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Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Embedded Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$135K - $177K/yr

Overview We are looking for a professional Embedded Software Engineer, a team player with solid technical skills to add to our core engineering team. Candidates must have a strong technical ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$106K - $159K/yr

Overview of Opportunity Two Six Technologies is actively seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to join our Trusted Electronics & Effects team in Herndon, Virginia. We are looking for someone with a ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Savage, MD

$137K - $180K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Savage, Maryland 1 Year Must haves 10+ years of experience Embedded microprocessor design experience C/C++ Experience writing unit tests/test plans Code optimization ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

The Position TrustPoint is currently seeking a Full Time Embedded Software Engineer to join the team and will be responsible for implementing electrical components into hardware and firmware needed ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

The Position TrustPoint is currently seeking a Full Time Embedded Software Engineer to join the team and will be responsible for implementing electrical components into hardware and firmware needed ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Savage, MD

$137K - $180K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Savage, Maryland 1 Year Must haves 10+ years of experience Embedded microprocessor design experience C/C++ Experience writing unit tests/test plans Code optimization ...

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

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.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Towson, MD · Hybrid

$118K - $155K/yr

Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Towson, Maryland - Hybrid) Come make the world and accelerate your success. It takes great people to achieve greatness. People with a sense of purpose and integrity.

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Embedded Software Engineer information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$72.4K

$158.6K

$179.9K

How much do embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded software engineer in Silver Spring, MD is $158,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,900.00 and $178,800.00 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.
What job categories do people searching Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $158,564 per year, or $76.2 per hour.
Embedded Software Engineer

Embedded Software Engineer

iDirect GOVERNMENT

Herndon, VA • On-site, Remote

$135K - $177K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Overview
We are looking for a professional Embedded Software Engineer, a team player with solid technical skills to add to our core engineering team. Candidates must have a strong technical background and be capable of coming up to speed on new technologies quickly. Good communication skills, great problem-solving skills, and the ability to work both individually and collaboratively in a team environment are required. If you enjoy working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with the smartest team and the very latest technologies, then this is the job for you!
iDirect Government is a leading ground systems provider to the military satellite industry. We offer platforms connecting a variety of satellite constellations with an array of remote terminals. Terminals are installed on aircraft, maritime vessels, and other ground-based military and government assets. These terminals provide internet and voice capabilities to remote and austere locations.
This is a cross-functional engineering position, developing embedded software for our satellite products on a Linux platform.
This position is based in Herndon, VA.
Responsibilities
  • Develop the C++ applications that control our next generation of satellite terminals
  • Design, code, test, and integrate software from requirements to production and commercial deployment
  • Assist with the estimation of time and effort required to implement new features
  • Participate in design reviews, peer code reviews, and improve product quality
  • Interface and work with cross-functional teams to successfully implement feature dependencies
  • Integrate and validate new product designs
  • Act as a member of an Agile scrum team

Qualifications
  • 4+ years of experience in software development
  • Understanding of hardware design and architecture
  • Solid programming experience in C/C++ object-oriented design and development
  • Linux or a POSIX O/S environment
  • Familiarity with software configuration management, defect tracking tools, and peer review
  • Strong documentation and writing skills

Additional experience in the following areas is a plus:
  • Embedded development including hardware debug, device drivers, and real-time constraints in a complex multi-processor system
  • Cross-functional (hardware/firmware/software) development and verification
  • Knowledge of satellite communication protocols
  • Satellite communications protocols such as DVB-S2 and TDMA
  • Networking protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP and IPv6
  • 509 Certificate and Crypto key management
  • Shell scripting, Perl, Lua, or Python
  • Docker, Conan, cmake, C++11
  • Knowledge of Jira, Confluence, BitBucket, Git, SharePoint, Jenkins and Artifactory is a plus
  • Working knowledge of GCC, grep/awk/sed command line tools, bash scripting, GDB debugger, systemd suite

Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software, Systems, Mathematics, or related technical field/experience

Clearance
  • Active DoD clearance or ability to obtain a DoD clearance

Travel
  • 0-10%

iDirect Government is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or protected veteran status.