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

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$142K - $186K/yr

Who we are SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national ... Design and analyze embedded software tools and capabilities, including software exception handlers ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$146K - $192K/yr

Perform embedded development, vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, software development, and operational support to solve many of the country's toughest problems. * Apply expertise in C/C ...

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 ...

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Embedded Software Engineer information

See Laurel, MD salary details

$69.4K

$152.1K

$172.5K

How much do embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded software engineer in Laurel, MD is $152,074.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,400.00 and $171,500.00 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 design, develop, and test software that runs on hardware devices such as microcontrollers and embedded systems. They work with programming languages like C and C++, and often use tools like debuggers and oscilloscopes to ensure software reliability in environments such as consumer electronics, automotive systems, and medical devices.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data science, or executive roles can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, typically found in large tech companies or finance firms.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior embedded software engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in real-time systems, and proficiency in programming languages like C and C++ can reach salaries of $300,000 or more, especially in high-demand industries such as aerospace, defense, or advanced technology. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, leadership roles, or working in regions with high living costs and competitive markets.
What job categories do people searching Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Laurel, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Laurel, MD are:
What cities near Laurel, MD are hiring for Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Laurel, MD with the most Embedded Software Engineer job openings:

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Cmu

Arlington, VA • Hybrid

$142K - $186K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 8 hours ago


Job description

Who we are

SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering, computer security, and process improvement. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software-intensive systems. Its core purposes are to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities, advance cybersecurity methods and technologies, and bring the discipline of software engineering to AI systems.

About the role

Are you an engineer who enjoys a challenge? Are you excited about working for a Federally Funded Research and Development Center focusing on areas critical to national security? Do you want to join a collaborative team that develops and uses best-in-class tools to enable end-to-end software development? If so, we want you for our team, where you'll be part of an exciting and impactful culture of collaboration that delivers timely and high-quality results.

We are looking for a creative engineer to design and develop software prototypes and research methods for software resilience. We are seeking a technology-focused team member who has experience with software engineering, RTOS scheduling, and memory management. You'll develop tools, techniques, and processes to solve some of the most difficult software problems that our government faces.

What you'll do

  • Design and analyze embedded software tools and capabilities, including software exception handlers, inter-process communication mechanisms, and software fault monitors.
  • Use static, dynamic, and complexity analysis software tools to identify software weaknesses and areas that need additional design and refactoring.
  • Ensure deterministic performance by architecting and developing software using state-of-the-art techniques.
  • Lead a team of developers while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, taking ownership of high-visibility tasks and deliverables for customers.

Who you are

  • Candidates must possess an active TS/SCI DoW security clearance issued by the U.S. government. A counterintelligence polygraph is required or must be obtained upon request. Applicants must also meet additional customer-specific security requirements.
  • You have a BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related disciplewith ten (10) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with eight (8) years of experience; OR a PhD in the same fields with five (5) years of experience.
  • You have extensive experience with ground and space systems, including software acquisition, architecture, systems/software engineering, testing, and operations, with a deep understanding of the complexities involved in acquiring large, legacy-dependent systems.
  • You have demonstrated experience collaborating with senior customers, program managers, internal staff, and SEI leadership to assess and address customer needs effectively.
  • You've worked in a collaborative team environment as a software developer, software engineer, or verification engineer.
  • You understand the Department of War Systems Engineering lifecycle.
  • You're proficient in one or more of the following: C and C++, Python, MATLAB, C#, or JAVA.
  • You've worked with modern RTOSes, such as VxWorks and Integrity, and developed and analyzed embedded software.
  • You've developed embedded software and performance tests and interpreted the results.
  • You are willing to work 100% of your week onsite at either SEI or a customer facility.
  • You're willing to travel (25%) outside your office location to other SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.

Why work here?

Our benefits philosophy encompasses three driving priorities:choice,control,andwell-being.Through Carnegie Mellon University, SEI offers a wide range of competitive employee benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, tuition benefits, generous time off, and a robust retirement savings policy to name a few.

  • Join a world-class organization that has a significant impact on software in government.
  • Work with cutting edge technologies and experts to solve tough problems for the government and the nation.
  • Get an 8% monthly contribution for your retirement plan without having to contribute to it yourself.
  • Get tuition benefits for you and your dependent children.
  • Get access to university resources including mindfulness programs, a monthly transit benefit on WMATA, free onsite gym at our Arlington facility, etc.
  • Enjoy paid parental and military leave.
  • Qualify for relocation assistance and so much more.

Location

Arlington, VA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff - Regular

Full time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

SalaryMore Information:
  • Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

  • Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

  • Statement of Assurance


About CMU

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Offices of mental health practitioners

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Harrisburg, PA, US