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Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Kent, WA (NOW HIRING)

NRG Energy

Sr Software Engineer, Embedded

Seattle, WA · On-site

$141K - $185K/yr

Senior Embedded Software Engineer Who Are We: Vivint Smart Home is the leading provider of smart home services in North America. Vivint delivers an integrated smart home system with in-home ...

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All JobsEmbedded Software Engineer JobsEmbedded Software Engineer Jobs in Kent, WA

Embedded Software Engineer information

See Kent, WA salary details

$79K

$173K

$196.2K

How much do embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded software engineer in Kent, WA is $172,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $148,300.00 and $195,100.00 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.
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What job categories do people searching Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Kent, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Kent, WA are:
What cities near Kent, WA are hiring for Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Kent, WA with the most Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
Embedded Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Kent, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $172,994 per year, or $83.2 per hour.
Embedded Software Engineers with Security Clearance

Embedded Software Engineers with Security Clearance

Zachary Piper Solutions, LLC

Kent, WA • On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to support an enterprise defense, space, and security program in Kent, WA. The customer is seeking developers to support code generation for highly embedded systems to support the development of software-defined radios for the DoD's satellite systems. Clearance: Top Secret required Location: Kent, WA (Hybrid- 2 days remote) This job opens for applications on 4/20/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date Responsibilities of the Engineer: * Support the generation of code for deeply embedded systems, ensuring functionality aligns with system requirements. * Assist in creating scalable, open-architecture system solutions that enable broad interoperability and future growth. * Work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to rapidly design and prototype hardware-based solutions. * Develop, integrate, and validate software on target processors, ensuring reliable execution and performance. * Implement embedded software into FPGA-based systems and interfacing directly with hardware
* Build out Board Support Package (BSP) for Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) hardware
Qualifications of the Engineer: * Bachelors degree in related discipline and 9+ years of related experience
* Active Top Secret security clearance
* 5+ years of embedded systems programming using C, C++, Linux * Experience supporting satellite based systems * Experience with virtualization (VxWorks) * Advanced expertise using Linux and PetaLinux Compensation for the Engineer: * Total compensation based on experience level - $130,000-$165,000+ **based on degree and total years of experience** * Full Benefits: PTO/Holidays, Cigna Medical, Dental, and Vision, 401k with ADP * Certification reimbursement * Contract stability and mobility through Zachary Piper Solutions #LI-MK1 #LI-Onsite Keywords: software developer, software engineer, software engineering, aircraft, aerospace engineer, model based systems engineering, CAMEO, DOORS, requirements, systems engineer, JIRA, aircraft, weapons, DoD, W2, opentowork, hiring, model-based, sysML, modeling language, UML, secret, top secret, ts/sci, C++, satellite, C#, linux, vxworks, virtualization, cloud, prototype, software defined radio, SDR, Kent, Washington, hybrid, top secret/sci, st. louis, onsite, on-site, Intelligence, Federal, tactical aircraft development, defense aircraft systems, satellite, software, development, C++, C#, java, python, IT, information technology, mission systems engineering, weapon system development, software requirements management, software verification management, system verification, system certification, military safety-critical systems, mission-critical hardware and software certification, Model-Based Systems Engineering, MBSE, MSOSA, SysML, systems architecture modeling, model development, DOORS, JIRA, Confluence, systems engineering tools, top secret, ts/sci, security clearance

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