ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Embedded Software Developer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Bowhead

Embedded Software Developer

King George, VA

Overview Bowhead seeks an Embedded Software Developer that will support the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren through design, development, testing, and integrating embedded software solutions ...

JRC Careers

Embedded Software Developer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

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 ...

ITW Avery Weigh-Tronix

Embedded Software Engineer

VA

$130K - $171.10K/yr

The Embedded Software Engineer is responsible for the design, development, testing, and support of embedded software solutions for both existing and new products, including new hardware bring-up, low ...

SAIC

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Dahlgren, VA

$126.50K - $165.70K/yr

Software Subcategory: Embedded SW Engr Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 25% of the time Minimum Clearance Required: Interim_Secret Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Secret ...

SAIC

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Dahlgren, VA

$126.50K - $165.70K/yr

Software Subcategory: Embedded SW Engr Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 25% of the time Minimum Clearance Required: Interim_Secret Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Secret ...

TrustPoint

Embedded Software Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsEmbedded Software Developer JobsEmbedded Software Developer Jobs in Virginia

Embedded Software Developer information

See Virginia salary details

$32

$61

$91

How much do embedded software developer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for embedded software developer in Virginia is $61.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.33 and $69.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Embedded Software Developer, you need a strong understanding of programming languages like C/C++, experience with microcontroller architectures, and typically a degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), debugging tools, and version control systems such as Git is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout developers apart. These capabilities ensure robust, efficient, and reliable software development for critical hardware systems.

What are some common challenges faced by Embedded Software Developers when integrating software with hardware components?

Embedded Software Developers often encounter challenges related to hardware-software integration, such as debugging timing issues, managing limited memory and processing resources, and ensuring reliable communication between devices. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills and close collaboration with hardware engineers to diagnose and resolve issues efficiently. Additionally, developers must frequently work with low-level programming languages and proprietary hardware interfaces, which can require continuous learning and adaptation.

What are Embedded Software Developers?

Embedded Software Developers are engineers who design, develop, and maintain software that operates on specialized hardware systems, such as microcontrollers, IoT devices, automotive systems, and consumer electronics. Their work involves programming in low-level languages like C or C++ to ensure software interacts efficiently with hardware components. They often work closely with hardware engineers to optimize system performance, reliability, and resource usage. Embedded Software Developers must also consider constraints like memory, power consumption, and real-time processing when building robust solutions.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Senior engineering roles such as aerospace, petroleum, and software engineering can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, bonuses, and stock options. High-level positions in management or specialized fields often offer compensation in this range, particularly in industries like technology, energy, and aerospace.

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

AspectEmbedded Software DeveloperFirmware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; programming skills in C/C++Similar credentials; often requires experience with hardware and low-level programming
Work EnvironmentDevelops software for embedded systems in various industries like automotive, consumer electronicsFocuses on designing and implementing firmware directly on hardware devices
Industry UsageCommonly employed in electronics, automotive, IoT, and consumer device companiesPrimarily used in hardware-centric industries like aerospace, medical devices, and consumer electronics

Both roles require strong programming skills in C/C++ and familiarity with embedded systems. While Embedded Software Developers focus on creating software that runs on embedded devices, Firmware Engineers work closely with hardware to develop low-level code that directly interacts with hardware components. The roles often overlap, but Firmware Engineers typically have a deeper understanding of hardware architecture and low-level programming.

What are popular job titles related to Embedded Software Developer jobs in Virginia? For Embedded Software Developer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Software Developer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Software Developer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Embedded Software Developer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Embedded Software Developer job openings:
Embedded Software Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Software Developer job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $127,266 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Embedded Software Developer

Bowhead

King George, VA

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Overview

Bowhead seeks an Embedded Software Developer that will support the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren through design, development, testing, and integrating embedded software solutions that support mission critical systems. This role involves hands-on development in real time environments, working closely with hardware engineers, systems engineers, and program leads to deliver reliable, secure, and high performance embedded software. The developer will contribute to code design, implementation, debugging, optimization, and documentation for both new development and system enhancements.

Responsibilities

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. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

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.

Preferred Qualifications

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.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able obtain and maintain security clearance at the Secret level.  US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

Physical Demands:

  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds 
  • Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
  • Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically  

#LI-MN1

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Apply