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Embedded System Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Embedded Software Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Experience testing embedded systems and integrated hardware/software platforms. * Experience with ... Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to resolve technical issues and improve product ...

Leidos

Embedded Software Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Experience testing embedded systems and integrated hardware/software platforms. * Experience with ... Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to resolve technical issues and improve product ...

Leidos

Embedded Software Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$69K - $125K/yr

Experience testing embedded systems and integrated hardware/software platforms. * Experience with ... Test Review Boards (TRBs) * Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to resolve ...

Nomad GCS

Embedded Systems Engineer II

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$60K - $100K/yr

This position requires strong hands-on engineering capability combined with system-level thinking ... Embedded Systems Engineers at Nomad GCS progress through five levels based on demonstrated ...

Leidos

Embedded Software Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Leidos is seeking a talented Embedded Software Test Engineer to join a multi-disciplinary team ... Experience testing embedded systems and integrated hardware/software platforms. * Experience with ...

Nomad GCS

Embedded Systems Engineer II

Columbia Falls, MT · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

This position requires strong hands-on engineering capability combined with system-level thinking ... Embedded Systems Engineers at Nomad GCS progress through five levels based on demonstrated ...

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Nomad GCS

Embedded Systems Engineer II

Huntsville, AL · On-site

This position requires strong hands-on engineering capability combined with system-level thinking ... Embedded Systems Engineers at Nomad GCS progress through five levels based on demonstrated ...

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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:
What job categories do people searching Embedded System Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded System Developer jobs are:
Embedded System Developer jobs near you
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.
Principal Embedded System Automation Engineer

Principal Embedded System Automation Engineer

CesiumAstro

El Segundo, CA

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
 
At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We are seeking a Principal DevOps Engineer I for Embedded Software to own and scale the infrastructure that supports our mission critical software development across multiple programs and product lines.  In this role, you will advance infrastructure that generates software images, deploys them onto hardware, ensures continuous integration/continuous development, organizes and optimizes Yocto embedded builds, and maintain high-performance, Linux-based build environments. The ideal candidate understands embedded software stacks and the modern tools that accelerate their development.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Ideally deep experience with OpenEmbedded and the Yocto Project.
  • Understanding of make and cmake.
  • Understanding of build flows from compilation to image generation.
  • Facility with GitLab CI/CD pipelines and GitLab Runners that build, test, and deploy embedded software for harware for test.
  • Ensure CI systems integrate with hardware-in-the-loop test environments for regression and validation.
  • Deep facility with yaml-based CI configuration.
  • Facility with Docker virtual build environments and containerization.
  • Administer and maintain high-performance Linux build machines used for continuous integration, regression testing, and software release packaging.
  • Monitor system performance, scale compute resources, and maintain uptime for development teams.
  • Support and automate the software release process for production releases to customers.
  • Manage build artifacts, versioning, and delivery.
  • Act as the first line of support for developers encountering build, test, or environment issues.
  • Collaborate with software teams to improve developer productivity.
  • Assist in maintenance and utilization of company could-based AI productivity environment
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Minimum of 9 years of relevant experience.
  • Proven facility with CI/CD tools (e.g., GitLab CI, Jenkins, or similar).
  • Proficiency in Linux system administration, including performance tuning and troubleshooting.
  • Familiarity with Yocto or other embedded Linux build frameworks.
  • Experience with build automation tools (CMake, Make, BitBake, etc.).
  • Strong scripting skills (Python, Bash, or similar).
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively with developers.
  • Knowledge of networking and distributed systems.
  • Experience with containerization (Docker, Podman) and virtualization (KVM, VMWare).
  • Knowledge of networking and distributed systems.
  • Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing environments.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
  • Experience supporting release processes in aerospace, defense, or other regulated industries.
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.  Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.  
 
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
 
Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.