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Embedded Software Developer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

Senior Embedded Software Developer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$127K - $167K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for a Software Developer to join our CSS group located in Herndon ... Significant focus on developing embedded software code for spacecraft bus avionics, spacecraft ...

STraffic America

Embedded Software Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$132K - $173K/yr

Mid-Level Embedded Software Engineer (AFC Devices) STraffic America is seeking a Mid-Level Embedded Software Engineer to develop and support software for Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) devices used ...

New

PinnaclePartners

Embedded Software Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

About the Role Pinnacle Partners is recruiting for an Embedded Software Engineer on behalf of a client in Sterling, Virginia. We are seeking an experienced embedded software professional with strong ...

SAIC

Embedded Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$120K - $160K/yr

Witness developer-executed tests for embedded devices and systems. * Recommends implementation of current and emerging technologies, tools, frameworks, and changes in regulations relevant to software ...

SAIC

Embedded Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Witness developer-executed tests for embedded devices and systems. * Recommends implementation of current and emerging technologies, tools, frameworks, and changes in regulations relevant to software ...

TalentRemedy

Embedded Software Engineer

Herndon, VA

$135K - $177K/yr

An aerospace client is seeking a Full Time Embedded Software Engineer to join the team and will be responsible for implementing electrical components into hardware and firmware needed for our ...

Wabtec

Embedded Software Engineer

Salem, VA · On-site

$91K - $129K/yr

As an Embedded Software Engineer, you will define and develop embedded software in accordance with software design and test requirement specifications and conduct verification testing during ...

SAIC

Embedded Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Witness developer-executed tests for embedded devices and systems. * Recommends implementation of current and emerging technologies, tools, frameworks, and changes in regulations relevant to software ...

Auria

Embedded Software Engineer

Warrenton, VA · On-site

$131K - $173K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Location: Warrenton, VA Remote Status: Hybrid Job Id: 13896-GBS SFF # of Openings: 1 BCubed Engineering, an Auria company, is looking to hire an Embedded Software Engineer ...

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Embedded Software Developer information

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How much do embedded software developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 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 is an embedded software developer?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded software developer?

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 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.

Is embedded software a good career?

Embedded software development is a stable and growing field that involves creating software for hardware devices such as appliances, automotive systems, and medical equipment. It requires skills in programming languages like C and C++, knowledge of hardware interfaces, and often involves working with real-time operating systems. The demand for embedded developers remains strong due to the increasing integration of electronics in everyday products.

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 September 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.

Senior Embedded Software Developer

Herndon, VA • On-site

General Atomics
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about General Atomicsexternal

$127K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 hours ago

General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Software Developer to join our CSS group located in Herndon, VA. The CSS group provides innovative, cutting-edge, security solutions for the United States Government. Our employees provide a multi-disciplinary, sometimes non-traditional, approach to generate innovative solutions to incredibly challenging technical problems in the national security arena. Our areas of expertise are in spacecraft payload and system development (especially in the confines of implementing very large amounts of functionality in extremely small, power-constrained environments); unique system development; ground control and operational software development; embedded software development; and unique cyber capabilities. Key customers include the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Significant focus on developing embedded software code for spacecraft bus avionics, spacecraft payloads, and ground support equipment. Includes development of special utilities for support development on deeply embedded systems.
  • Evaluates the integration of the engineering solution within the overall engineering environment; and ensures that appropriate documentation, testing, maintenance, and engineering updates completed.
  • Communicates with engineering professionals, solution users, and management throughout the solution development cycle, represents the company as a prime technical contact on contracts and/or projects, interacts with senior external personnel on technical matters requiring coordination between the organizations, and participates in the development of new or expansion of existing business.
  • Determines technical objectives for solution(s) to advanced technical engineering problems.
  • May function in an advisory or leadership role for a project/program and provide direction and guidance to less experienced professional staff or team of professional staff.
  • Plans and coordinates the maintenance of engineering solutions including documentation, reporting, publishing, and making technical and other presentations to ensure viability of the solution(s) in an evolving environment.
  • Plans for future applications of solutions based on new developments in engineering technology.
  • Participates in or may lead the development of new or expansion of existing business opportunities.
  • Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
  • Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
  • Performs other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. Note that this position will be on a 9x80 work schedule with every other Friday off.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in computer science, information systems or related discipline and progressive software development experience as follows; twelve or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, ten or more years of experience with a masters degree, or seven or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
  • Demonstrates a detailed and extensive technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones with some experience in project leadership.
  • Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other departments, customers, government representatives, and/or professionals; the capability of representing the organization as a prime technical contact; and the ability to provide leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
  • High proficiency in C programming language (and/or C++) is required.
  • Extensive experience with software development in the Linux environment (command line, GCC, Makefiles, shell scripting, etc.)
  • Embedded development experience including cross-compiling to separate targets, and testing/development on highly-embedded systems.
  • Expertise in all aspects of the satellite system design life cycle, including spacecraft level environmental testing, launch, and operations is desired.
  • Experience with image processing (filtering, thresholding, calculating statistics, other opencv library functions) is desired.
  • Must be customer focused and able to work on a self- initiated basis or in a team environment and able to work extended hours and travel as required.
  • US Citizenship is required as is the ability to maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance.

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About General Atomics

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General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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