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Embedded Software Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Lead Embedded Software Developer, you'll drive architecture and development for Linux/RTOS-based platforms that must perform flawlessly-every millisecond counts. You'll work hands-on with a ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Cary, NC · On-site

$60 - $64/hr

Embedded Software Engineer Client: Heavy Machine Manufacturing Company Location: Cary, NC 27513 Duration: 12 Months Shift: 1st Shift (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Job Summary Embedded software engineering role ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$124K - $163K/yr

Description XTEND Tampa is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to support the development, integration, and production of autonomous drone systems. This role focuses on hands-on embedded software ...

Embedded Software Engineer Location: Grand Prairie, TX 75052 Rate: $80 to $96.00 an hour with partial benefits - W2 Hourly Contract Only Clearance: DoD Secret Clearance ***No C2C, we can NOT work ...

Embedded Software Engineer Location: Grand Prairie, TX 75052 Rate: $80 to $96.00 an hour with partial benefits - W2 Hourly Contract Only Clearance: DoD Secret Clearance ***No C2C, we can NOT work ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$141K - $185K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Location: Irvine, California (onsite) Duration: Long Term Contract/Full time option as well. Job Overview: We are looking for an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to ...

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Embedded Software Developer information

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How much do embedded software developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for embedded software developer in the United States is $61.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.76 and $69.71 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.
More about Embedded Software Developer jobs
What cities are hiring for Embedded Software Developer jobs? Cities with the most Embedded Software Developer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software Developer jobs? The most popular types of Embedded Software Developer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Embedded Software Developer jobs? The top employers for Embedded Software Developer jobs are:
What states have the most Embedded Software Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Embedded Software Developer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Software Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Software Developer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Embedded Software Developer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,367 per year, or $61.7 per hour.
Lead Embedded Software Developer

Lead Embedded Software Developer

Eaton

Franksville, WI • On-site

$105K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Eaton rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 210 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

221st of 520 rated manufacturers


Job description

Eaton's ES AMER ESS division is currently seeking a Lead Embedded Software Developer.
The expected annual salary range for this role is $105000 - $154000 a year.
Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
What you'll do:
Step into a role where your work directly shapes the future of the smart grid, real-time controls, and high-performance protective relays that keep the world's power flowing. As a Lead Embedded Software Developer, you'll drive architecture and development for Linux/RTOS-based platforms that must perform flawlessly-every millisecond counts.
You'll work hands-on with a collaborative team of software, hardware, and test engineers to build next-generation intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) used across the electrical power distribution industry.
The position will be part of a multi-disciplined new product engineering team at Eaton's Thomas A. Edison Technical Center in Franksville, WI. Relocation is offered to candidates currently residing within the US/PR.
Lead the technical direction and design of embedded platforms while still staying close to the code. Your work will influence product strategy, system performance, and the smart grid technologies powering modern energy infrastructure.
You Will:
• Drive platform architecture & new feature design to shape the next generation of real time, high performance embedded systems.
• Solve complex integration challenges across hardware and software interfaces-your engineering fingerprints will be everywhere.
• Design and build advanced IED functionality in C/C++, including protection algorithms, diagnostics, communication stacks, and cybersecurity features.
• Evaluate and optimize system performance, influencing critical hardware and firmware decisions.
• Champion embedded engineering excellence through code reviews, continuous integration, and modern development practices.
• Collaborate across disciplines-from systems engineering to marketing and operations-to bring new products to life.
Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum of four years of experience in working on embedded systems or embedded software development.
Preferred Qualifications:
• 3+ years of professional C/C++ experience
• Proven technical leadership in embedded product development
• Experience with Embedded Linux (Yocto preferred)
• Strong understanding of drivers, networking, and real-time OS concepts
• Exposure to virtualization, secure coding, cybersecurity, and UML modeling
• Experience with Agile/Scrum, TDD, and unit-test frameworks (GoogleTest, GoogleMock, xUnit++)
• Familiarity with multi-core systems and tools like Jira or Git
• Knowledge of power systems, switchgear, or regulator controls
All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part of the hiring process. All candidates will be evaluated based on job-related competencies, and all candidates' privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws.
We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
Eaton believes in second chance employment. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws.
You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Eaton is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
To request a disability-related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number.
We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families. Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview. Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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About Eaton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cleveland, OH, US