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Embedded Systems Jobs in Virginia (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 · On-site

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join their multidisciplinary team developing cutting-edge technologies for national security. The role involves architecting and implementing ...

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 · 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 ...

ECS

Software/Embedded Systems Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$130K - $210K/yr

Experience with embedded software systems * Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint * Willingness to travel up to 25% for mission-critical projects * Customer-focused with a people ...

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Embedded Systems information

See Virginia salary details

$62K

$136.1K

$190.4K

How much do embedded systems jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded systems in Virginia is $136,096.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,500.00 and $162,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Embedded Systems professional?

Embedded Systems professionals commonly spend their days designing, coding, and testing software that operates on hardware devices, working closely with circuit schematics and firmware. They often collaborate with hardware engineers and quality assurance teams to troubleshoot issues and refine integrated products. Tasks may also involve writing technical documentation, participating in design reviews, and optimizing system performance for reliability and efficiency. The role requires a balance between hands-on development and cross-team communication, providing a dynamic and challenging workday.

What is an Embedded Systems job?

An Embedded Systems job involves designing, developing, and optimizing hardware and software for devices with dedicated functions, such as medical devices, automotive systems, and IoT products. Engineers in this field work with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and firmware development to ensure efficiency and reliability. Their role often includes coding in C/C++, debugging hardware-software interactions, and improving system performance.

What are the jobs in embedded systems?

Jobs in embedded systems include roles such as embedded software engineer, firmware developer, hardware engineer, and systems architect. These positions typically require skills in programming languages like C and C++, knowledge of microcontrollers and real-time operating systems, and often involve designing, developing, and testing embedded solutions for devices like IoT gadgets, automotive systems, and consumer electronics.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced embedded systems engineers working in specialized industries such as aerospace, defense, or high-frequency trading can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. These roles often require advanced skills in hardware design, real-time operating systems, and security, along with extensive experience and sometimes advanced certifications. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Embedded Systems position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Embedded Systems, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, C/C++ programming, and hardware-software integration, usually supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and debugging tools like oscilloscopes is commonly expected, and certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Professional can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork abilities help you excel in cross-functional environments. These competencies ensure effective design, implementation, and troubleshooting of reliable embedded solutions for various industries.

Will AI replace embedded programmers?

Embedded programmers design and develop software for embedded systems, and while AI can automate certain coding tasks and optimize processes, it is unlikely to fully replace skilled embedded programmers due to the need for specialized knowledge of hardware, real-time constraints, and system integration. AI tools can assist in coding and testing, but human expertise remains essential for complex problem-solving and system design.

Is embedded system a good career?

Embedded systems engineering is a stable and growing field, with applications in industries such as automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics. It requires skills in programming languages like C and C++, knowledge of hardware design, and familiarity with real-time operating systems. The role offers opportunities for innovation and specialization, often involving certifications and continuous learning.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Systems jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Embedded Systems jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Systems jobs in Virginia? For Embedded Systems jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Systems jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Systems jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Embedded Systems jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Embedded Systems job openings:
Embedded Systems jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Systems job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,096 per year, or $65.4 per hour.
Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

STR

Arlington, VA • On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

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 national security. In this role, you will work at the intersection of computer systems and real-world physical systems, building the tools and models that emulate complex cyber-physical platforms to enable analysis, reverse engineering, and experimentation.

We believe every employee brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives that are essential to providing innovative solutions for our customers. You do not need to have experience with every technology listed to be successful in this role. Strong fundamentals, curiosity, and the ability to learn new tools and domains are highly valued.

What you will do: 

  • Work as part of a small, focused team to architect, develop, implement, and test modular software applications and tools for emulating cyber-physical systems.
  • Extend and customize existing emulation frameworks (e.g., QEMU) in C/C++ and Python to support new targets, peripherals, and capabilities.
  • Rehost unknown or sparsely documented firmware by analyzing binaries, identifying hardware dependencies, and adapting these to run correctly in emulated environments.
  • Develop emulator tooling and virtual device models to support reverse engineering and analysis of embedded systems across diverse architectures (e.g., ARM, PPC).
  • Develop digital models using virtualization tools (e.g., QEMU) and network them together to create integrated, end-to-end system simulations that closely approximate real hardware behavior.
  • Ensure model quality and correctness through unit-level and system-level testing, and by validating behavior against first principles, measured data, documentation, and hardware/software artifacts.
  • Communicate technical foundations of models and algorithms through reports and briefings

Who you are:

  • This position requires an Active Secret security clearance with eligibility for Top Secret (TS) clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government. 
  • Proficiency in C/C++ for systems-level or embedded software development
  • Proficiency in Python for tool development, automation, and integration
  • Familiarity with emulation and virtualization tools (e.g., QEMU or similar frameworks)
  • Strong understanding of computer architecture, emulation principles, and software engineering best practices (e.g., modular design, testing, code review)
  • Experience using collaborative source code management (e.g., Git)

Education:

  • BS in Computer Engineering, Computers Science, Electrical Engineering or related field

Nice to have:

  • Active Top Secret (TS) Security Clearance
  • Familiarity with network architecture and protocols, and experience integrating networked simulations
  • Experience with low-level software modifications (e.g., implants, firmware changes, binary patch development)
  • Experience at the software/hardware interface, including device drivers or real-time/embedded operating systems
  • Experience with reverse engineering and firmware rehosting for embedded systems, including analysis of instruction set architectures (e.g., ARM, PPC) and use of tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, or Binary Ninja
  • Experience implementing component models (e.g., sensors, actuators, dynamics, environmental factors) in Python and/or C/C++, and integrate them into system-level simulations and software processing chains
  • Experience working with hardware components and interfaces
  • Masters or PhD in related field

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $110,000 - $151,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

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