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

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 ...

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 ...

Your experience will be focused on embedded systems with demonstrated, proven experience in any of ARM, PPC, MIPS, or other embedded assembly languages. Position Requirements: • 12 yrs experience ...

Electrical Engineers must have embedded experience *** $60.81/HR ON W2 PREFER LOCAL CANDIDATES. IF NOT, MUST BE WILLING TO RELOCATE AT THEIR OWN COSTS. CAN DO SKYPE INTERVIEW. - 7+ years of ...

Terrestrial Software Systems Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

$173K - $205K/yr

SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Ground Systems Engineer, Systems Software Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer, Software Systems Architect, Terrestrial Systems Engineer, Software Integration Engineer, Aerospace ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 10, 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 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.

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 integration, with job opportunities expected to increase as embedded technology becomes more widespread.

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 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 job categories do people searching Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD are:
What cities near Columbia, MD are hiring for Embedded Systems Engineer jobs? Cities near Columbia, MD with the most Embedded Systems Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Embedded Systems Engineer job openings in Columbia, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,230 per year, or $65.5 per hour.

Embedded System Researcher

FiveTwelve

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

$5.2K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description


The candidate needs to be an expert level engineer with over 12 years' experience analyzing embedded systems. Your candidate will need the capability to lead others in tasks, coordinate with customers on existing work, and lead complex problems through to completion. Their expeirence needs to be focused on embedded systems with demonstrated, proven experience in any of ARM, PPC, MIPS, or other embedded assembly languages.
Requirements
• Experience researching and developing in an embedded systems world (VxWorks, ELDK, or custom OS)
• Experience with Python, C, and ASM and development
• Experience with debugging tools (GDB)
• Demonstrated ability to self-drive research tasking and coordinate with customers on distilling larger tasks into meaningful milestones
** MUST HAVE TS/SCI w FSP
Benefits
PTO: Our variable PTO plan lets you decide the amount that's best for you. Choose as few as 2 weeks or as much as 6 weeks.
Holidays: 10 annually
401k: 5% Company match; fully-vested from Day 1
Quarterly Bonus: Totaling 2.5% of your base salary annually
Pay for any extra hours in cash or comp time
Pay for unused holidays or comp time
Training Budget: Up to $5,250 annually
Cell Phone/Internet Allowance: Monthly reimbursement up to $75
Gym/Health Club Membership: Monthly reimbursement up to $50
Personal Technology Allowance: Up to $500 annually
Cool Logo Wear: At least $100 annually
Health Insurance: Provided through CareFirst Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Three plans to choose from - HSA Silver, HMO Platimun, PPO Platimum. FiveTwelve covers 80% of the premium for employees and their dependents.
Dental and Vision Insurance: Provided through CareFirst Blue Cross/Blue Shield. FiveTwelve covers 100% of the premium for employees and their dependents.
Short Term and Long Term Disability: FiveTwelve pays 100% of premium
Referral Bonus: Up to $10,000 for fully-cleared referrals