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

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 (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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 16, 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 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 popular job titles related to Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Laurel, MD?

For Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Laurel, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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:

Infographic showing various Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Laurel, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $152,074 per year, or $73.1 per hour.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Liquid Robotics, a Boeing Company

Jessup, MD • On-site

$161K - $222K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Description
Senior Embedded Software Engineer
Liquid Robotics is seeking a Senior Embedded / Robotics Software Engineer to develop mission-critical software for autonomous maritime robotic systems. This hybrid role is based in the Jessup, MD and reports to our Software Manager. Our platforms operate in challenging ocean environments for extended deployments (3+ month missions), requiring exceptionally reliable and fault tolerant software.
Essential Responsibilities
  • Derive requirements for, design, develop, and maintain reliable embedded software for long-duration autonomous maritime operations (90+ day uptime requirements).
  • Integrate COTS and custom robotic components including servos and actuators, power management systems (batteries, solar charging), satellite radios and maritime communication equipment, and environmental and navigation sensors (GPS, IMU, depth sensors, cameras, acoustic sensors, etc.).
  • Implement fault-tolerant architectures with watchdog systems, automated recovery, and graceful degradation to meet mission uptime and reliability goals.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including systems, mechanical, electrical, quality assurance, production, and product management to ensure integrated system performance.
  • Work within a structured software development lifecycle combining Agile methodologies with V-model validation processes; participate in requirements, design, code reviews, and system integration testing.
  • Develop and maintain device drivers, middleware, and mission code for ARM-based embedded Linux platforms (e.g., NVIDIA Tegra/Jetson, Raspberry Pi) in Debian-based environments.
  • Design for real-time constraints, deterministic behavior on Linux, and power-aware sleep/wake strategies to maximize mission duration.
  • Create and execute Software-In-Loop, Hardware-In-Loop, and on-device test methods; develop CI/CD pipelines, automated tests, and release artifacts to support multiple overlapping product lines.
  • Troubleshoot and root-cause hardware/software interactions; capture diagnostic data and coordinate corrective actions across engineering disciplines.
  • Produce and maintain clear technical documentation including design notes, runbooks, test plans, and procedures.

Key Attributes
  • Deep systems thinker who can analyze, explain, and close the loop from sensors through actuators and human-in-the-loop components.
  • Detail-oriented and methodical with strong software engineering and test discipline.
  • Practical hands-on experience integrating and troubleshooting embedded hardware and sensors in harsh environments.
  • Strong communicator, able to convey complex software and system behaviors to engineering, Manufacturing, and QA.
  • Comfortable working cross-functionally and responding to integration, production, and field deployment priorities.
  • Autonomous, pragmatic, and focused on delivering robust, maintainable solutions for safety- and mission-critical systems.

Minimum Qualifications
  • BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related discipline; advanced degree or technical credentials a plus.
  • 10+ years of professional embedded software architecture, design, and development experience.
  • Proven experience shipping robotic or autonomous systems with long-duration uptime requirements and fault-tolerant architectures.
  • Strong programming and architecture skills in C++ and Java for mission code; Python for tools, scripts, and automation.
  • Deep understanding of Linux system architecture, device drivers, and managing deterministic/real-time behavior on Linux.
  • Experience with serial protocols (RS-232, RS-485), CAN bus, USB, UDP/TCP networks, and satellite communication systems (Iridium, Starlink).
  • Experience with version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and managing complex build systems across product lines.
  • Knowledge of sensor fusion, error correction, and degraded-mode operation strategies.
  • Understanding of power management, thermal constraints, and environmentally robust software design.
  • Experience with power-aware software design, sleep/wake strategies, and long-duration mission planning.
  • Familiarity with Software-In-Loop, Hardware-In-Loop, and on-device testing methodologies.

U.S. Person status required.
Ability to obtain a US Secret Clearance required. Preference given to candidates with active security clearance at time of hire.
Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, market and business considerations, and the role's geographic location
Summary pay range: $161,600 - $222,200
Liquid Robotics designs and manufactures Wave Gliders®, the first wave and solar powered autonomous ocean robots. With our partners we address many of the planet's greatest challenges, by transforming how to assess, monitor, and protect the ocean. We solve critical problems for defense, commercial, and science customers.
Visit us at www.liquid-robotics.com to learn more.
Liquid Robotics is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.