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

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$142K - $186K/yr

SDD is seeking a Lead Embedded Software Engineer to support the design, development, and implementation of real-time processing solutions in software for advanced multi-function Radar systems. You ...

SDD is seeking a Lead Embedded Software Engineer to support the design, development, and implementation of real-time processing solutions in software for advanced multi-function Radar systems. You ...

SDD is seeking a Lead Embedded Software Engineer to support the design, development, and implementation of real-time processing solutions in software for advanced multi-function Radar systems. You ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 10, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded software engineer?

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 is an embedded software engineer?

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.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA? For Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA, the most frequently searched job titles 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $156,851 per year, or $75.4 per hour.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

STR

Arlington, VA • On-site

$142K - $186K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

The Systems Development Division (SDD) delivers technology advantage into users' hands by delivering capabilities focused on end-customer needs that function in operationally relevant environments and timeframes. SDD considers the entire lifecycle of the solution, from conceptualization and architecting, through development, to deployment, while leveraging novel technologies to deliver first-of-a-kind systems. Current efforts include programs for airborne and space RF as well as advanced testing enabled by multi-function, multi-modal capabilities.
SDD is seeking a Lead Embedded Software Engineer to support the design, development, and implementation of real-time processing solutions in software for advanced multi-function Radar systems. You will collaborate with fellow researchers and engineers on multi-disciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions related to exploration and demonstration of Radar and EW/RF convergence. In this role, you will identify and evaluate technical approaches, design and implement digital signal processing architectures, and have the opportunity to lead teams focused on delivering solutions over the complete signal processing chain for radar applications in various operational environments.
You will conduct performance analysis through simulations and real-world testing to validate and optimize the products you create. Additionally, you will support efforts to evaluate current and future capabilities, identify improved applications and techniques, and ultimately recommend solutions. Since the systems SDD develops are deployed in operationally relevant environments, the products you develop need to meet standards of quality, maintainability, and reuse. This position will offer the opportunity for technical leadership, design, analysis, development, testing, and fielding of capabilities.
The successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership skills and contributions in areas such as: radar, electronic warfare, digital signal processing, systems engineering, and test & evaluation. This position requires skills in working with multi-disciplinary teams, awareness of relevant technologies, and interest in developing and delivering systems in tight time-frames. Strong interpersonal, communication, and technical skills are required. Applicants are expected to be self-motivated, detail oriented and have a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate.
What you will do:
  • Support and/or lead development of innovative radar/EW systems through implementation of digital signal processing (DSP)
  • Architect, design, direct, and implement cutting-edge embedded software in multi-function, deliverable/deployable systems
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand and/or develop system requirements and specifications
  • Research, understand, and lead new embedded software implementations. Identifying new technical approaches and working with leadership to create/refine technology/product roadmaps
  • Effectively use tools to create, evaluate, and document solutions and clearly communicate the solution to the team, STR management and customers
  • Design and implement signal processing and software solutions
  • Conduct performance analysis through simulations and real-world testing to validate and optimize system performance
  • Prepare documentation, design specifications, test plans, and reports
  • Communicate effectively with internal teams and stakeholders to convey technical concepts and project updates

Who you are:
  • This position requires an Active SECRET security clearance with eligibility to obtain a Top Secret (TS) security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by the U.S. Government
  • Demonstrated expertise implementing real-time signal processing solutions in C++ (C++17 or later)
  • Demonstrated knowledge of digital signal processing
  • Applicable understanding of and experience with Radar systems and their principles of design, development, requirements verification, test planning, test execution, and data analysis
  • Experience with algorithm implementation in software for real time systems, especially radar and/or remote sensing
  • Experience with Xilinx MPSoC and/or RFSoC platforms
  • Experience in preparing and delivering briefings, familiarity with the execution of technical reviews (SRRs, PDRs, CDRs, TIMS)
  • Capable of working in a team environment and interacting with team members to ensure effective communication and alignment including mentoring of junior engineers
  • Background should include a Bachelor's degree and at least 7 years of applicable experience; Master's degree and at least 5 years of applicable experience; or PhD and at least 2 years of applicable experience. Equivalent experience will be considered

Nice to have:
  • CUDA experience
  • Expertise in radar simulation tools (MATLAB)
  • Active Top Secret clearance
  • Applicable knowledge of target detection
  • Applicable domain experience in one or more of the following areas: Electronic Warfare, Antenna Apertures, Sensor Resource Management, Large-Scale Platform Test Systems, Cyber Physical Systems, Open System Architectures (UCI, OMS, COARPS)

Required Education:
  • Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Radar Systems, or related technical field

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.
STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.