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Embedded Systems Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RLA Engineering LLC

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Inkjet Embedded Systems Engineer

Corvallis, OR · On-site

Collaborate with other engineering teams to o Design new embedded systems using off the shelf microcontrollers and/or ASICs o Develop new test application features such as increased test coverage and ...

Curtisswright

Senior Embedded Systems Engineer

Fairborn, OH · On-site

$86.10K - $114K/yr

Senior Embedded Systems Engineer As a Senior Embedded Systems Engineer in our Dayton facility, you will be responsible for all aspects of development within an embedded systems environment. You will ...

Techximius

Embedded Systems Engineer Lead

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Embedded Systems Engineer Lead Overview Tech(x) is a mission-focused engineering organization delivering advanced technology solutions in support of Department of Defense research, development ...

Leggett & Platt

Embedded Systems Engineer

Carthage, MO · On-site

Leggett & Platt, Incorporated is seeking to hire an Embedded Systems Engineer to develop hardware for new and existing electronics. This position will report directly to our Electronics Engineering ...

Leggett & Platt

Embedded Systems Engineer

Carthage, MO · On-site

Leggett & Platt, Incorporated is seeking to hire an Embedded Systems Engineer to develop hardware for new and existing electronics. This position will report directly to our Electronics Engineering ...

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How much do embedded systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for embedded systems programmer in the United States is $31.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.92 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Embedded Systems Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded Systems Programmer, you need strong proficiency in C/C++, hardware interfacing, and a solid understanding of computer architecture, often supported by a degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), debugging tools like JTAG, and version control systems such as Git is typically required. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex technical challenges. These skills ensure the development of reliable, efficient embedded solutions that meet stringent performance and safety requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by Embedded Systems Programmers when working on cross-functional teams?

Embedded Systems Programmers often collaborate closely with hardware engineers, software developers, and quality assurance teams. A common challenge is ensuring that the software integrates seamlessly with custom hardware, which may require troubleshooting low-level issues and adapting to evolving hardware specifications. Effective communication and documentation are key, as misunderstandings can lead to delays or system malfunctions. Embracing agile methodologies and regular sync-ups can help address these challenges while fostering a collaborative team environment.

What are embedded systems programmers?

Embedded systems programmers are software developers who design, write, and test code that runs on embedded devices, such as microcontrollers, sensors, and other hardware with dedicated functions. Unlike general-purpose computers, embedded systems have limited resources and are optimized for specific tasks, often operating in real-time environments. These programmers use languages like C or C++ and work closely with hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration between software and hardware components. Their work is crucial in industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, medical devices, and industrial automation.

What is the difference between Embedded Systems Programmer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectEmbedded Systems Programmer

Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Engineer are common.
Work EnvironmentWorks on developing software for embedded hardware devices, often in industries like automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial automation.
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies designing embedded products, with a focus on low-level programming and hardware interaction.
Common Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare to Firmware Engineer due to overlapping skills in embedded development and hardware interfacing.

Both roles involve embedded development, but Embedded Systems Programmers focus more on software design for embedded hardware, while Firmware Engineers specialize in writing low-level firmware that directly interacts with hardware components. The roles often overlap, but the emphasis differs slightly depending on the project and industry.

More about Embedded Systems Programmer jobs
What cities are hiring for Embedded Systems Programmer jobs? Cities with the most Embedded Systems Programmer job openings:
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Embedded Systems Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Systems Programmer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% Physical, and 20% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $65,660 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Principal Embedded Systems Engineer (T05)

Principal Embedded Systems Engineer (T05)

Vertex

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

V2X is seeking an accomplished Principal Embedded Systems Engineer (T05) to join our Embedded Solutions team within the Software Department in Indianapolis, Indiana. Embedded Solutions serves as a core, cross-disciplinary engineering function specializing in the design, integration, and optimization of secure, high-performance embedded systems, including firmware, FPGA, and electronic product development, across multiple defense and aerospace portfolios.
In this high-impact technical leadership role, you will architect, develop, and integrate embedded electronics and real-time firmware/software for advanced weapon carriage, release, and safety applications. Operating within a functionally matrixed organization, you will partner with systems, software, electrical, and other engineering stakeholders to deliver embedded solutions that meet rigorous mission assurance, safety, and compliance standards.
You will provide end-to-end technical leadership: driving requirements flowdown, system-level integration, architecture definition, embedded product and safety function development, and full system test/verification. This role demands deep experience across embedded electronics, firmware/software, and a proven ability to deliver safety-critical and mission-assured solutions in complex, multidisciplinary environments.
As part of Embedded Solutions, you will support a variety of programs and portfolios, applying your technical expertise wherever it is needed to advance V2X's engineering objectives and customer missions.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the senior subject matter expert and technical lead for embedded firmware/software design supporting weapon system integration, including safing, arming, carriage, release, and interlock systems.

