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Embedded System Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Systems Analyst or Engineer Location: Dallas, TX Onsite Key Responsibilities โ€ข Requirements Ownership o Write clear, testable engineering requirements and acceptance criteria for OS ...

As a Embedded System Researcher, you will lead others in tasks, coordinate with customers on existing work, and lead complex problems through to completion. Your experience will be focused on ...

Embedded System Researcher 3

Annapolis, MD ยท On-site

$125K - $183K/yr

Expert-level engineering experience with over 12 years of analyzing embedded systems * Experience researching and developing in an embedded systems world (VxWorks, ELDK, or custom OS) * Experience ...

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Embedded System Developer information

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How much do embedded system developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded system developer in the United States is $214,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $156,500.00 and $288,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do embedded systems developers do?

Embedded systems developers design, develop, and test software for specialized hardware devices such as medical equipment, automotive systems, and consumer electronics. They work with programming languages like C and C++, and often use tools like microcontrollers, real-time operating systems, and debugging hardware. Their work involves optimizing code for performance, power consumption, and reliability within embedded environments.

What are embedded system developers?

Embedded system developers are engineers who design, program, and maintain specialized computing systems that are part of larger devices, such as cars, medical equipment, home appliances, and industrial machines. These professionals work with both hardware and software to ensure that the embedded systems are efficient, reliable, and meet specific requirements. Their work often involves programming microcontrollers, integrating sensors and actuators, and optimizing resource-constrained environments. Embedded system developers play a crucial role in creating the technology behind many everyday products.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data science, or executive roles in technology companies can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, typically found in senior or executive-level roles within large organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Embedded System Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded System Developer, you need a solid background in computer science or electrical engineering, with expertise in C/C++ programming, microcontrollers, and real-time operating systems. Familiarity with hardware debugging tools, integrated development environments (IDEs), and version control systems like Git is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help developers innovate and collaborate in cross-functional teams. These competencies are critical for designing reliable, efficient embedded solutions that power modern devices across industries.

What are some common challenges faced by Embedded System Developers when working on cross-functional teams?

Embedded System Developers often collaborate with hardware engineers, software developers, and product managers. A common challenge is ensuring seamless integration between hardware and software components, as timing and resource constraints can lead to unexpected issues. Clear communication and thorough documentation are crucial for aligning specifications and troubleshooting problems that span both domains. Developers also need to stay adaptable, as project requirements may evolve rapidly based on feedback from other teams or testing results.

Is Python or C++ better for embedded systems?

Embedded system developers typically prefer C++ for its efficiency, low-level hardware access, and real-time performance, which are critical in resource-constrained environments. Python is used in embedded systems for rapid development and prototyping, especially with microcontrollers like Raspberry Pi, but it generally offers less performance and higher resource usage than C++. The choice depends on project requirements, hardware constraints, and developer expertise.

Will AI replace embedded programmers?

Embedded system developers design and implement software for hardware devices, and while AI can automate certain coding tasks and optimize processes, it is unlikely to fully replace skilled programmers due to the need for specialized knowledge of hardware, real-time constraints, and system integration. AI tools can assist in development but require human oversight and expertise to ensure safety and functionality.

What is the difference between Embedded System Developer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectEmbedded System DeveloperFirmware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related fields; certifications like ARM or IoT certifications are commonBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related; similar certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing embedded hardware-software systems, often in manufacturing or IoT industriesWriting low-level firmware for microcontrollers and embedded devices, typically in consumer electronics or automotive sectors
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, automotive, industrial automation, IoT firmsConsumer electronics, automotive, medical devices, and embedded hardware manufacturers

Both roles involve working with embedded hardware and software, often requiring similar educational backgrounds and certifications. However, Embedded System Developers focus on designing entire embedded systems, while Firmware Engineers specialize in writing low-level code that runs directly on microcontrollers. The roles are complementary and often overlap in industry applications.

More about Embedded System Developer jobs
What cities are hiring for Embedded System Developer jobs? Cities with the most Embedded System Developer job openings:
What states have the most Embedded System Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Embedded System Developer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Embedded System Developer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $214,000 per year, or $102.9 per hour.
Embedded System Development Engineer (Grand Rapids, MI)

Embedded System Development Engineer (Grand Rapids, MI)

CEDENT

Grand Rapids, MI โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Looking for talented Software and Systems Engineers to join our growing Engineering Solutions team. This project is for a global developer and manufacturer of high-quality fire protection, auto dimming mirrors and windows for the automotive, aerospace, and commercial fire protection industries with facilities in the Zeeland, MI area. Required Skills -Embedded System Development Engineer Automotive IoT Job Duties -The Embedded System Development Engineer will be responsible for system-level design activities for cabin monitoring features such as head and eye detection, drowsiness, distracted driver, presence detection, child detection, video conferencing.

This includes system requirements and system architecture, but also oversight of the system test activities. Job responsibilities are as follows but not limited to: Develop system requirements and interface requirements. Maintain traceability of system requirements to customer requirements.

Ensure traceability of system requirements to detailed requirements. Develop system architecture. Maintain traceability of system architecture to system requirements.

Ensure traceability of system requirements to system test. Perform/support System FMEA. Follow system engineering processes.

Ensure system development and validation are according to ASIL ISO26262 and ASPICE. Industry: Automotive Development Processes: Structured (e.g. DO-178B like), ASPICE / ASIL Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills written and verbal

Ability to communicate requirements to different teams Leadership Skills: Proficient working autonomously in a remote setting, without supervision, and able to complete tasks accurately and on time Ability to lead small teams Job Requirements -5+ years experience with embedded systems engineering (HW and SW) Experience in automotive applications and applicable interfaces such as CAN, FlexRay, and LIN networks Experience with ISO26262 and FUSA Experience developing in DOORs system requirements and interface documents. Experience performing system FMEA Experience developing and documenting system architectures Desired Skills & Experience -Bachelor's degree, or foreign equivalent, in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Software Engineering. Automotive SPICE experience.


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About Cedent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CEDENT strives to attract and retain the best people and provide an environment where they can all develop professionally and build a rewarding career. As a result, we create an inclusive environment that is rich in diversity, acknowledges each individual's uniqueness and promotes respect, personal achievement and stewardship. Our clients are global and so is CEDENT. We build and maintain a global workforce that includes people from different backgrounds, with a vast range of skills and experience all united by a common culture and commitment to help our clients achieve high performance. Cultivating a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment makes business sense. Our peoples varied skills are the talent engine that powers CEDENT, enabling it in turn to deliver the innovative solutions that help our clients outperform competitors.

Industry

It services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Plano, TX, US

Year founded

2008