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Embedded System Engineer Intern Jobs in Virginia

... system-level testing, and by validating behavior against first principles, measured data ... embedded operating systems โ€ข Experience with reverse engineering and firmware rehosting for ...

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... Ensure model quality and correctness through unit-level and system-level testing, and by validating ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$75K - $82K/yr

This role will work closely with software, electrical, systems, clinical, and product teams ... Responsibilities Embedded Software Engineer duties include, but are not limited to: * Participate ...

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... Ensure model quality and correctness through unit-level and system-level testing, and by validating ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$75K - $82K/yr

This role will work closely with software, electrical, systems, clinical, and product teams ... Responsibilities Embedded Software Engineer duties include, but are not limited to: * Participate ...

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... Ensure model quality and correctness through unit-level and system-level testing, and by validating ...

Embedded Hardware Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Embedded Hardware Engineer Top Secret, TS/SCI is required to start (will accept a CI or FSP ... Design, integrate, and test embedded hardware systems. * Develop and maintain low-level software in ...

Senior-level engineers will provide system-level software architecture and technical direction ... Strong embedded software development experience using C/C++. Experience working with real-time ...

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Showing results 21-40

Embedded System Engineer Intern information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$25

$38

How much do embedded system engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for embedded system engineer intern in Virginia is $25.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an embedded system engineer intern?

Embedded System Engineer Interns are students or recent graduates who assist in designing, developing, and testing embedded systems under the supervision of experienced engineers. These systems typically combine hardware and software to perform dedicated functions within larger electronic devices such as cars, medical equipment, or consumer electronics. Interns often help with tasks like programming microcontrollers, troubleshooting hardware, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. The position provides hands-on experience and exposure to the development cycle of embedded products, preparing interns for a full-time engineering role.

What types of projects and daily tasks can an embedded system engineer intern expect to work on?

As an Embedded System Engineer Intern, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on projects such as developing and testing firmware for microcontrollers, troubleshooting hardware-software integration issues, and assisting with the design of embedded system prototypes. Daily tasks often include writing and debugging code in languages like C or C++, participating in team meetings to discuss project progress, and collaborating closely with hardware engineers and senior embedded developers. This role offers valuable exposure to real-world product development cycles and provides opportunities to learn industry-standard tools and methodologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded system engineer intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded System Engineer Intern, you generally need a background in electrical engineering or computer science with core skills in C/C++ programming, microcontroller architectures, and basic circuit design. Familiarity with tools such as embedded IDEs (e.g., Keil, MPLAB), oscilloscopes, and version control systems like Git is highly valued, and coursework or certifications in embedded systems are beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork help interns excel in dynamic project environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing reliable embedded solutions and adapting to the fast-evolving demands of hardware-software integration.

What is the difference between Embedded System Engineer Intern vs Embedded Software Developer Intern?

AspectEmbedded System Engineer InternEmbedded Software Developer Intern
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fieldsUsually pursuing or holding a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentHands-on hardware and firmware development, working with microcontrollers and embedded devicesSoftware-focused, developing code for embedded systems, often in simulation or on hardware
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries like automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial automationCommon in IoT, consumer electronics, and software companies working on embedded applications

The main difference between Embedded System Engineer Intern and Embedded Software Developer Intern lies in their focus areas. The Embedded System Engineer Intern typically works more with hardware, firmware, and microcontrollers, while the Embedded Software Developer Intern concentrates on writing and testing software for embedded systems. Both roles require related technical skills and are often found in similar industries, but their daily tasks and focus differ.

Infographic showing various Embedded System Engineer Intern job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,413 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Embedded Systems and Technical SETA

Systems Planning and Analysis

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.
SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.
We have an immediate need for an Embedded Systems and Technical SETA to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.
Responsibilities
The candidate will perform technology management support of research efforts involving software and hardware platform research and assessment, integration, testing, prototype development, and transition of systems for secure multi-node processing. Provide expert technical advice and guidance to DARPA regarding all aspects of secure, multi-domain computing systems. Execute new concept and new program development with government principals. Explore current state-of-the-art and technical feasibility of new concepts and potential research approaches. Support DoD research programs in terms of technology management, engagement with research performers, deliverable review, and leading regular calls or meetings with research performers on a technical basis. Support testing and evaluation of DoD applied research and advanced technology development of cybersecurity technologies and/or prototypes in an operationally relevant environment. Directly engage with government transition partners (within the DoD and Intelligence Community) and related stakeholders.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
  • 8+ years of relevant experience in embedded hardware development, embedded systems programming, cybersecurity, and/or computer engineering
  • Active Top Secret clearance
  • Substantial experience in cybersecurity, as applied to embedded hardware systems (e.g. mobile and non-telecom devices, internet of things, and related military and intelligence type equipment)
  • Experience with secure Execution Environments (e.g. TEEs, TPMs) on embedded devices
  • Test & Evaluation experience in cybersecurity red-teaming (to include Counter-Intel style qualitative assessment), and demonstrated ability to 'break' systems, thus exposing design, architecture, and security flaws and identification of technical debt
  • Ability to work with little oversight to achieve team goals
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • A high degree of initiative, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and reliability
  • Familiarity with general systems engineering principles for complex systems development
  • Able to report to Arlington, VA full-time in a SCIF environment, based upon client needs

Desired:
  • Graduate/Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
  • Experience with a wide variety of reverse engineering (RE), vulnerability research (VR), offensive cyber, and defense cyber methods and state-of-the-art for embedded systems
  • Experience in experience in testbed development and usage for mixed real/virtual (i.e. Live Virtual Constructive) sets of software and/or hardware nodes
  • Experience in T&E operations planning and execution, i.e. Test Planning, Test Infrastructure, Test Execution and Documentation, Travel to CONUS and OCONUS locations
  • Experience operating in complex, contested, non-benign environments
  • Experience with clandestine or covert operations
  • Experience with cyber operations
  • Experience with Telecommunications (Telco) Operators, and a wide variety of systems
  • Experience working with Special Access Programs (SAPs)/CAPs
  • Experience with Agile development methodologies

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.
Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $170k-$220K