  • Architect and validate digital/analog safety and release electronics and develop/lead integration of embedded control and safety-critical firmware/software.

  • Own the technical approach spanning requirements analysis, systems architecture, interface definition, hardware bring-up, integration, and full lifecycle verification, including lab and system-level testing.

  • Lead or support embedded system integration using weapon system protocols such as MIL-STD-1760, EBR-1553, CAN, and related defense busses.

  • Architect embedded solutions using military COTS platforms (OpenVPX, VME, CMOSS, and others), ensuring appropriate trade studies, system partitioning, and hardware/software resource allocation.

  • Ensure all design practices reflect system safety, reliability, quality, and compliance with standards such as DO-178C, DO-254, MIL-STD-882E, and related industry/regulatory requirements.

  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (including customer/government technical teams) on requirements validation, qualification strategy, integration plans, and system safety/hazard analysis.

  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to electrical, firmware, and software engineers; conduct peer/code/design reviews to ensure organizational technical rigor and continuous skill growth within the section.

  • Lead or support technical review boards, architecture/design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.), and participate in proposal, estimation, and strategy development.

  • Contribute to the continuous development of best practices, technical standards, and roadmaps within V2X's embedded and weapon system engineering function.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related STEM field (Master's preferred).

  • 12+ years' professional experience in embedded systems, firmware/software, or electronics design for safety-critical military, aerospace, or high-reliability applications.
  • Expert proficiency in embedded systems architecture, requirements flowdown, and technical risk management for safety- or mission-critical applications.
  • Extensive experience designing and integrating both firmware/software and digital/analog hardware, including CCA/PCB, FPGA, and SoC platforms.
  • Hands-on expertise in embedded firmware and software development (C, C++, Python), real-time operating systems (RTOS, bare-metal), and integration with hardware interfaces.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and execute formal V&V, requirements traceability, and technical reviews using structured, standards-driven approaches.
  • Strong technical leadership and mentorship skills; proven track record guiding cross-functional teams and driving skill growth within a matrixed environment.
  • Experience leading or supporting technical risk management, trade studies, and root cause investigations for high-assurance embedded products.

  • Demonstrated systems-level proficiency, integrating embedded hardware, firmware, and software for safety- or mission-critical weapon, carriage, or release systems.

  • Hands-on experience with defense communication busses and protocols (MIL-STD-1760, EBR-1553, CAN, etc.) and implementing real-time safety release or control functions.

  • Deep expertise in digital and analog hardware design for embedded weapon or safety systems, including integration of COTS military hardware (OpenVPX, VME, CMOSS, etc.).

  • Strong background in requirements decomposition, system interface definition, hazard analysis, and formal verification and validation activities.

  • Thorough understanding of compliance and certification requirements for safety-critical electronics and software (e.g., DO-178C, DO-254, MIL-STD-882E, or similar).

  • Excellent analytical, documentation, troubleshooting, and technical leadership skills.

  • Outstanding communication abilities - can translate complex concepts fluently across engineering and non-engineering domains.

  • U.S. citizenship required.

Security Clearance & Other Requirements:
  • Ability to access systems with information restricted to U.S. citizens per federal contract requirements is required.

  • Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience establishing or advancing technical best practices, standards, or competency frameworks for an embedded function or discipline.
  • Familiarity with modern DevOps and configuration management for embedded systems (e.g., Git, Jenkins, Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines).
  • Track record integrating technologies such as model-based design/MBD, FPGA-based signal/video processing, or embedded machine learning.
  • Publications, patents, or recognized thought leadership in embedded systems, weapon system integration, or safety/security engineering.
  • Experience as lead designer or integrator of embedded safety/weapon release electronics for airborne or ground vehicle platforms, ideally with operational/fielded system exposure.

  • Working knowledge of airworthiness, safety, and compliance standards (e.g., DO-178C, DO-254, MIL-STD-882E, ISO 26262, ARP4754/4761).

  • Advanced proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems, real-time operating systems, protocol implementation, and automated verification environments.

  • Familiarity with requirements management, configuration management, and supplier/OEM management processes for defense programs.

  • Advanced degree and/or recognized industry certifications in embedded systems, system safety, or systems engineering highly valued.

#LI-CB2
#clearance
Benefits include the following:
  • Healthcare coverage
  • Retirement plan
  • Life insurance, AD&D, and disability benefits
  • Wellness programs
  • Paid time off, including holidays
  • Learning and Development resources
  • Employee assistance resources

Pay and benefits are subject to change at any time and may be modified at the discretion of the company, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation or benefit plans.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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