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Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Ashburn, VA (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Software Engineer (AFC Device)

Vienna, VA · On-site

$132K - $173K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer (AFC Device) About the Role STraffic America, headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, is a leading provider of Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems for major U.S. transit ...

New

Embedded Software Engineer (AFC Device)

Vienna, VA · On-site

$132K - $173K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer (AFC Device) About the Role STraffic America, headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, is a leading provider of Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems for major U.S. transit ...

New

Embedded Software Developer

Reston, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

We are seeking a talented and motivated Embedded Software Developer to join our Software Engineering team. You will be working collaboratively to design, develop, and maintain customer embedded ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Embedded Software Engineer information

See Ashburn, VA salary details

$71.6K

$156.9K

$177.9K

How much do embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded software engineer in Ashburn, VA is $156,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $134,500.00 and $176,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

Will AI replace embedded system engineers?

Embedded software engineers design and develop software for embedded systems, and while AI tools can assist with coding and testing, they are unlikely to fully replace the need for human expertise in understanding hardware constraints, system integration, and troubleshooting. AI can enhance productivity but requires skilled engineers to oversee, interpret, and implement solutions effectively.

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.

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 do embedded software engineers do?

Embedded software engineers develop, test, and maintain software that runs on hardware devices such as microcontrollers, sensors, and embedded systems. They write code primarily in C or C++, often using specialized tools and real-time operating systems to ensure efficient and reliable device performance.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced senior engineers in specialized fields such as software, aerospace, or petroleum engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience.

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

Embedded Software Engineers 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-paying industries such as aerospace or automotive. Achieving this salary often requires advanced certifications, a strong track record, and positions in regions with higher compensation levels. Entry-level or general roles typically offer lower salaries, but senior engineers with expertise in embedded systems can reach or exceed this income level.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA? The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA are:
What cities near Ashburn, VA are hiring for Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Ashburn, VA with the most Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Ashburn, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $156,851 per year, or $75.4 per hour.
Cybersecurity Embedded Software Engineer

Cybersecurity Embedded Software Engineer

Viasat, Inc.

Germantown, MD • Hybrid

$174K - $261K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Viasat rating

4.2

Company rating: 4.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 82 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

We are looking for an Embedded Software Engineer - Cybersecurity to join our Government team! 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 or Germantown, MD 3 days per week; hybrid role
  • Ability to Obtain and Maintain a 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

#LI-VSAT 


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 or Germantown, MD 3 days per week; hybrid role
  • Ability to Obtain and Maintain a 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