1

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

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$142K - $186K/yr

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

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Embedded Software Engineer information

See Fairfax, VA salary details

$71.4K

$156.5K

$177.5K

How much do embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded software engineer in Fairfax, VA is $156,452.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $134,100.00 and $176,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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.

Are embedded software engineers in demand?

Embedded software engineers are in high demand due to the growth of IoT, automotive, medical devices, and consumer electronics industries. They often require skills in C, C++, and real-time operating systems, with job opportunities increasing globally as embedded systems become more integral to technology development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Fairfax, VA?

The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Fairfax, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Fairfax, VA?

For Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Fairfax, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Fairfax, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Fairfax, VA are:

What cities near Fairfax, VA are hiring for Embedded Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Fairfax, VA with the most Embedded Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Fairfax, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,452 per year, or $75.2 per hour.

Embedded Engineer - TS/SCI

Parsons Corporation

Centreville, VA • On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Parsons rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

268th of 450 rated engineering


Job description

Job Summary:
Parsons Corporation is a company that values innovation and personal growth, seeking talented engineers to join their team. The Embedded Software Engineer will participate in the Agile Scrum development life cycle, focusing on the full development life cycle of embedded software on Linux platforms, including design, testing, and troubleshooting.
Responsibilities:
• Full Development Life Cycle: Work through the entire software development life cycle, including technical requirements, architecture/design, development, testing, and deployment.
• Embedded Software Development: Develop embedded software on Linux platforms.
• Product Integration: Research, test, build, and coordinate the integration of new products based on production and client requirements.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve technical issues within the operational (production) environment, tracking and updating progress as needed.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor of Science in engineering, scientific, or technical discipline, or comparable work experience and a minimum of 8 years of related professional experience (Additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of degree)
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with the ability to upgrade to polygraph.
• Proficiency in working within a Linux command-line environment.
• Linux inter-process communication and kernel module software development.
• Multithreaded and real-time programming techniques.
• Knowledge of Linux, VxWorks, or other embedded systems internals.
• Experience analyzing performance issues and implementing efficiency improvements.
• Ability to effectively communicate with technical team members, managers, and customers.
• Ability to work in a cooperative team environment.
• Ability to rapidly adapt to changing requirements and schedules.
Preferred:
• Familiarity with TCP/IP and socket programming.
• Experience with virtualization technologies such as VMware, Xen, OpenStack, or VirtualBox.
• Experience developing client/server architectures in C/C++/Assembly.
• Familiarity with RVTM, FAT, acceptance testing, and other formal testing procedures.
Company:
Parsons is an engineering, construction, technical and management services firm for national security and global infrastructure markets. Founded in 1944, the company is headquartered in Pasadena, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

What Parsons employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom