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Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Columbia, MD (NOW HIRING)

Apogee Research

Embedded Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$151K - $199K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Apogee Research is at the forefront of a revolution in how the DoD operates: a turn towards compositional systems of systems instead of traditional monolithic architectures.

STraffic

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 ...

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All JobsEmbedded Software Engineer JobsEmbedded Software Engineer Jobs in Columbia, MD

Embedded Software Engineer information

See Columbia, MD salary details

$68.9K

$151K

$171.3K

How much do embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded software engineer in Columbia, MD is $150,981.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,400.00 and $170,300.00 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.
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Embedded Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Columbia, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $150,981 per year, or $72.6 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer

Apogee Research

Arlington, VA • On-site

$151K - $199K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Embedded Software Engineer
Apogee Research is at the forefront of a revolution in how the DoD operates: a turn towards compositional systems of systems instead of traditional monolithic architectures. This change is driven by a need for faster adaptation to adversarial environments, which requires the ability to field resilient, distributed systems in days to weeks rather than months to years (much less decades).
Apogee Research is looking for Embedded Software Engineers to lead the creation of capabilities addressing currently unmet needs in National Security. This focuses on implementing cutting edge software capabilities at the tactical edge -- working with existing military and commercial hardware. Limited travel to support test and exercise events is expected.
The details of the position will vary based on the expertise and desires of the candidate and the specific project being executed, however, common themes include:
  • Performing hands-on technical work including design and development of low-level software (typically C and C++) for tactical systems across a variety of architectures and POSIX compliant operating systems.
  • Debugging cyber-physical systems through a deep understanding of both software and computer hardware issues.
  • Supporting demonstration and testing in both laboratory and test events settings.
  • Learning new technologies and developing fundamentally new approaches as needed.
  • Working in cross-discipline teams to solve hard problems through collaboration.

Qualified candidates should have:
  • Extensive experience building low level software that reliably runs in a range of environmental conditions.
  • High proficiency in C and C++.
  • Thorough understanding of the theory and practice of buffers, transports, schedulers, and similar low-level software constructs.
  • Theoretical and practical knowledge of signal processing techniques such as (Nyquist sampling, convolutions, Fourier transforms, etc. is a strong plus.
  • Understanding of hardware (ruggedized compute, amplifiers, software defined radios, etc.) is a strong plus.

The position is located in our Arlington, VA office (full-time in person). Existing DoD Top Secret clearance is extremely desirable, otherwise all candidates must be eligible to obtain one and therefore all candidates must be a to apply.
About Apogee Research
Apogee Research offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, FSAs, paid vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays. Conveniently located in Arlington, VA, we are a short walking distance from the Ballston Metro station. We offer the choice of paid garage parking or a contribution towards a transit account.
Apogee Research, LLC is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.

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