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

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$210K - $280K/yr

As a Sr. Embedded Software Engineer at Reliable Robotics, you will be a part of the Embedded Systems team developing the low-level software and firmware at the heart of the Reliable Robotics autonomy ...

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$210K - $280K/yr

As a Sr. Embedded Software Engineer at Reliable Robotics, you will be a part of the Embedded Systems team developing the low-level software and firmware at the heart of the Reliable Robotics autonomy ...

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Embedded Software Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$79.7K

$174.6K

$198K

How much do embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded software engineer in Seattle, WA is $174,554.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $149,600.00 and $196,900.00 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $174,554 per year, or $83.9 per hour.
Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

Reliable Robotics

Seattle, WA • On-site

$210K - $280K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

We're building safety-enhancing technology for aviation that will save lives. Automated aviation systems will enable a future where air transportation is safer, more convenient and fundamentally transformative to the way goods - and eventually people - move around the planet. We are a team of mission-driven engineers with experience across aerospace, robotics and self-driving cars working to make this future a reality.

As a Sr. Embedded Software Engineer at Reliable Robotics, you will be a part of the Embedded Systems team developing the low-level software and firmware at the heart of the Reliable Robotics autonomy stack. We provide dependable computing, networking, signal acquisition, and motor control solutions that bring our aircraft to life. Your contributions will directly enable key equipment and aircraft product demonstrations, unlock the development of higher-level capabilities, and set the stage for product certification & delivery to market.

Responsibilities

  • Develop C/C++ flight software requirements, design, code, unit tests, and requirements-based test cases in accordance with DO-178C software development procedures

  • Develop Python-based software integration test cases

  • Develop and maintain Continuous Integration infrastructure for automating software integration, build, testing, and deployment

  • Focus areas include bare-metal operating system and hardware initialization, networking, protocol drivers, and memory interfaces

Basic Success Criteria

  • 8+ years of professional experience developing C or C++

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience

  • Professional experience developing software for embedded, high-performance, or safety-critical applications

Preferred Criteria

  • 12+ years of professional experience developing C or C++

  • Thorough understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, and networking

  • Experience working in a DO-178 software development environment

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Comfortable with a fast-paced, agile/iterative development life cycle

Embedded software engineers at Reliable Robotics have a unique opportunity to develop an end-to-end product from bare metal up to the aircraft level, with a direct impact on aircraft capabilities. We are a fast-paced team that gets results, and with your experience, motivation, skills, and enthusiasm, you'll help the team accomplish amazing things.

This position requires access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. An offer of employment will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to perform in compliance with U.S. export control laws.

All applicants are asked to provide documentation that legally establishes status as a U.S. person or non-U.S. person (and nationalities in the case of a non-U.S. person). Where the applicant is not a U.S. person, meaning not a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. * 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. * 1158, or not otherwise permitted to access the export-controlled technology without U.S. government authorization, the Company reserves the right not to apply for an export license for such applicants whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code requires authorization and may decline to proceed with the application process and any offer of employment on that basis.

At Reliable Robotics, our goal is to be a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, ancestry, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or medical conditions, national origin, military or veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other basis covered by applicable law. All employment and promotion is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to work@reliable.co

Compensation Range: $210K - $280K