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

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 ...

Space Systems Software Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

$173K - $205K/yr

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

Space Systems Software Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$176K - $209K/yr

Space Systems Software Engineer LOCATION Annapolis Junction, MD 20701 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly ... Experience with embedded systems software * Strong understanding of software integration in complex ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 18, 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD?

The most popular types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD?

For Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,230 per year, or $65.5 per hour.

Embedded Reverse Engineer: All Levels - FUTURE NEED with Security Clearance

Cipher Tech Solutions, Inc.

Vienna, VA • On-site

$43.27 - $96.15/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

FUTURE NEED - Not a current vacancy. If you apply, this could be a multi-year process. Location: Vienna, VA Description: The candidate will be primarily focused on conducting software analysis of embedded products. The focus will be on reverse engineering and potentially vulnerability analysis of provided systems via static and/or dynamic tools and techniques. Enablement of potential further analysis, repeatable exploitation processes, feature addition, and technical reporting are also part of day-to-day activities. Embedded application design and testing may also be performed for the target platforms. Requirements: * Must be a US citizen (No exceptions!) * Must be willing and eligible to obtain a US government security clearance * Must hold a Bachelor's Degree or higher in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or closely related. * Must have experience with various programming and scripting languages (e.g., C, C++, Assembly, Python, and Bash) to be used in embedded device interaction and prototyping * Must have experience with various microcontroller/microprocessor architectures and their instruction sets (e.g., ARM, x86) * Must have experience with static and dynamic analysis and debugging tools and techniques for embedded targets (e.g., IDA Pro, Ghidra, GDB, JTAG, SWD) * Must have excellent customer service and communication skills as well as the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines. * Must have strong leadership interpersonal and verbal/written communications skills that enable the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment Desirable: * Familiarity with various traditional operating systems as well as Real Time Operating Systems (e.g., Windows, *nix, VxWorks, QNX, FreeRTOS, Embedded Linux, Windows IoT/Embedded) * Familiarity with embedded hardware design and low-level communication with peripheral devices at the hardware level (e.g., UART, SPI, I2C) * Experience researching hardware platform components and reading schematics and datasheets to understand device functionality * Experience in reverse engineering of embedded systems containing proprietary operating systems or bare metal applications Benefits: * Mission focused work environment * Subsidized medical/dental/vision insurance * HSA contributions * 401k matching * Holiday and Paid Time Off (PTO) * Monthly WAN parties & quarterly events * Flexible hours Remote work is not an option. We do offer relocation assistance. Please see our careers page or inquire with your recruiter about the terms and conditions. Salary and other Compensation: The hourly rate of pay ranges from $43.27 - $96.15 The salary range for this position is subject not only to the hire's skills, education, expertise, and years of experience, but also to features of the final position offered to the hire: including, but not limited to the location of the position, clearance required for the position, and the contract associated with the position. See our Perks & Benefits page for a general description of benefits and other potential compensation benefits: https://www.ciphertechsolutions.com/careers/perks-benefits/ About Us: At Cipher Tech Solutions, Inc. (Cipher Tech), we take great pride in supporting some of the most mission critical work in the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. The majority of our company is comprised of extremely talented software developers who write production tools which directly support one of two missions: digital forensics and malware reverse engineering. Digital forensics is the practice of extracting and processing evidence from computers, phones, tablets, cameras, flash-drives, and just about any other form of digital media. The results of our work are then used to support federal and military law enforcement, counterintelligence, and counter terrorist activities. Malware reverse engineering is the practice of analyzing malicious code. The goal of a reverse engineer is to understand how the malicious code works and determine facts such as: *How did it infect the victim's computer *What kind of information it is seeking to steal *How is it communicating with the author (actor) *Who that actor might be. Vaccination Notice: Please be aware that you are applying for a position to work as a federal contractor. As such, Cipher Tech will require, and your employment will be subject to, such vaccinations as are required by federal, state, and local law requirements. Important Security Clearance Information: Be aware that you are applying for a job that requires a U.S. Government Security Clearance. If you do not already hold a U.S. government security clearance, we do have the ability to sponsor, however be advised that this can be a multi-year process. The U.S. government will not issue security clearances to recent users of illegal drugs. On your application to us, you must acknowledge that you have not engaged in any illegal drug use within the past twelve months (illegal drug use includes, but is not limited to, the use of illegal substances, the misuse of prescriptions, the misuse of over-the-counter substances, and the use of medical or recreational marijuana that may be deemed legal at the state level but is still considered illegal by the federal government). NOTE: CIPHER TECH WILL NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WITH A DISABILITY, INCLUDING ILLEGAL DRUG USERS WHO HAVE RECENTLY SOUGHT PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT FOR A DRUG PROBLEM. -- Cipher Tech is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All hiring and employment decisions are made on the basis of business requirements, performance, and merit with no regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, or other protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.