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Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Cymertek

SIGINT Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

SIGINT Systems Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Knowledge of embedded systems * Proficiency in cybersecurity best practices * Understanding of ...

Cymertek

SIGINT Systems Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

SIGINT Systems Engineer LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Knowledge of embedded systems * Proficiency in cybersecurity best practices * Understanding of ...

Cymertek

SIGINT Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

SIGINT Systems Engineer LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Knowledge of embedded systems * Proficiency in cybersecurity best practices * Understanding of ...

ARSIEM

Systems Engineer IV

Arlington, VA

Conduct forensic analysis of compromised network-edge devices and embedded systems * Perform circuit board reverse engineering and component identification * Extract and analyze data from flash ...

ARSIEM

Systems Engineer IV

Arlington, VA · On-site

Conduct forensic analysis of compromised network-edge devices and embedded systems * Perform circuit board reverse engineering and component identification * Extract and analyze data from flash ...

ARSIEM

Systems Engineer IV

Arlington, VA · On-site

Conduct forensic analysis of compromised network-edge devices and embedded systems * Perform circuit board reverse engineering and component identification * Extract and analyze data from flash ...

Solutions3 LLC

Electrical Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Conduct forensic analysis of compromised network-edge devices and embedded systems * Perform circuit board reverse engineering and component identification * Extract and analyze data from flash ...

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All JobsEmbedded Systems Engineer JobsEmbedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Embedded Systems Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$62K

$136.1K

$190.4K

How much do embedded systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded systems engineer in Virginia is $136,096.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,500.00 and $162,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Do Embedded Systems Engineers Do?

An embedded systems engineer creates the software to control electronics or machines that are different from regular computers. This software needs to run on the specific hardware it controls. Their duties also include troubleshooting and testing. Essential skills include problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. Work is typically in an office environment with full-time business hours. Educational qualifications include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in embedded systems engineering or a related field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Embedded Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded Systems Engineer, you need strong proficiency in C/C++ programming, embedded hardware knowledge, and a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), microcontroller development platforms, and debugging tools like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers is typically required. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities are essential to design reliable embedded solutions that meet strict performance, safety, and efficiency requirements.

Will AI replace embedded developers?

Embedded Systems Engineers design and develop software for hardware devices, and while AI can automate certain coding tasks and optimize processes, it is unlikely to fully replace the need for human expertise in understanding hardware constraints, system integration, and troubleshooting. AI tools can assist developers but require skilled engineers to interpret and implement solutions effectively.

What do you do as an embedded systems engineer?

An embedded systems engineer designs, develops, and tests hardware and software for embedded devices such as microcontrollers and processors. They work on integrating software with hardware components, often using programming languages like C or C++, and may use tools like oscilloscopes and debuggers. This role typically requires knowledge of real-time operating systems and embedded development environments.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data science, or executive roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in top tech companies or with significant bonuses and stock options. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, and years of experience.

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

AspectEmbedded Systems EngineerFirmware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Embedded Systems EngineerBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering; certifications like Certified Firmware Engineer
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing embedded hardware/software for devices like automotive, medical, consumer electronicsWriting low-level code to optimize firmware for microcontrollers and embedded devices
Industry UsageUsed across automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, industrial automationPrimarily in consumer electronics, IoT devices, and embedded hardware products

Both roles focus on embedded development but differ in scope. Embedded Systems Engineers work on both hardware and software integration, while Firmware Engineers specialize in writing low-level code for device firmware. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges an Embedded Systems Engineer faces when integrating hardware and software components?

Embedded Systems Engineers often encounter challenges when ensuring that hardware and software components work seamlessly together. These can include dealing with limited memory and processing power, timing constraints, and real-time performance requirements. Troubleshooting issues that arise from hardware-software interactions—such as driver compatibility, signal integrity, or power management—requires strong problem-solving skills and close collaboration with hardware designers and software developers. Engineers must frequently debug at both the hardware and code level, making attention to detail and cross-disciplinary communication essential in this role.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, and certain executive or management roles can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation often requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or working in high-demand industries like technology, finance, or aerospace.

What are Embedded Systems Engineers?

