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Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Software Engineer

Johnston, IA · On-site

$123.40K - $162.30K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Johnston, IA (100% onsite) Overview: This position involves hands-on testing and development, maintaining the current system, and working on the next generation. The ...

Job#: 3033759 Embedded Software Developer Location: Johnston, Iowa (On-site) Employment Type: Contract Role Overview This role involves delivering software solutions for equipment designed by ...

Software Engineer (Javascript, Typescript, Node.js, AWS, Lambda, APIs) Location: Johnston, IA, US (Hybrid) Type: Contract W2 The candidate will be responsible for modernizing a series of mainframe ...

Software Engineering Reports to: SW Engineering Manager The Culture Ag Leader was born from a ... to embedded software development, and support the integration of sensors and machine learning in ...

Software Engineer SHAZAM recognizes that financial institutions build better communities, and this drives our passion to strengthen financial institutions. We are a trusted partner to our valued ...

Software Engineer

Johnston, IA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for supporting the development, maintenance and improvement of software applications with minimal guidance from more experienced engineers. This ...

Software Engineer

Johnston, IA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for supporting the development, maintenance and improvement of software applications with minimal guidance from more experienced engineers. This ...

About the Role One of the Des Moines Register's top workplaces is looking for a mid-level Software Engineer to join our team to help build and support both core business systems and customer-facing ...

About the Role One of the Des Moines Register's top workplaces is looking for a mid-level Software Engineer to join our team to help build and support both core business systems and customer-facing ...

The Software Engineer will work on product development, collaborating with scrum teams to analyze business needs and deliver integrated solutions. Responsibilities : • Work closely with product ...

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Embedded Software Engineer information

See Ames, IA salary details

$68.5K

$150.1K

$170.3K

How much do embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded software engineer in Ames, IA is $150,114.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,700.00 and $169,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is an Embedded Software Engineer?

Embedded software is installed on devices that operate like personal computers. Examples of embedded software can be found in geographic positioning systems, or GPS devices, smart watches, and calculators. Embedded software engineers perform a range of embedded software engineering functions, including running system software updates and designing software for embedded systems. Embedded software engineers also advise on product development, approve new product designs, and optimize the product lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Embedded Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded Software Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science or electrical engineering, strong programming skills in C/C++, and experience with embedded systems design. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), microcontroller architectures, debugging tools, and version control systems like Git is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top engineers apart. These competencies are crucial for building reliable, efficient, and safe embedded solutions that meet industry standards.

How does an Embedded Software Engineer typically collaborate with hardware engineers during product development?

Embedded Software Engineers work closely with hardware engineers throughout the product development lifecycle. Collaboration often involves joint design reviews, debugging sessions, and integration testing to ensure software and hardware function seamlessly together. Effective communication is crucial, as changes in hardware can impact software functionality and vice versa. This cross-disciplinary teamwork helps resolve technical issues quickly and ensures the end product meets performance and reliability standards.

What are Embedded Software Engineers?

Embedded Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain software that runs on embedded systems—specialized computing devices that are part of larger systems, such as cars, medical devices, industrial machines, and consumer electronics. Their work involves programming in languages like C or C++ to interact closely with hardware components, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and safety. Embedded Software Engineers work closely with hardware engineers to integrate and test software with physical devices, often working within real-time and resource-constrained environments. Their expertise is crucial in developing the 'brains' of many devices we use every day.

What is the difference between Embedded Software Engineer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectEmbedded Software EngineerFirmware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; often requires knowledge of C/C++Similar credentials; strong C/C++ skills, understanding of hardware
Work EnvironmentDevelops software for embedded systems in various industries like automotive, IoT, consumer electronicsFocuses on low-level hardware interaction, often working closely with hardware teams
Industry UsageCommon in automotive, medical devices, consumer electronics, industrial automationPrimarily in consumer electronics, IoT devices, and hardware startups

Embedded Software Engineers design and develop software for embedded systems, focusing on system-level programming. Firmware Engineers write low-level code that directly interacts with hardware components. While both roles require similar skills and work environments, Embedded Software Engineers often work on a broader range of software, whereas Firmware Engineers focus on hardware-specific code. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Ames, IA? The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Ames, IA are:
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Ames, IA? For Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Ames, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Ames, IA are:
What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Ames, IA with the most Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
Embedded Software Developer C++

Embedded Software Developer C++

RFA Engineering

Urbandale, IA • On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) supports industry-leading clients through the full software development lifecycle to build cutting-edge precision agriculture, machine guidance, vehicle automation and autonomy applications. We are seeking passionate, talented engineers to work on exciting projects using the latest tools and technologies including robotics, computer-vision, machine learning, IoT, cloud computing, and much more. Collaborate with a team of industry experts onsite at our client's world-class engineering center and contribute to developing innovative solutions that drive sustainable agriculture practices.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Embedded Software Engineer
RFA Engineering is seeking a C++ Embedded Software Developer to support the development of precision agriculture technology for off-highway equipment. This role involves designing, coding, and testing embedded software using modern C++ for control systems, sensor integration, and real-time applications. The ideal candidate will have experience with embedded systems, communication protocols, and work closely with cross-functional teams to bring advanced ag-tech solutions to market.
Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and test embedded software components using C++ for agricultural control systems and sensor interfaces.
  • Work closely with systems engineering to define software requirements and architecture.
  • Integrate software on real-time operating systems (RTOS) and bare-metal environments for 32-bit microcontrollers and embedded Linux platforms.
  • Implement CAN-based communication protocols (e.g., J1939, ISO 11783) for tractor and implement control.
  • Conduct unit testing, system integration, and validation on bench and field equipment.
  • Participate in code reviews, documentation, and software lifecycle planning in compliance with internal quality standards.
  • Troubleshoot hardware/software integration issues in lab and field environments.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including electrical engineers, controls engineers, test engineers, and product managers.

Requirements
  • B.S. or M.S. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field.
  • 2+ years of experience developing embedded software using modern C++.
  • Proficiency in embedded software development for microcontroller- or processor-based systems.
  • Experience with CAN, SPI, I2C, and UART communication protocols.
  • Familiarity with real-time operating systems (e.g., FreeRTOS, VxWorks) or embedded Linux.
  • Experience with version control tools such as Git.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in agriculture, off-highway equipment, or automotive embedded systems.
  • Familiarity with ISOBUS or J1939 communication protocol
  • Experience working in Agile development environments.
  • Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing frameworks.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position
Pay Range: $75,000-$120,000 - Commensurate with experience
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • TelaDoc Healthiest You
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Short-term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • HSA for Medical Expenses
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.