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Embedded Systems Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Embedded Systems Department is dedicated to developing embedded hardware and software solutions ... designs, environmental hardening and ruggedization, real-time performance optimization, and system ...

Embedded Systems Engineer IIDivision: Innovative Solutions GroupDepartment: Embedded Systems ... Design or assist in designing printed circuit boards (PCB's) Participate in design reviews, testing ...

Embedded Systems Engineer II Division: Innovative Solutions Group Department: Embedded Systems ... Design or assist in designing printed circuit boards (PCB's) * Participate in design reviews ...

Analyze designs and software engineering practices that is integrated into embedded devices and systems and meets industry, customer, safety and regulation standards. * Assists with reviews, analyzes ...

Embedded Systems Engineer

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

This role will involve designing and implementing embedded control systems using ARM microcontrollers, FPGAs, SoC and DSPs, as well as real-time modeling of power supply behavior. You will interface ...

Embedded Systems Engineer

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

This role will involve designing and implementing embedded control systems using ARM microcontrollers, FPGAs, SoC and DSPs, as well as real-time modeling of power supply behavior. You will interface ...

Embedded Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Analyze designs and software engineering practices that is integrated into embedded devices and systems and meets industry, customer, safety and regulation standards. * Assists with reviews, analyzes ...

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Embedded Systems Designer information

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$30.5K

$96.7K

$168K

How much do embedded systems designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded systems designer in the United States is $96,713.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is embedded systems designer still a good career?

Embedded systems design remains a strong career due to ongoing demand for specialized hardware and software in industries like automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics. Professionals with skills in C/C++, real-time operating systems, and hardware integration are particularly sought after, and the field offers opportunities for growth with advancements in IoT and embedded AI technologies.

What is an embedded systems designer?

Embedded systems designers are engineers who specialize in creating the hardware and software that control devices not typically considered computers, such as appliances, automobiles, medical devices, and industrial machines. They integrate microcontrollers or microprocessors with specialized software to perform dedicated functions efficiently and reliably. Their work involves understanding both electronic circuit design and programming, as well as optimizing systems for performance, power consumption, and safety. Embedded systems designers often collaborate with other engineers to ensure that products meet technical specifications and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Embedded Systems Designer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectEmbedded Systems DesignerFirmware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Embedded Systems ProfessionalBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related; similar certifications often applicable
Work EnvironmentDesigning hardware-software integration, working in R&D labs, manufacturing settingsDeveloping, testing, and debugging firmware on embedded devices, often in software development teams
Industry UsageElectronics, automotive, consumer devices, industrial automationConsumer electronics, IoT devices, automotive, medical devices

Embedded Systems Designers focus on creating integrated hardware and software solutions, while Firmware Engineers primarily develop low-level software that runs on embedded hardware. Both roles often collaborate but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets.

What are some common challenges faced by embedded systems designers when integrating hardware and software components?

Embedded Systems Designers often encounter challenges in ensuring seamless integration between hardware and software components. These challenges can include dealing with hardware limitations such as processing power or memory constraints, meeting real-time performance requirements, and debugging timing issues that arise from the interaction between software and physical devices. Effective communication with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers and firmware developers, is essential to identify and resolve integration issues early in the development cycle. Staying updated on industry tools and best practices can also help mitigate these challenges and ensure successful system deployment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded systems designer?

To thrive as an Embedded Systems Designer, you need a strong background in electronics, computer engineering, and programming (especially C/C++), usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), circuit design tools, and industry-standard debugging equipment is essential, and certifications like ARM Accredited Engineer can be beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this field. These abilities ensure the efficient design, development, and integration of reliable embedded solutions for complex hardware and software challenges.
More about Embedded Systems Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Embedded Systems Designer jobs? Cities with the most Embedded Systems Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Embedded Systems Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,713 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a department head for the Embedded Systems Department (ESD) of the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office (MMSO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The Embedded Systems Department is dedicated to developing embedded hardware and software solutions in addition to driving integration of complex systems. The department focuses on real-time control and data acquisition, edge computing architectures, modular system architecture definition, integration methodologies, and test set development to include hardware in the loop and software in the loop.

In this role, you will lead and manage all aspects of the Embedded Systems Department, providing strategic direction, technical leadership, and operational oversight. You will also establish partnerships with customer program offices, defense contractors, systems integrators, and other government laboratories to transition cutting-edge embedded capabilities to operational platforms for the warfighter.

This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

  • Lead and manage all aspects of the Embedded Systems Department, providing strategic direction, technical leadership, and operational oversight

  • Support division leadership in developing and maintaining relationships with sponsors in support of meeting funding objectives

  • Build and direct a multidisciplinary team focused on embedded systems architectures, complex systems integration, hardware-software integration, edge analytics, and mission-critical control systems

  • Lead individual research projects and portfolios including developing technical concepts, writing winning proposals, staffing projects, conducting research, managing budgets, and delivering high-quality results

  • Provide technical oversight of embedded hardware and software development, ensuring quality and rigor of technical deliverables and research outputs

  • Transition cutting-edge embedded systems capabilities to operational platforms for the warfighter

  • Recruit, mentor, and develop staff with expertise in embedded systems, edge computing, and real-time control

  • Foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and mission focus

  • Lead individual research projects and portfolios including developing technical concepts, writing winning proposals, staffing the project, conducting the research, managing budgets, and delivering high-quality results

Additional responsibilities for the higher-level position includes:

  • Support development of a comprehensive roadmap for embedded systems and integration methodologies pertinent to systems of interest to the division including but not limited to missiles, hypersonics, and uncrewed aerial systems

  • Establish and maintain partnerships with customer program offices, defense contractors, systems integrators, and other government laboratories

  • Build strategic relationships with Defense Industrial Base stakeholders

  • Collaborate across ARL departments and with external stakeholders to integrate embedded solutions into larger system architectures

Required skills/experience areas include:

  • Embedded hardware architectures (microcontrollers, SoCs, FPGAs)

  • Real-time operating systems (RTOS) and bare-metal programming

  • Hardware-software co-design and integration

  • Edge computing and edge analytics frameworks

  • Data acquisition systems and sensor integration

  • Automated control systems and algorithms

  • Cyber-resilient embedded system design

  • Testing methodologies (Hardware in the loop, software in the loop, etc.)

  • System integration methodologies

  • Embedded systems challenges in complex DoD systems (e.g., maritime, aerospace, ground vehicles, unmanned systems)

  • Past success using edge device deployment for operational environments including size, weight, and power (SWaP) constrained designs, environmental hardening and ruggedization, real-time performance optimization, and system security and anti-tamper techniques

  • Past success in writing white papers or reports

  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website atwww.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $161,004.00 - $298,800.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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