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Embedded Software Developer Jobs in Herndon, VA (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Software Test Engineer This role focuses on developing, executing, and maintaining automated test frameworks to ensure the quality and reliability of Battery Management System (BMS) products ...

Embedded Software Test Engineer This role focuses on developing, executing, and maintaining automated test frameworks to ensure the quality and reliability of Battery Management System (BMS) products ...

D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field * BS with 7+ years' experience in embedded software development for resource-constrained systems (such as ...

In this role, the Senior Embedded Software Engineer will work with a cross-functional Engineering team to design and develop new functionalities, as well as maintaining and expanding on the existing ...

In this role, the Senior Embedded Software Engineer will work with a cross-functional Engineering team to design and develop new functionalities, as well as maintaining and expanding on the existing ...

Showing results 41-60

Embedded Software Developer information

See Herndon, VA salary details

$34

$63

$95

How much do embedded software developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for embedded software developer in Herndon, VA is $63.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51.15 and $71.68 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 Herndon, VA?

For Embedded Software Developer jobs in Herndon, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Embedded Software Developer jobs in Herndon, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Embedded Software Developer jobs in Herndon, VA are:

Infographic showing various Embedded Software Developer job openings in Herndon, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,004 per year, or $63.5 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer - Cybersecurity

Viasat, Inc.

Germantown, MD • Hybrid

$174K - $261K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Viasat rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 99 rated telecommunications companies


Job description

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.


What you'll do

Our team develops satellite modems and terminals that communicate over multi-band satellite systems, including the Viasat-3 global constellation! As an Embedded Software Engineer – Cybersecurity, you will collaborate with software, security, and automation engineers to design, develop, and deploy secure embedded terminal systems. This role emphasizes secure software development across the full SDLC, including automation, testing, deployment, and continuous integration in both development and production environments.  There may be opportunites for non-security related feature development as well.

This role directly contributes to the security, reliability, and scalability of our global satellite terminal infrastructure.


The day-to-day
  • Design, develop, test, document, troubleshoot, and maintain security-focused embedded software
  • Develop automated access controls for systems and devices
  • Integrate security tools into CI/CD pipelines including static and dynamic analysis
  • Configure, enforce, and tune security tool policies
  • Triage and analyze security scan results
  • Develop technical documentation and security test plans
  • Automate configuration and validation of Linux security settings
  • Create scripts and tools for managing secrets, keys, and digital certificates
  • Research and prototype security mechanisms for development and production environments
  • Evaluate Linux controls for cybersecurity and privacy compliance
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with product, test, and security teams

What you'll need
  • 8+ years of professional software engineering experience
  • Strong C and C++ development and debugging skills on Linux
  • Experience with encryption and authentication software
  • Experience with OpenSSL cryptographic libraries
  • Working knowledge of Linux security controls
  • Proficiency with Bash and scripting languages such as Python or Lua
  • Experience working in an Agile, Perforce or Git-based development environment
  • Ability to work autonomously and mentor junior engineers
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, a related field or equivalent experience
  • Must be able to work out of our office in Carlsbad, CA 3 days per week; hybrid role
  • Active United States Secret Clearance required

     

What will help you on the job
  • Deep knowledge of Linux OS internals including threading, synchronization, memory management, and networking
  • Experience with Linux device driver development and kernel crypto modules
  • Experience implementing REST APIs and working with JSON
  • Experience configuring and debugging embedded HTTP/HTTPS servers
  • Strong foundations in data structures and algorithms
  • Experience designing and implementing network security protocols
  • Experience with Agile / Scrum methodologies
  • Experience with modern C++ standards (C++17 and newer)
  • Experience with ARM, Power and x86 architectures
  • Knowledge of Trusted Execution Environments like ARM TrustZone
  • Knowledge of hardware security with TPM
  • Experience with secure transport protocols such as TLS and IPsec
  • Experience with virtualized environments: Docker/Podman/LXC containers
  • Experience with confidential containers
  • Experience with secure firmware update and OTA software integrity mechanisms
  • Experience with threat modeling and structured vulnerability analysis

Salary range
$140,500.00 - $221,500.00 / annually.For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $174,000.00- $261,000.00/ annually
At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.
EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.

Qualifications:
  • 8+ years of professional software engineering experience
  • Strong C and C++ development and debugging skills on Linux
  • Experience with encryption and authentication software
  • Experience with OpenSSL cryptographic libraries
  • Working knowledge of Linux security controls
  • Proficiency with Bash and scripting languages such as Python or Lua
  • Experience working in an Agile, Perforce or Git-based development environment
  • Ability to work autonomously and mentor junior engineers
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, a related field or equivalent experience
  • Must be able to work out of our office in Carlsbad, CA 3 days per week; hybrid role
  • Active United States Secret Clearance required

     
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Viasat employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


ViaSat logo

About ViaSat

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate.

Industry

Telecommunications

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carlsbad, CA, US

Year founded

1986