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Embedded Software Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

APOGEE RESEARCH LLC

Embedded Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$151.30K - $199.10K/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.

ECS

Software/Embedded Systems Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$150.30K - $197.70K/yr

This role involves overseeing the management, auditing, and validation of embedded software rather than hands-on coding. You will work closely with hardware engineers to evaluate the impact of ...

Cmu

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$142.70K - $186.90K/yr

Design and analyze embedded software tools and capabilities, including software exception handlers, inter-process communication mechanisms, and software fault monitors. * Use static, dynamic, and ...

Wabtec

Embedded Software Engineer III

Germantown, MD

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 information

See Reston, VA salary details

$72.8K

$159.6K

$181K

How much do embedded software jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded software in Reston, VA is $159,573.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,800.00 and $180,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 strong programming skills in C/C++, understanding of embedded systems architecture, and a relevant degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), microcontroller development tools, and debugging hardware is typically required. Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure reliable, efficient software development for embedded devices, which is crucial for product performance and safety.

What are some common challenges faced by Embedded Software Engineers when integrating new hardware components into existing systems?

One common challenge Embedded Software Engineers often encounter is ensuring seamless compatibility between new hardware components and existing firmware or operating systems. This can involve troubleshooting timing issues, resolving driver conflicts, and optimizing resource usage within limited memory and processing constraints. Collaboration with hardware engineers is crucial to understand hardware specifications and limitations, and thorough testing is required to validate functionality and maintain system stability. These challenges offer valuable opportunities to develop problem-solving skills and deepen cross-disciplinary technical knowledge.

What is embedded software?

Embedded software is specialized computer software designed to operate hardware or devices that are not traditional computers, such as cars, medical devices, industrial machines, and consumer electronics. Unlike general-purpose software, embedded software is typically optimized for specific tasks and runs on microcontrollers or microprocessors within the device. It often operates with limited resources and must be reliable, efficient, and responsive to real-time events. Embedded software is crucial for the functionality and performance of countless everyday products.

What is the difference between Embedded Software vs Firmware Developer?

AspectEmbedded SoftwareFirmware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fieldsSimilar credentials, often with specialized knowledge in hardware
Work EnvironmentDevelops software for embedded systems in devices like appliances, automotive, medical devicesCreates low-level code directly interacting with hardware, often in similar environments
Industry UsageUsed across automotive, consumer electronics, industrial automationPrimarily in consumer electronics, IoT devices, and hardware-focused industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in embedded systems developmentFocusing on low-level hardware interaction and firmware specifics

Embedded Software and Firmware Developer roles overlap significantly, both requiring knowledge of hardware and programming. Embedded Software typically involves developing higher-level code for embedded systems, while Firmware Developers focus on low-level code that directly interacts with hardware components. Both roles are essential in creating reliable embedded products across various industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Embedded Software jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Software jobs in Reston, VA? For Embedded Software jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Software jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Software jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Embedded Software jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Embedded Software job openings:
Embedded Software jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Software job openings in Reston, VA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 56% Physical, 37% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $159,573 per year, or $76.7 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer (Embedded/Bare Metal)

TAP Engineering LLC

Reston, VA • On-site

$191K - $254K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Bare Metal)
Software | Reston, VA | Full Time
Position: Senior Embedded Software Engineer
Location: Reston, VA
Category: Software Engineering
Schedule: Standard Day Shift, Monday-Friday
Clearance Requirement: Active Secret security clearance (required)
Experience Requirement: Senior-level
Compensation Range: $191,000 - $254,000 (based on experience)
Position Overview
We are seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to support the design and development of low-level embedded software for next-generation hardware platforms in a mission-focused environment. This role focuses on bare-metal development, board bring-up, and infrastructure code supporting advanced ARM-based System-on-Chip (SoC) devices.
The ideal candidate has deep experience with embedded systems, strong low-level programming skills, and a security-focused mindset. This position plays a critical role in building, validating, and securing embedded software that supports complex hardware systems operating in constrained environments.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop low-level bare-metal infrastructure code that is rigorously tested and validated
  • Build and maintain the embedded software ecosystem supporting next-generation hardware platforms
  • Perform board bring-up on embedded ARM-based boards, including bootloaders and drivers
  • Customize and maintain vendor Board Support Packages (BSPs) for ARM-based SoC platforms
  • Develop and implement security controls for embedded system devices
  • Create and maintain automated tests to validate embedded system functionality
  • Debug complex hardware/software integration issues
  • Collaborate with hardware, systems, and security engineers throughout the development lifecycle
Required Qualifications
  • Experience with one or more of the following languages: Rust, C, C++, ARMv7/ARMv8 assembly
  • Hands-on experience developing bare-metal code, infrastructure, and device drivers
  • Strong understanding of embedded system architecture and low-level software design
  • Experience performing board bring-up and low-level debugging
  • Ability to maintain an active Secret security clearance
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience developing operating systems or operating system components
  • Strong focus on secure embedded software development
  • Experience working with complex System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms
  • Experience implementing Control Flow Integrity or similar security mechanisms
  • Familiarity with ISRs, MMUs, timers, health monitoring, and entropy sources
  • Experience working with standard I/O interfaces such as UART, I2C, SPI, eMMC, and similar
Benefits Overview
TAP Engineering offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:
  • Paid Time Off: 15-25 days annually based on tenure, plus 11 paid holidays (never use-or-lose)
  • Retirement: Up to 15% employer contribution to a 401(k) through match and profit sharing
  • Medical Coverage: Free medical insurance for employees, with optional buy-up plans for dependents
  • Dental & Vision: Employer-paid plans with optional enhancements
  • Insurance Coverage: Employer-paid life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and dependent care FSAs
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $36,000 per year for approved coursework
  • Additional Benefits: Employee Assistance Program, wellness incentives, discount programs, virtual care, prescription savings, and travel support
  • Performance-Based Rewards: Merit increases, performance bonuses, and referral bonuses
Clearance Requirement
This position requires an active Secret security clearance. Clearance processing and maintenance will be conducted in accordance with U.S. Government requirements.
Additional Information
By submitting your resume for this position, you acknowledge and agree that TAP Engineering may share your resume and related application materials with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for consideration for other available positions.
TAP Engineering is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

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