1

Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Springfield, VA

The Software Team's mission is to design, build, and test embedded Linux systems for small ... As a deeply technical principal engineer, you'll define embedded system architectures, establish ...

Lead Systems Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Lead Systems Engineer - Job Title: Lead Systems Engineer Department: Engineering Reports To ... Collaborate with software, hardware, RF, embedded, test, manufacturing, configuration management ...

Terrestrial Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$178K - $211K/yr

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

Terrestrial Software Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$180K - $213K/yr

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

next page

Showing results 1-20

Embedded Systems Engineer information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$65.3K

$143.4K

$200.6K

How much do embedded systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded systems engineer in Springfield, VA is $143,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $170,800.00 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.

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 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.
What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Embedded Systems Engineer jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Embedded Systems Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Embedded Systems Engineer job openings in Springfield, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,386 per year, or $68.9 per hour.
Embedded System Software Engineer

Embedded System Software Engineer

Mpr Associates, Inc.

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Overview

MPR Associates, Inc. (MPR), a thriving multi-discipline, specialty engineering services and consulting firm, is actively seeking a capable and motivated Embedded System Software Engineer to join our team. If you are seeking a unique, challenging, and rewarding career opportunity, MPR may be the right company for you.

Founded in 1964, MPR has a wide and growing client base in the fields of power and energy, federal services, and health and life sciences, in the United States as well as internationally. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, we also have offices in East Lyme, Connecticut, Burlington, Massachusetts, and Salt Lake City, Utah. MPR makes challenging projects successful, delivering safe and reliable technical solutions across the entire project or product life-cycle to benefit our clients and society as a whole. We hire the best and brightest, which results in a high-performance culture built on trust and respect, making MPR an exceptional place to work.

General Job Description

Join our engineering team as an Embedded System Software Engineer where you'll develop connected embedded systems and firmware that bridge the gap between hardware and software. We're looking for someone who thrives at the intersection of low-level programming, embedded control systems, and hardware-software integration, creating reliable systems that operate in demanding real-world environments.

We specifically seek engineers who bring an engineering mindset to software development - those who approach problems with the systematic, analytical thinking that comes from engineering training. As part of our team, you'll architect and develop embedded applications and firmware, working with embedded control systems and hardware interfaces while being willing to stretch into application development to support the full suite of software for device implementations.

Duties/Responsibilities
  • Embedded Systems Development: Design and implement firmware and low-level software for connected embedded platforms and microcontrollers.
  • Embedded Control Systems: Develop time-critical software that interfaces with hardware components and sensors.
  • Hardware- Software Integration: Work closely with hardware teams to ensure seamless integration between software and physical systems.
  • Application Development Support: Extend beyond embedded work to support higher-level applications that interface with you embedded systems.
  • Performance Optimization: Ensure embedded performance requirement are met while optimizing for memory and processing constraints.
  • Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with the remainder of the engineering team to implement a solution which fits all needs of the client.
Qualifications
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in an Engineering Discipline.
Experience
  • Two (2) or more years of software engineering experience.
  • Experience building production embedded systems or firmware.
  • Understanding of embedded operating systems and bare-metal programming
  • Comfortable working with hardware and debugging tools.
  • Strong problem-solving skills for performance and memory optimization challenges.
  • Proficiency in C for embedded development preferred.
  • Experience with microcontrollers, firmware development, and low-level programming preferred.
  • Understanding of embedded constraints, timing requirements, and deterministic behavior preferred.
  • Familiarity with hardware interfaces, protocols, and sensor integration preferred.
  • Experience with hardware bring-up, schematic reading, and familiarity with design tools like Altium or similar PCB/schematic software preferred.
  • Experience with SPI, I2C, UART or similar protocols preferred.
  • Willingness to work on high-level software that interfaces with embedded systems preferred.
  • Experience or willingness to learn PCB design via Altium preferred.
Skills
  • The ability to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies while multitasking.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across functional teams.
  • Exceptional time and project management skills.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
  • Persistent, questioning attitude and ability to accept that in others.
  • Motivated to expand skills and knowledge, as well as tackle new problem and take on new responsibilities.
  • Ability to participate in multiple projects and project teams concurrently.

MPR Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, who participates in E-Verify. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other classification as required by applicable laws.  MPR is a certified Virginia Values Veterans (V3) employer.

Employment Type: OTHER