e. Live Virtual Constructive) sets of software and/or hardware nodes
  • Experience in T&E operations planning and execution, i.e. Test Planning, Test Infrastructure, Test Execution and Documentation, Travel to CONUS and OCONUS locations
  • Experience operating in complex, contested, non-benign environments
  • Experience with clandestine or covert operations
  • Experience with cyber operations
  • Experience with Telecommunications (Telco) Operators, and a wide variety of systems
  • Experience working with Special Access Programs (SAPs)/CAPs
  • Experience with Agile development methodologies

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