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Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Washington

Space Systems Software Engineer

Tysons, VA

$173.60K - $205.80K/yr

Space Systems Software Engineer LOCATIONTysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note ... Experience with embedded systems software * Strong understanding of software integration in complex ...

Space Systems Software Engineer

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$180.30K - $213.70K/yr

Space Systems Software Engineer LOCATIONReston, VA 20190 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note ... Experience with embedded systems software * Strong understanding of software integration in complex ...

Space Systems Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$178.80K - $211.90K/yr

Space Systems Software Engineer LOCATIONChantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note ... Experience with embedded systems software * Strong understanding of software integration in complex ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Arlington, VA ยท Hybrid

$142.70K - $186.90K/yr

You have extensive experience with ground and space systems, including software acquisition ... You've developed embedded software and performance tests and interpreted the results. * You are ...

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 ...

Satellite Systems Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$177.10K - $209.90K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... Expert in embedded software system architecture, design, integration and test. * Knowledge of ...

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Embedded System Software Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$79.3K

$173.7K

$197.1K

How much do embedded system software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded system software engineer in Washington is $173,722.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $148,900.00 and $195,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Embedded System Software Engineer do?

An Embedded System Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and optimizes software for embedded systems, which are specialized computing devices integrated into hardware. They work with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and low-level programming languages like C and C++. Their responsibilities include writing efficient code, debugging hardware-software interactions, and ensuring system stability and performance. They often collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration of software and hardware components.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Embedded System Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded System Software Engineer, you need a solid background in C/C++ programming, microcontroller architectures, and real-time operating systems, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Experience with debugging tools, protocol analyzers, version control systems (like Git), and certifications such as Certified Embedded Systems Engineer (CESE) are advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, effective problem-solving, and clear communication help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for designing, developing, and maintaining reliable embedded software that interacts seamlessly with hardware and meets rigorous industry standards.

What does a typical day look like for an Embedded System Software Engineer?

A typical day for an Embedded System Software Engineer involves writing and testing code for embedded devices, debugging hardware-software interactions, and collaborating closely with hardware engineers and cross-functional teams. You may participate in design reviews, update technical documentation, and ensure that software meets performance and safety requirements. Your role often requires balancing multiple projects, troubleshooting complex system issues, and adapting to evolving product needs. Working in this field provides the opportunity to see your software in action on real-world devices, making it both challenging and rewarding.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Washington are:
Embedded Development Engineer

Embedded Development Engineer

Cohere Technology Group LLC

Herndon, VA โ€ข On-site

$135.20K - $177.90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 hours ago


Job description

Cohere is looking for software engineers with C/C++ and assembly skills, hands-on knowledge of operating system internals including writing device drivers for current, new, and emerging hardware products centered on the ARM, Intel, and Risc-V processors. You will be working with cutting-edge designs and will be encouraged to dream up unique and elegant solutions as a part of a highly motivated and productive professional team. Any hardware, kernel, knowledge and reverse engineering of low-level CPU and system aspects is a plus.
Clearance:
No clearance is required. However, we seek individuals that have an appropriate background for obtaining a high-level security clearance.
The Role
This position is for an Embedded Systems Software Developer position. Applicants should have an understanding of kernels, micro-kernels, and/or RTOS internals, including using OS APIs and security boundaries available in the hardware. As an Embedded Systems Software Developer, you develop capabilities in support of operations. Your primary focus will be developing tools and applications that work in both user and kernel space. You will play a crucial role in developing custom capabilities used on live systems especially focused on protecting system. You will be a key player supporting national security interests.
Requirements and Skills:
When assessing candidates for the Embedded Systems Software Developer position, Cohere is looking for candidates with the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Software - Candidates should be able to demonstrate extensive experience coding in C/C++ and Python, including understanding Object Oriented Programming, Networking (sockets), Multithreading, and implementing cryptographic protocols for data at rest and data in transit. You should be capable of developing technical solutions to complex problems.
Hardware - You should have some understanding of how operating systems use and leverage hardware protection capabilities and how to use these to prevent a wide range of cyber attack techniques, including stack and heap attacks such as buffer overflows, off by one vulnerabilities, memory leaks, and format string attacks. Any additional understanding in how attackers bypass protections like stack canaries, DEP, K/ASLR, CFG, KPP, SMEP/SMAP is a plus.
Reverse Engineering - Any experience using RE tools including both debuggers and disassemblers and/or abilities creating code generation automation tools is also useful.
Creative Thinking - as Operating Systems and Hardware evolve, tools that worked before probably will need improvements in the future. Migrating software quickly to new Hardware platforms will require beyond-the-norm abilities. We need team members who are driven to learn and excited about solving hard problems and who can adapt to changing environments.
Communication - Just as important as your technical skills, as a Subject Matter Expert, you are expected to advise and assist the other teammates. This requires being able to clearly break down and explain complex techniques to others.
Collaboration - You should know how to use a version control system and CI/CD tools, preferably git or gitlab.
Leadership - You may function in a project leadership role, and you should be comfortable leading small teams.
Interested in working in this space, but don't feel you meet all the qualifications? Reach out anyway. Cohere is willing to mentor and develop promising candidates, ensuring they have the skills and abilities necessary to excel.
Compensation:
Cohere knows that our employees are our most valuable assets. Cohere offers competitive pay, commensurate with experience, labor categories, and current market demands.
FULLY PAID health care premiums for medical with PPO and HSA options
FULLY PAID dental, vision, and life insurance
Earn 240 hours PTO / year (30 days, accrued at 20 hours/month)
401k plan with matching employer contributions and profit sharing
Extremely lucrative referral programs
Monthly billable incentive rewards
Yearly training allowance for self-development
Flexible schedules
About Cohere:
Cohere was founded in 2015 by seasoned intelligence community engineers to unify and streamline both cyber and kinetic workflows for the Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense.
We are looking for candidates to join our team as we grow our cyber development department. This is an opportunity to join a close-knit team of engineers who are passionate about learning from each other and developing next-generation capabilities supporting our stakeholders' operations. Your work will contribute directly to securing infrastructure from malicious cyber actors.
We invest in our people, offering tailored training and mentorship as we grow our engineers. We believe that providing opportunities to learn fuels individual and organizational success. At Cohere, not only will you take your technical skills to the next level, but if desired, you can learn the processes and skills necessary to launch your own company too. We offer mentoring opportunities to learn from experienced leaders on creating and growing your own contracting business.
If you have a background in coding and computer security and want to take your career to the next level, with the ability to learn from senior engineers invested in your success, apply today!