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Embedded Software Developer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$210K - $280K/yr

As a Sr. Embedded Software Engineer at Reliable Robotics, you will be a part of the Embedded Systems team developing the low-level software and firmware at the heart of the Reliable Robotics autonomy ...

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Embedded Software Developer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

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How much do embedded software developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for embedded software developer in Seattle, WA is $70.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56.68 and $79.38 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 Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Software Developer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Infographic showing various Embedded Software Developer job openings in Seattle, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,167 per year, or $70.3 per hour.
Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

Reliable Robotics

Seattle, WA • On-site

$210K - $280K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

We're building safety-enhancing technology for aviation that will save lives. Automated aviation systems will enable a future where air transportation is safer, more convenient and fundamentally transformative to the way goods - and eventually people - move around the planet. We are a team of mission-driven engineers with experience across aerospace, robotics and self-driving cars working to make this future a reality.

As a Sr. Embedded Software Engineer at Reliable Robotics, you will be a part of the Embedded Systems team developing the low-level software and firmware at the heart of the Reliable Robotics autonomy stack. We provide dependable computing, networking, signal acquisition, and motor control solutions that bring our aircraft to life. Your contributions will directly enable key equipment and aircraft product demonstrations, unlock the development of higher-level capabilities, and set the stage for product certification & delivery to market.

Responsibilities

  • Develop C/C++ flight software requirements, design, code, unit tests, and requirements-based test cases in accordance with DO-178C software development procedures
  • Develop Python-based software integration test cases
  • Develop and maintain Continuous Integration infrastructure for automating software integration, build, testing, and deployment
  • Focus areas include bare-metal operating system and hardware initialization, networking, protocol drivers, and memory interfaces

Basic Success Criteria

  • 8+ years of professional experience developing C or C++
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience
  • Professional experience developing software for embedded, high-performance, or safety-critical applications

Preferred Criteria

  • 12+ years of professional experience developing C or C++
  • Thorough understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, and networking
  • Experience working in a DO-178 software development environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Comfortable with a fast-paced, agile/iterative development life cycle

Embedded software engineers at Reliable Robotics have a unique opportunity to develop an end-to-end product from bare metal up to the aircraft level, with a direct impact on aircraft capabilities. We are a fast-paced team that gets results, and with your experience, motivation, skills, and enthusiasm, you'll help the team accomplish amazing things.

This position requires access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. An offer of employment will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to perform in compliance with U.S. export control laws.

All applicants are asked to provide documentation that legally establishes status as a U.S. person or non-U.S. person (and nationalities in the case of a non-U.S. person). Where the applicant is not a U.S. person, meaning not a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. * 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. * 1158, or not otherwise permitted to access the export-controlled technology without U.S. government authorization, the Company reserves the right not to apply for an export license for such applicants whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code requires authorization and may decline to proceed with the application process and any offer of employment on that basis.

At Reliable Robotics, our goal is to be a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, ancestry, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or medical conditions, national origin, military or veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other basis covered by applicable law. All employment and promotion is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to work@reliable.co

Compensation Range: $210K - $280K