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Embedded System Development Jobs in Washington, VA

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Embedded System Development information

See Washington, VA salary details

$65.9K

$144.7K

$202.4K

How much do embedded system development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded system development in Washington, VA is $144,727.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,600.00 and $172,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is embedded system development?

Embedded system development involves designing, programming, and testing specialized computing systems that perform dedicated functions within larger mechanical or electrical systems. These systems are typically resource-constrained, operate in real-time, and are found in devices such as automobiles, medical equipment, home appliances, and industrial machines. Developers often work with low-level programming languages like C or C++, and must consider hardware constraints, power usage, and reliability. The field requires knowledge of both software and hardware to ensure seamless integration and functionality.

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 strong programming skills (C/C++), knowledge of microcontrollers, and a background in electrical or computer engineering. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), debugging tools, and industry-standard protocols is typically required, along with certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Engineer (CESE) being advantageous. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this field. These competencies ensure reliable, efficient, and innovative embedded solutions that meet rigorous industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by embedded system developers when working on cross-functional teams?

Embedded system developers often work closely with hardware engineers, software developers, and product managers, which can present challenges in communication and aligning technical requirements. Differences in development timelines, toolchains, and priorities may require adaptability and proactive problem-solving. Successful embedded system developers foster strong collaboration by clearly documenting interfaces, participating in regular cross-team meetings, and maintaining open channels for feedback to ensure project alignment and smooth integration.

What is the difference between Embedded System Development vs Firmware Engineering?

AspectEmbedded System DevelopmentFirmware Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related fields; knowledge of hardware and software integrationBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering; focus on low-level programming
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing embedded hardware and software for devices like IoT, automotive, medical equipmentWriting and optimizing firmware for microcontrollers and embedded chips
Industry UsageAutomotive, consumer electronics, industrial automationConsumer electronics, IoT devices, embedded systems manufacturing

Embedded System Development involves creating integrated hardware and software solutions for various devices, while Firmware Engineering focuses specifically on developing low-level code that runs directly on microcontrollers. Both roles require similar technical skills and often overlap, but Embedded System Developers typically work on broader system design, whereas Firmware Engineers concentrate on firmware optimization and implementation.

What cities near Washington, VA are hiring for Embedded System Development jobs?

Cities near Washington, VA with the most Embedded System Development job openings:

Embedded System Development jobs near you

Software Systems Controls Engineer I & II

Washington, VA • Hybrid

Rolls Royce
See more jobs at Rolls Royceexternal

$102K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description


Job Description
Job Title: Software System Controls Engineer I & II
Working Pattern: Hybrid (3 office days a week)
Working Location: Reston, VA
Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
Engineer I & Engineer II
Why Rolls-Royce?
At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.
By joining Rolls-Royce, you'll have the opportunity to create world-class power and propulsion solutions, pushing your problem-solving and ingenuity, to deliver real impact that puts safety first.
You'll be given responsibility and the opportunity to grow in our high-performance culture. This is Infinite Potential. And it's your chance to really shine and contribute to one of the world's most recognized brands and a beacon for engineering excellence.
Position Summary:
In this exciting opportunity, you will work in agile scrum project teams to design, integrate, and test embedded control systems for airborne gas turbine engines. The New Product Introduction (NPI) team is creating the next-generation aero engine control systems, including those for the MQ-25, B-52, and MV-75 aircrafts. The control system development teams consist of a wide variety of functional team members including Embedded Systems, Software, and Electronics Designers as well as Safety, Certification, Quality, Component and Applications Engineers. Specifically, as part of our system teams, you will focus on defining control system requirements, behavior, and tests to translate customer needs into requirements for components in hardware and software. As part of our software team, you will focus on transforming those system-level component requirements into functional software that is correct and complete, complying with the certification evidence needs for aerospace.
What you will be doing:
  • Develop safety-critical gas turbine engine control systems with embedded software to satisfy ARP4754, DO-254, DO-178C, and similar compliance objectives
  • Integrate hardware and software components within defined architecture that supports the product line methodology
  • Test the created embedded control system at component, control system, integrated engine, and aircraft vehicle levels
  • Develop and modify processes and methods to enable the team to achieve compliance objectives and optimal development pace
  • Setting up and modifying continuous integration / continuous deployment (CI/CD) frameworks, to enable software development to be easily worked by the development team
  • Liaison with certification airworthiness authorities to explain approaches, demonstrate compliance with objectives, and close out audit findings

Basic Requirements for Engineer I:
  • Degree Requirements
    • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (STEM) with 1+ years of experience in electrical, mechanical, software or system engineering OR
    • Master's degree in Engineering (STEM) with experience in electrical, mechanical, software or system engineering OR
    • PhD in Engineering (STEM)
  • Must have experience engineering safety critical control systems with embedded software
  • Needs to be familiar with Model-based system and software design using SysML, Simulink
  • In order to be eligible for consideration, you must be a U.S. Citizen

Basic Requirements for Engineer II:
  • Degree Requirements
    • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (STEM) with 2+ years of experience in electrical, mechanical, software or system engineering OR
    • Master's degree in Engineering (STEM) with experience in electrical, mechanical, software or system engineering OR
    • PhD in Engineering (STEM)
  • Must have experience engineering safety critical control systems with embedded software
  • Needs to be familiar with Model-based system and software design using SysML, Simulink
  • In order to be eligible for consideration, you must be a U.S. Citizen

Preferred Requirements for Engineer I & II:
  • Experience in embedded safety critical control systems and software engineering
    • 2+ years desired for Engineer I
    • 5+ years desired for Engineer II
  • Experience in defining, assessing and modifying control systems and software architecture
  • Experience in the design and development of ARP4754, DO-254, DO-178C compliant control systems and embedded software solutions, or equivalent standards in adjacent industries.
  • Experience with product development life cycle (Requirements, Design, Verification and Release)
  • Experience with system integration and component level testing
  • Experience with control of gas turbine engines
  • Experience with Python, C, C++, and/or Groovy
  • Familiarity with model-based development tools for Systems (e.g. Cameo, Capella), or Software (e.g. Matlab Simulink, PREEvision, SCADE)
  • Familiar with verification and testing frameworks, such as Jenkins or Rapita

Our vision is to ensure that the quality and dynamism that shaped our history continues into our future. It's a bold pursuit, and we never stop striving to go further, faster, and better. We lead progress, creating the technologies that move us forward. If you're driven to grow, to learn, and to make a lasting difference, this is where you belong.
Rolls-Royce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristics. We are committed to providing a respectful and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued and everyone can thrive.
Infinite Potential
PAY TRANSPARENCY:
Engineer I: $94,702 - $153,891
Engineer II: $118,279 - $192,203
Closing date: September 15, 2026
#CLOENG

Job Category
Software Systems

Job Posting Date
13 Aug 2026; 00:08

Pay Range
$94,702 - $192,203-
Location:
Reston, VA
Benefits
Rolls-Royce provides a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that includes base pay and a discretionary bonus plan. Eligible employees may have the opportunity to enroll in other benefits, including health, dental, vision, disability, life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance; a flexible spending account; a health savings account; a 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match; Employee Assistance Program; Paid Time Off; certain paid holidays; paid parental and family care leave; tuition reimbursement; and a long-term incentive plan. The options available to an employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as date of hire, employment type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
PandoLogic. Keywords: Control Systems Engineer, Location: Washington, VA - 22747

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