1

Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Skilled in embedded systems programming (microcontrollers; FPGA experience a plus, experience interfacing with laboratory measurement equipment is a plus) * Experience with laboratory equipment ...

Showing results 41-60

Embedded Systems Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$70.8K

$155.4K

$217.4K

How much do embedded systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded systems engineer in Washington, DC is $155,418.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,200.00 and $185,100.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Embedded Systems Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $155,418 per year, or $74.7 per hour.

Embedded Linux Software Systems Engineer

Kastle Systems

Falls Church, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


Kastle Systems rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 116 rated security


Job description

Overview
Kastle Systems is looking for an Embedded Linux Software Systems Engineer to join our team in Falls Church, VA to help us grow our product offerings.
As a Kastle Systems Embedded Linux Software Systems Engineer, you will have an opportunity to contribute to our award winning* highly available and distributed platform that is deployed on platforms ranging from microcontrollers, headless Linux IoT controllers, datacenters, and the AWS and Azure clouds.
Our products work to keep people safe while adding convenience and providing excellent customer service to the building managers and enterprise customers that use our Security-As-A-Service platform. The successful candidate will be one who is looking to make a big impact in the company in which they join. This position will be building features into our brand new line of announced and unannounced hardware.
In addition to a great work environment, we provide excellent benefits (Medical/Dental/Vision, 401K, Tuition/Training Assistance, BrightHorizons Lifestyle Assistance, Wellness Program, etc.). We are proud to be a Certified Great Place to Work with awards for being a Top Work Place with Top DE&I Practices! For more informaton about what it's like to work with us, please visit Kastle Careers.
In addition to a great work environment, we provide excellent benefits (Medical/Dental/Vision, 401K, Tuition/Training Assistance, BrightHorizons Lifestyle Assistance, Wellness Program, etc.) and we're proud to be a Certified Great Place to Work! For more information about what it's like to work with us, please visit Kastle Careers.
Responsibilities
• Build and maintain Kastle's embedded linux platform using BuildRoot, Yocto, or similar
embedded linux platform enablement tools.
• Build and maintain Kastle's embedded linux platform's supporting infrastructure, such as package and image management, shell scripts, and contribute to monitoring systems.
• Design, program, and write programs that run on IoT Linux (Headless) environments. Programs are written in a variety of languages, including C/C++, Python and shell scripting.
• Ensures Kastle's linux platforms comply to all applicable security standards and best practices.
• Contribute to other Kastle linux-based platform development and maintenance.
• Track issue progress in corporate issue tracking system (Confluence Cloud)
• Collaborate on and thoroughly document design decisions.
• Support field deployments. Diagnose faults and propose solutions to management.
• Work with QA to ensure adequate test coverage exists for projects. Develop test harnesses as needed to facilitate testing of individual hardware components.
• Troubleshooting, debugging, maintaining, and improving existing software and hardware
• Develop technical documentation to aid in support and future development
Qualifications
  • Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar degree that provides a solid foundation in computer programming.
  • 4+ years experience with IoT flavors of Linux (GUI-less), with at least 2+ years using either managing BuildRoot, Yocto, or a similar embedded linux platform tool.
  • Experience developing against standard web apis (REST)
  • Demonstrated experience with setting up devices in the field with different network conditions at play (DHCP, NAT, port forwarding, etc)
  • Excellent written and verbal US English communication skills
  • Ability to comprehend electrical schematics and their implications to embedded software.
  • Understanding of asymmetric and symmetric cryptography.

Company Overview
The property technology space is growing rapidly, and Kastle is leading the way. Kastle is the leader in managed security, with a track record of introducing innovative technologies to serve over 460M square feet of real estate globally. Clients span the commercial and multifamily real estate, education, and construction industries and the customers they serve. Delivering a world class customer experience drives everything we do, and Kastle's mission is to be our customers' best service provider and to ensure that their security the most effective, efficient and convenient. Kastle's integrated security solution, including access control, video, and remote video monitoring, significantly reduces costs and improves the critically important 24x7 performance for building owners, developers and tenants.
Equal Opportunity Statement
At Kastle, we believe that diversity makes us stronger - at work and in the world. Kastle Systems International, LLC is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or any other basis protected by applicable federal or state laws. For more information, please visit Kastle Careers.
#LI-JF1

What Kastle Systems employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom