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

As an Aerospace Software Apps Engineer III, you will have hands on development responsibility to build and test real-time embedded software that controls rocket engines for human capable spacecraft.

As an Aerospace Software Apps Engineer III, you will have hands on development responsibility to build and test real-time embedded software that controls rocket engines for human capable spacecraft.

Embedded Software Engineer II

Renton, WA · Hybrid

$123K - $173K/yr

As an Embedded Software Engineer II on the Blue Ring program, you will be at the forefront of developing and testing flight software for one of the most capable and maneuverable multi-mission ...

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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.
Embedded Software Engineer III

Embedded Software Engineer III

Blue Origin

Seattle, WA • On-site

$150K - $211K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Blue Origin rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

This role is part of the Blue Origin Engines business unit, where our focus is the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of engines and propulsion systems. Built for multiple uses, our family of engines is powering the next generation of rockets for commercial, civil, national security, and human spaceflight.

As part of a small team, you will participate in the development and verification of avionics software components on Blue Origin rocket engines. You will share in the team's impact on all aspects of re-usable, safety-critical component development and delivery. This hands-on position requires experience in developing, validating, and verifying safety embedded systems. Together, our teams deliver the embedded software that monitors and controls fully autonomous rocket engines.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities:

As an Aerospace Software Apps Engineer III, you will have hands on development responsibility to build and test real-time embedded software that controls rocket engines for human capable spacecraft. In this role, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and participate deeply in all aspects of software development lifecycle (including developing verifiable requirements, creating/documenting/implementing software architectures and designs, write planning specifications, systems integration, test development and execution, issue resolution and software maintenance).

Minimum Qualifications:

  • B.S. degree or higher in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, aerospace, or related field

  • 5+ years of hands-on experience developing and testing real-time embedded systems, including bare metal, RTOS, or Linux kernel experience (preferably some experience in requirements based, safety-critical, fault-tolerant systems)

  • Experience writing software requirements.

  • Experience with C/C++ and Python

  • Experience with Device Drivers

  • Experience with the SDLC

  • Strong debugging skills at the software/hardware boundary

  • Experience with serial communications and networking protocols (TCP/IP)

  • Familiarity interfacing with sensors and actuators

  • Experience designing robust APIs and interfaces.

  • Familiarity with git, JIRA, Confluence

  • Familiarity with Agile methodologies

  • Ability to learn fast, multitask and drive tasks to completion.

  • Ability to present technical concepts to peers and leadership.

  • Must have can do attitude and be problem solver.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with embedded avionics software or engine controller software for air-breathing or rocket engines are pluses. Also, experience in design, development, and testing of safety-critical software systems in compliance with DO-178C or equivalent.

  • Ability to generate innovative reusable solutions.

  • Experience with UML or similar


Compensation Range for:

CO applicants is $150,931.00 - $211,303.05 WA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

  • Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check

  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)

  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.


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About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000