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Embedded Software Developer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$126K - $165K/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 ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

$150K - $175K/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 ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$150K - $175K/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$142K - $186K/yr

You've worked in a collaborative team environment as a software developer, software engineer, or ... You've developed embedded software and performance tests and interpreted the results. * You are ...

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 ...

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Embedded Software Developer information

See Virginia salary details

$32

$61

$91

How much do embedded software developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 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 engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data science, or executive roles can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, typically found in senior or executive levels within technology companies. Compensation at this level may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options.

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 does an embedded developer do?

An embedded software developer designs, develops, and tests software for embedded systems such as microcontrollers and hardware devices. They write code in languages like C or C++, often work with hardware specifications, and use tools like debuggers and oscilloscopes to ensure the software functions reliably within hardware constraints.

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 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.

Will AI replace embedded developers?

Embedded software developers design and implement software for hardware devices, and AI is unlikely to fully replace them due to the need for specialized knowledge of hardware constraints, real-time systems, and safety requirements. Instead, AI tools can assist developers by automating routine tasks and improving efficiency, but human expertise remains essential for complex problem-solving and system integration.

Can I make 200k a year as a software engineer?

Embedded Software Developers can potentially earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like real-time systems or safety-critical applications, and working in high-cost-of-living regions or for large companies. Achieving this salary often requires advanced knowledge of embedded systems, certifications, and a strong track record of project success. However, salaries vary widely based on location, industry, and individual expertise.

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 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:
Infographic showing various Embedded Software Developer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,266 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer (Embedded/Bare Metal)

TAP Engineering

Reston, VA • On-site

$170K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Bare Metal)

Software | Reston, VA | Full Time

Position: Senior Embedded Software Engineer
Location: Reston, VA
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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