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Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Gaithersburg, MD

Embedded Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$70K - $123K/yr

We are looking for a professional Embedded Software Engineer, a team player with solid technical skills to add to our core engineering team. Candidates must have a strong technical background and be ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$70K - $123K/yr

Overview We are looking for a professional Embedded Software Engineer, a team player with solid technical skills to add to our core engineering team. Candidates must have a strong technical ...

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.

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.

Showing results 21-40

Embedded Software Engineer information

See Gaithersburg, MD salary details

$75.6K

$165.7K

$188K

How much do embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded software engineer in Gaithersburg, MD is $165,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $142,100.00 and $186,900.00 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 Gaithersburg, MD? The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD? For Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD are:
What cities near Gaithersburg, MD are hiring for Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Gaithersburg, MD with the most Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Gaithersburg, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,723 per year, or $79.7 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer

iDirect GOVERNMENT

Herndon, VA • On-site, Remote

$70K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

We are looking for a professional Embedded Software Engineer, a team player with solid technical skills to add to our core engineering team. Candidates must have a strong technical background and be capable of coming up to speed on new technologies quickly. Good communication skills, great problem-solving skills, and the ability to work both individually and collaboratively in a team environment are required. If you enjoy working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with the smartest team and the very latest technologies, then this is the job for you!

iDirect Government is a leading ground systems provider to the military satellite industry. We offer platforms connecting a variety of satellite constellations with an array of remote terminals. Terminals are installed on aircraft, maritime vessels, and other ground-based military and government assets. These terminals provide internet and voice capabilities to remote and austere locations.

This is a cross-functional engineering position, developing embedded software for our satellite products on a Linux platform.

This position is based in Herndon, VA.


  • Develop the C++ applications that control our next generation of satellite terminals
  • Design, code, test, and integrate software from requirements to production and commercial deployment
  • Assist with the estimation of time and effort required to implement new features
  • Participate in design reviews, peer code reviews, and improve product quality
  • Interface and work with cross-functional teams to successfully implement feature dependencies
  • Integrate and validate new product designs
  • Act as a member of an Agile scrum team

  • 4+ years of experience in software development
  • Understanding of hardware design and architecture
  • Solid programming experience in C/C++ object-oriented design and development
  • Linux or a POSIX O/S environment
  • Familiarity with software configuration management, defect tracking tools, and peer review
  • Strong documentation and writing skills

Additional experience in the following areas is a plus:

  • Embedded development including hardware debug, device drivers, and real-time constraints in a complex multi-processor system
  • Cross-functional (hardware/firmware/software) development and verification
  • Knowledge of satellite communication protocols
  • Satellite communications protocols such as DVB-S2 and TDMA
  • Networking protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP and IPv6
  • 509 Certificate and Crypto key management
  • Shell scripting, Perl, Lua, or Python
  • Docker, Conan, cmake, C++11
  • Knowledge of Jira, Confluence, BitBucket, Git, SharePoint, Jenkins and Artifactory is a plus
  • Working knowledge of GCC, grep/awk/sed command line tools, bash scripting, GDB debugger, systemd suite

Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software, Systems, Mathematics, or related technical field/experience

Clearance

  • Active DoD clearance or ability to obtain a DoD clearance

Travel

  • 0-10%

Pay Range: $70,769 - $123,818

The iDirect Government salary range for this position is intended to provide a general guideline for compensation. Actual compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the duties and responsibilities of the role, education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and other business or legal considerations. The posted range is not a guarantee of compensation.

iDirect Government is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or protected veteran status.