Embedded Systems Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain embedded systems—specialized computing systems that perform dedicated functions within larger mechanical or electrical systems. These engineers work with both hardware and software, often programming microcontrollers or microprocessors to control devices like automobiles, medical equipment, consumer electronics, and industrial machines. Their expertise ensures devices are efficient, reliable, and optimized for specific tasks, making embedded systems a crucial part of modern technology.
More about Embedded Systems Engineer jobs
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Embedded Systems Engineer jobs near you

Embedded Software Engineer III

Iridium Satellite, LLC

Mclean, VA • On-site

$132K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
Iridium is an award-winning and innovative satellite communications company with bragging rights to the only network that offers voice and data connectivity anywhere in the world. For over 20 years, Iridium's unique network and services have supported critical communications needs for individuals, businesses, and the evolving Internet of Things.
At Iridium, we understand the importance of staying connected and the limitations of traditional communications networks. People across the globe, including first responders, humanitarians, global militaries, scientific researchers, and lone workers, as well as ships, aircraft and remote operations all rely on Iridium to stay connected. We take our responsibility for providing these essential communications very seriously and pride ourselves on offering a reliable lifeline when needed. Likewise, Iridium is committed to providing an exciting and innovative workplace, where employees are challenged to think outside the box and collaborate on new, bold ideas and solutions. Our talented teams are passionate about their work and the impact our company makes around the world. Iridium fosters an empowering and inclusive culture that allows employees to genuinely be their best selves. We are looking for others who want to join this truly unique company that celebrates our employees and provides the opportunity to truly make a difference in the world.
What We're Looking For:
Iridium is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer III to join our Mobile Product Software Engineering Team! As an Embedded Software Engineer, you will be responsible for enhancing and sustaining the source code used in our mobile products and associated engineering tools. In this role, you'll gain valuable experience working on software for Iridium's transceivers while contributing to the development of high-quality products for our customers. If you are passionate about creating reliable and robust products, committed to the long-term success of your work, and highly self reliant, you'll thrive in this position.
What You'll Do:
  • Design and develop embedded software for microcontrollers ensuring high-quality, performance, and reliability
  • Implement and optimize real-time operating systems, device drivers, and communication protocols
  • Debug and troubleshoot reported firmware issues, ensuring timely resolution
  • Reproduce, isolate and debug complex low-level problems that may span between hardware and software interfaces
  • Integrate, build, and manage embedded software configuration
  • Write and maintain unit, regression and pairwise test suites for mobile product software
  • Create and maintain documentation, including software requirements, ICDs, test plans and procedures
  • Review work products created by other team members
  • Collaborate with software, hardware, and system development engineers
  • Work cross functionally to instill a strong culture of product quality within the organization

What You'll Need to Succeed:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related technical field with 5+ years of relative software experience, including:
    • 3+ years' experience developing embedded software, preferably for microcontrollers
    • 4+ years' experience developing software in C; solid understanding of ANSI C, common data structures and memory management techniques
  • Familiarity with asynchronous event driven paradigms
  • Proven experience in embedded systems design with preemptive, multitasking, real-time operating systems
  • Excellent knowledge of OSI model, networking protocols, interfaces, and hardware subsystems
  • Solid understanding of communication protocols such as UART, SPI, and I2C
  • Adequate knowledge of reading schematics and data sheets for components
  • Experience with benchmarking algorithm performance on embedded systems using software and hardware techniques
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to confidently present products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues
  • Possess an analytical mindset, with the ability to understand a situation or problem and think critically to make decisions or come up with solutions
  • Be comfortable managing upward, including being a proactive communicator and asking for help when needed
  • Have confidence and be able to establish valuable relationships with others
  • Must be able to prioritize key tasks and have a strong sense of ownership over your work
  • Be active in seeking out ways to continuously improve yourself and gain new knowledge

Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table:
  • 1+ years of experience in developing ancillary tools in Python
  • Experience developing software for ARM M series microcontrollers
  • Experience using Linux command-line interfaces
  • Familiarity with multi-threading/multi-tasking
  • Familiarity with signal analysis tools such as Wireshark
  • Demonstrated embedded systems troubleshooting experience
  • 1+ years of experience working with agile methods & environment using the Atlassian suite.
  • Demonstrated understanding of software production via continuous integration
  • Demonstrated understanding of best practices for software version control (Git, SVN etc)
  • Knowledge of RF communication systems and protocols
  • Working knowledge of bash, make and similar programming languages

We'll also need you to:
  • Be able to travel to meetings with geographically remote teams, as needed (typically once per quarter).
  • Be able to work a hybrid schedule that includes at least one week in office (located in McLean, VA) and as needed.
  • US Citizenship required

Work environment:
This position primarily works in an office setting and is largely sedentary with the majority of the position working with a computer. The role typically requires the use of basic office equipment such as a phone, video, computer, keyboard, mouse, and printer.
Additional Information
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work for this role and is not a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as needed.
Base Pay Range: $100,000 - $130,000 USD
Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors and this range represents an estimate of compensation at the time of posting. Base salary is only one part of our compensation package for this role. You may also be eligible for company stock and annual bonus. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid time off and paid holidays; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.
Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

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