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Embedded Software Jobs in Sterling, VA (NOW HIRING)

STR

Lead Embedded Software Architect

Arlington, VA · On-site

$174K - $225K/yr

We are seeking a talented and versatile Embedded Software Architect to drive the system definition and software architecture for advanced signal processing solutions on resource-constrained embedded ...

TrustPoint

Embedded Software Engineer

Dulles, VA

$123K - $151K/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 ...

STR

Lead Embedded Software Architect

Arlington, VA · On-site

$174K - $225K/yr

We are seeking a talented and versatile Embedded Software Architect to drive the system definition and software architecture for advanced signal processing solutions on resource-constrained embedded ...

APOGEE RESEARCH LLC

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.

APOGEE RESEARCH LLC

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.

TrustPoint

Embedded Software Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

$123K - $151K/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 ...

TrustPoint

Embedded Software Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$123K - $151K/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 ...

Actalent

Embedded Software Test Engineer

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

$60 - $77/hr

Embedded Software Test Engineer This role focuses on developing, executing, and maintaining automated test frameworks to ensure the quality and reliability of Battery Management System (BMS) products ...

Apogee Research

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.

Actalent

Embedded Software Test Engineer

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

$60 - $77/hr

Embedded Software Test Engineer This role focuses on developing, executing, and maintaining automated test frameworks to ensure the quality and reliability of Battery Management System (BMS) products ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Embedded Software Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$52K - $108K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer The Opportunity: As an embedded software engineer, you can resolve a problem with a complete end-to-end solution in a fast, agile environment. If you're looking for the ...

Doist

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$136 - $204/hr

Design, develop, and test embedded software to support offensive cybersecurity research and deliver mission-critical operational capabilities. * Build target-specific instrumentation and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsEmbedded Software JobsEmbedded Software Jobs in Sterling, VA

Embedded Software information

See Sterling, VA salary details

$69.3K

$151.9K

$172.3K

How much do embedded software jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded software in Sterling, VA is $151,903.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,200.00 and $171,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded software engineer?

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 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.

Is embedded software a good career?

Embedded software engineering is a stable and growing field that involves developing software for hardware devices such as appliances, automotive systems, and medical equipment. It requires skills in programming languages like C and C++, knowledge of hardware interfaces, and often involves working with real-time operating systems. The demand for embedded software professionals is expected to remain strong due to the increasing integration of electronics in various industries.

What are popular job titles related to Embedded Software jobs in Sterling, VA?

For Embedded Software jobs in Sterling, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Embedded Software jobs in Sterling, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Embedded Software jobs in Sterling, VA are:

What cities near Sterling, VA are hiring for Embedded Software jobs?

Cities near Sterling, VA with the most Embedded Software job openings:

Embedded Software jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Software job openings in Sterling, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,903 per year, or $73 per hour.

Lead Embedded Software Architect

STR

Arlington, VA • On-site

$174K - $225K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

About the Team:
The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems to add national security capabilities, particularly in the areas of airborne/surface-based radar, electronic warfare, underwater acoustics, hyperspectral imaging, and EO/IR sensing. Within these areas, we perform work on emerging concepts & technologies, component & system development and prototyping, and experimental campaigns.
The Optical & Novel Sensing (ONS) Group within the Sensors Division pursues physics-driven research across multiple domains to provide warfighter and intelligence mission performance unachievable with traditional sensors. Our main customer focus is on Department of War and Intelligence Community research and development programs, with work spanning concept formulation through validation prototyping.
The Role:
We are seeking a talented and versatile Embedded Software Architect to drive the system definition and software architecture for advanced signal processing solutions on resource-constrained embedded platforms. The ideal candidate has broad embedded experience, excels in analyzing complex algorithms to inform technical requirements, and can recommend and develop solutions across CPUs, DSPs, and FPGAs. They will interface with external spacecraft and satellite integrators to define requirements, and play a key role in software development, optimization, and technical guidance within our engineering team.
What you will do:
  • Analyze customer use cases and signal processing algorithms to generate clear, actionable system and software requirements for embedded platforms
  • Evaluate and recommend computational architectures (CPU, DSP, FPGA, or hybrid) best suited to mission needs, balancing system complexity, performance, and resource constraints
  • Architect, design, and implement embedded software at the middleware or application level, with a focus on resource-efficiency and high reliability
  • Optimize and port software to maximize performance on computationally limited SoCs; proficiently devise functional splits between processor and FPGA
  • Collaborate with spacecraft/satellite integrators and internal stakeholders to translate mission objectives into robust technical specifications
  • Provide mentoring, code reviews, and technical guidance to less-experienced team members

Who you are:
  • Ability to obtain a security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is required by the U.S. Government
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
  • BS with 7+ years' experience in embedded software development for resource-constrained systems (such as CPU/DSP/FPGA SoCs). Equivalent experience will be considered.
  • Proficient in C/C++ for embedded systems; familiarity with MATLAB and RTOS environments a plus
  • Strong foundation in signal processing algorithms and their computational/resource implications
  • Demonstrated ability to derive system/software architecture from high-level algorithm analysis and mission requirements
  • Experience with partitioning solutions between processors and programmable logic (e.g., FPGA)
  • Proven ability to work effectively with customers and cross-disciplinary teams to translate concepts into specifications and implementations
  • Strong communication skills and experience mentoring or guiding junior engineers
  • Experience with DevOps practices and tools to support efficient, reliable software development and deployment workflows
  • Agile software lifecycle methodologies and tools, such as JIRA, Confluence, Gitlab, static analysis, etc

Even better:
  • Active Secret clearance with the U.S. Government
  • Advanced experience in Python, MATLAB, and/or other high-level programming languages
  • Familiarity with multi-threaded or multi-core real-time operating concepts
  • Knowledge of high-level software architecture design and scalability principles
  • Demonstrated leadership abilities, including mentoring junior staff and contributing to team efficiency

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $174,000 - $225,000
The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.
STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at for more info.
STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.

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