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Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Baltimore, MD

As an embedded software engineer, you know how to create and maintain crucial pieces of software. You use your knowledge to write and optimize code that creates a bridge between pieces of software ...

Responsibilities As an embedded software engineer, you know how to create and maintain crucial pieces of software. You use your knowledge to write and optimize code that creates a bridge between ...

Responsibilities As an embedded software engineer, you know how to create and maintain crucial pieces of software. You use your knowledge to write and optimize code that creates a bridge between ...

Embedded Developer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$69K - $158K/yr

As an embedded software engineer, you know how to create and maintain crucial pieces of software. You use your knowledge to write and optimize code that creates a bridge between pieces of software ...

Embedded Developer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$69K - $158K/yr

As an embedded software engineer, you know how to create and maintain crucial pieces of software. You use your knowledge to write and optimize code that creates a bridge between pieces of software ...

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Embedded Software Engineer information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$69.6K

$152.4K

$172.9K

How much do embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded software engineer in Baltimore, MD is $152,401.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,700.00 and $171,900.00 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 Baltimore, MD? The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD? For Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD are:
What cities near Baltimore, MD are hiring for Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Baltimore, MD with the most Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
Principal or Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Principal or Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Annapolis, MD

$135K - $203K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 18 hours ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 347 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SCITRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is looking for a Principal or Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer with the desire to learn new technologies and develop software for cutting edge Undersea Payloads. The embedded software engineer will design, develop, integrate, and test software that manages an embedded, undersea payload unit ensuring compliance to established requirements. Selected individuals will work on an agile development team, primarily using C++, Linux and/or Python. This role will support the MSTS Business Unit in Annapolis, MD.

The individual will work through all phases of the software development cycle including design, development, integration, and test. The selected individual will conduct reviews of software-related products, software designs, and additional technical documents.

The responsibilities include active participation in cross-functional scrum teams, design reviews, and other reviews, as required. The selected individual will actively participate in technical, peer-reviews to ensure system/software requirements are being met from an end-to-end system point of view. Individuals must be self-starters and able to efficiently operate in a team environment. Existing engineering and system specialists will be made available to assist with any activities associated with executing primary tasking. However, the selected individuals will be expected to prioritize and make recommendations to Technical Leads, as required, to implement tasking assigned.

This position can be filled at a Principal or Senior Principal level.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Embedded Software Engineer:

Bachelor of Science (B.S) degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or an equivalent STEM related discipline with 5+ years software development experience working on embedded real-time systems or 3+ years with a master's degree, 0 years with a PhD

Experience in developing in C++ and Python

Experience in embedded software development

Experience developing in a Linux and/or Windows environment

Demonstrated experience as a technical lead

Microelectronics programming experience

US Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI with poly

Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer:

Bachelor of Science (B.S) degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or an equivalent STEM related discipline with 8+ years of software development experience working on embedded real-time systems or 6+ years with a master's degree or 3+ years with a PhD

Experience in developing in C++ and Python

Experience in embedded software development

Experience developing in a Linux and/or Windows environment

Demonstrated experience as a technical lead

Microelectronics programming experience

US Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI with poly

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with the Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket)

Experience in embedded C++ optimizations

Experience in JavaScript

Experience in Web GUI development, Qt, CUDA/ArrayFire coding, and Docker/k8s

Hands on hardware integration and testing experience

Ability to debug complex integrated applications or test setup issues

Active TS/SCI

NGFeaturedJobs

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939