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Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Columbia, MD (NOW HIRING)

ARSIEM

Embedded System Researcher 3

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$125K - $183K/yr

Expert-level engineering experience with over 12 years of analyzing embedded systems * Experience researching and developing in an embedded systems world (VxWorks, ELDK, or custom OS) * Experience ...

ARSIEM

Embedded System Researcher 3

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$125K - $183K/yr

Expert-level engineering experience with over 12 years of analyzing embedded systems * Experience researching and developing in an embedded systems world (VxWorks, ELDK, or custom OS) * Experience ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsEmbedded Systems Engineer JobsEmbedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Columbia, MD

Embedded Systems Engineer information

See Columbia, MD salary details

$62K

$136.2K

$190.5K

How much do embedded systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded systems engineer in Columbia, MD is $136,230.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,700.00 and $162,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an embedded systems engineer?

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.

What does an embedded systems engineer 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.

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 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.

Are embedded systems engineers in demand?

Embedded systems engineers are in high demand due to the growth of IoT, automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics industries. They typically require skills in programming languages like C and C++, and knowledge of hardware design, with job opportunities available across various sectors worldwide.
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Embedded Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Systems Engineer job openings in Columbia, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,230 per year, or $65.5 per hour.

Hardware Systems Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Review and contribute to the design and integration of complex digital hardware and embedded systems, focusing on circuit card assemblies, computing architectures, and system-level performance.

  • Review circuit card schematics, drawings, and test procedures, providing feedback to improve design quality and test coverage.

  • Support equipment obsolescence analysis, future hardware architecture planning, and participate in systems engineering activities such as requirements analysis, architecture definition, and verification planning.

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 75 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you passionate about digital hardware, embedded systems, and complex tactical systems?
Do you enjoy digging into circuit card designs, system architectures, and lab integration work?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking an experienced Hardware Systems Engineer to help us design, review, and evolve mission-critical distributed C2 systems for DoD applications. You'll be joining a hardworking team of engineers who tackle challenging real-time problems in support of the warfighter. We strive to foster an environment of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning. As a member of our team, you will contribute to the development, integration, and sustainment of advanced tactical systems.
As a Hardware Systems Engineer in the Distributed C2 Real-time Engineering
  • Your primary responsibility will be to review and contribute to the design and integration of complex digital hardware and embedded systems, with a strong focus on circuit card assemblies, computing architectures, and system-level performance.
  • You will review circuit card schematics, drawings, and test procedures, providing thoughtful and technically sound feedback to improve design quality and test coverage.
  • You will support ongoing equipment obsolescence analysis and future equipment architecture planning, particularly around computing hardware, operating systems, and cybersecurity.
  • You will participate in systems engineering activities for a complex DoD tactical system, including requirements analysis, architecture definition, and verification planning.
  • You will contribute to hardware/software integration and testing in a development laboratory, assisting with troubleshooting and root cause analysis across hardware and software boundaries.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a B.S. degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field.
  • Have 3+ years of experience working in an engineering role (hardware, systems, embedded, or closely related).
  • Are skilled in one or more of the following:
    - Digital hardware or circuit card assembly design, review, or test.
    - Embedded/real-time systems or computer architectures.
    - Systems engineering for complex systems.
  • Are willing and able to travel up to 10% as needed.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have a Master's or Ph.D. degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
  • Have 5 or more years of experience working with:
    - Complex circuit card assembly design taken from concept through manufacturing and production of multiple units.
    - Printed circuit board design, manufacturing, and test processes.
    - Embedded real-time or near real-time systems and real-time operating systems (e.g., VxWorks, RT Linux, Integrity).
    - Computer architectures, including VPX-based or SOSA-aligned systems.
  • Have familiarity or experience with:
    - Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) standard.
    - VITA 46, VITA 65 (VPX) standards.
    - Cybersecurity fundamentals and practice for embedded/tactical systems.
    - Anti-tamper systems engineering and technologies.
    - Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools.
    - Navy and/or other DoD tactical systems .
    - Software engineering, scripting, or code design (e.g., C/C++, Python, shell scripting) to support integration, test automation, or tooling.
  • Hold an active Top Secret or higher security clearance, or are able to qualify for one

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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