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Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Fairfax, VA (NOW HIRING)

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Arlington, VA

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our ...

Zetier

CNO Embedded Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

CNO Embedded Engineer Zetier seeks senior Computer Network Operations (CNO) embedded system engineers to analyze and develop operationally critical cyber capabilities. Candidates will demonstrate ...

Zetier

CNO Embedded Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

CNO Embedded Engineer Zetier seeks senior Computer Network Operations (CNO) embedded system engineers to analyze and develop operationally critical cyber capabilities. Candidates will demonstrate ...

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All JobsEmbedded Systems Engineer JobsEmbedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Fairfax, VA

Embedded Systems Engineer information

See Fairfax, VA salary details

$64K

$140.5K

$196.5K

How much do embedded systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded systems engineer in Fairfax, VA is $140,523.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,100.00 and $167,400.00 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 Fairfax, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,523 per year, or $67.6 per hour.

Embedded Systems Engineer (Medical Devices)

Black Canyon Consulting

Ashburn, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Overview
Are you a versatile engineer who thrives at the intersection of hardware and software? Do you have a deep understanding of Xilinx FPGAs and the AXI protocol, but also enjoy diving into schematic design, PCB layout guidance, or kernel drivers when the need arises? We are seeking a dynamic, mid-career Embedded Systems Engineer to join our team developing next-generation medical devices.
In this role, you will be the linchpin between the digital logic fabric and the high-level application software. You will architect and implement complex FPGA designs that interface seamlessly with user-space applications running on embedded processors via AXI interconnects. Beyond the FPGA, you will own the board-level electronics: you'll generate detailed schematics for complex devices built around the Xilinx FPGA, ensuring robust power delivery, high-speed signal routing, and peripheral integration. We are looking for a "full-stack" embedded thinker, someone who is equally excited to design a new analog front-end, refactor a Linux device driver, or optimize a data processing pipeline. You won't just be writing and using IP blocks; you will own the embedded ecosystem, from the circuit board to the application layer, delivering technology that directly impacts patient lives under a quality management system.
Key Responsibilities
  • Board-Level Schematic Generation: Design and own the detailed electrical schematics for complex, FPGA-centric medical devices. This includes component selection, power architecture definition, clock distribution, high-speed memory interfaces (DDR), and analog signal conditioning circuits.
  • FPGA Architecture & Implementation: Design, code, and verify complex digital designs on Xilinx platforms (Vivado/Vitis), with a primary focus on implementing custom IP blocks that communicate with user-space Linux applications via AXI4 (Lite, Stream, and Memory-Mapped) interfaces.
  • Device Driver & Kernel Development: Develop and maintain Linux kernel drivers and user-space libraries that bridge the gap between the FPGA logic and C++/Rust/Python applications.
  • Full-Cycle Medical Device Development: Participate in all phases of the product lifecycle within a regulated IEC 62304 / ISO 13485 framework, including requirements definition, architectural design, FMEA, and verification testing.
  • Cross-Functional Hardware Integration: Work closely with PCB layout engineers to guide stack-up and routing; perform board bring-up, bench testing (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers), and debugging of your schematics.
  • Broad Problem Solving: Demonstrate flexibility by owning problems outside any single domain. You will debug high-speed signal integrity issues one day, and write a Python script to automate hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing the next.
  • Optimization: Profile and optimize embedded systems for low latency, high throughput, SWAP-C (size, weight, power, and cost) constraints, and patient safety.

Must-Have Qualifications
  • Experience: 4-7+ years of hands-on experience in embedded systems development.
  • Schematic & Board Design: Proven ability to generate complex board-level schematics for FPGA-based designs using industry-standard tools (e.g., Altium Designer, KiCad). Must understand power sequencing, high-speed routing constraints, and mixed-signal layout considerations.
  • Xilinx Proficiency: Deep working knowledge of the Xilinx toolchain (Vivado, Vitis) and the ability to generate, customize, and debug IP cores connected via the AXI interconnect protocol.
  • Hardware Description Languages: Proficiency in VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog for synthesis, simulation, and timing closure.
  • Embedded Linux: Strong experience with embedded Linux (Yocto, PetaLinux, or Buildroot), kernel configuration, and cross-compilation.
  • Software Skills: Fluency in C/C++ or Rust (preferred) for low-level firmware and driver development; proficiency in Python for scripting and data analysis.
  • Interface Knowledge: Solid understanding of communication protocols beyond AXI, such as SPI, I2C, UART, and high-speed serial links.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications
  • Medical Experience: Experience working in a regulated environment (FDA, MDR) with safety-critical standards like IEC 62304.
  • Analog/Digital Circuitry: Deep experience with precision analog front-ends, ADCs, DACs, and power management ICs (PMICs) commonly found in medical instrumentation.
  • Broad Toolbox: Experience with Digital Signal Processing (DSP), SoC design on Zynq/MPSoC/RFSoC platforms, or high-speed transceivers.

Who You Are
  • An Adaptable Engineer: You have deep expertise in Xilinx logic design and schematic generation, and a broad willingness and ability to contribute wherever the project needs it most, from software drivers to regulatory documentation.
  • A Systems Thinker: You don't just see an FPGA task; you see the data flow from the sensor conditioning circuit, through the AXI bus, up to the UI.
  • A Clear Communicator: You can translate complex hardware limitations to software engineers and vice versa, documenting your work clearly for regulatory audits.

Benefits and Salary
We attract the best people in the business with our competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) plan with employer contribution; paid holidays, vacation, and tuition reimbursement.
We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience and location. If you enjoy being part of a high-performing, professional, technology-focused organization, please apply today!

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