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Embedded Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SCCI

Embedded Design Engineer

King George, VA · On-site

Overview SCCI is seeking a highly skilled Embedded Software Design Engineer to join our team in support of a Weapon System Program. In this role, you will develop weapon control system code for ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Embedded Systems Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$62K - $141K/yr

Embedded Systems Engineer The Opportunity: As an embedded systems engineer, you know how to create and maintain crucial pieces of software. You use your knowledge to write and optimize code that ...

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 ...

iDirect GOVERNMENT

Embedded Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$135K - $177K/yr

Overview We are looking for a professional Embedded Software Engineer, a team player with solid technical skills to add to our core engineering team. Candidates must have a strong technical ...

ECS

Software/Embedded Systems Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$150K - $197K/yr

This role involves overseeing the management, auditing, and validation of embedded software rather than hands-on coding. You will work closely with hardware engineers to evaluate the impact of ...

iDirect GOVERNMENT

Embedded Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$135K - $177K/yr

Overview We are looking for a professional Embedded Software Engineer, a team player with solid technical skills to add to our core engineering team. Candidates must have a strong technical ...

iDirect GOVERNMENT

Embedded Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$135K - $177K/yr

We are looking for a professional Embedded Software Engineer, a team player with solid technical skills to add to our core engineering team. Candidates must have a strong technical background and be ...

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All JobsEmbedded JobsEmbedded Jobs in Virginia

Embedded information

See Virginia salary details

$69.4K

$152.1K

$172.5K

How much do embedded jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded in Virginia is $152,068.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,400.00 and $171,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior embedded engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in hardware and firmware development, and often working in high-demand industries such as aerospace, defense, or semiconductor manufacturing can reach salaries of $500,000 or more. These roles typically require advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, and sometimes stock options or bonuses that contribute to total compensation.

What is an embedded job?

An embedded job involves designing, developing, and maintaining embedded systems, which are specialized computing devices integrated into larger products such as appliances, vehicles, or medical equipment. These roles typically require knowledge of programming languages like C or C++, hardware interfaces, and real-time operating systems. Embedded engineers often work in environments that demand precision, reliability, and adherence to industry standards.

What is the difference between Embedded vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectEmbeddedFirmware Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related fields; certifications in embedded systems are a plusUsually holds a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or related; certifications in embedded or firmware development are common
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing embedded systems for hardware devices, often in manufacturing or consumer electronicsWriting low-level code to control hardware, often in consumer electronics, automotive, or industrial sectors
Industry UsageUsed across industries like automotive, medical devices, consumer electronics, and industrial automationCommonly found in sectors requiring close hardware-software integration, such as IoT, consumer gadgets, and automotive

Embedded professionals focus on designing and implementing embedded systems hardware and software, while Firmware Engineers primarily develop low-level code to control hardware components. Both roles require similar skills and credentials but differ in their specific focus areas within hardware-software integration.

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 a solid background in electronics, computer engineering, and programming languages such as C/C++, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and hardware debugging tools is typically required, along with certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Engineer (CESE) being advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork greatly enhance performance in this role. These capabilities are crucial for designing reliable, efficient embedded solutions that power a wide range of devices and systems.

What are embedded engineers?

Embedded engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain embedded systems—specialized computing systems that are part of larger devices and dedicated to specific functions. These systems are commonly found in products like cars, medical devices, home appliances, and industrial equipment. Embedded engineers work with both hardware and software, often programming microcontrollers or microprocessors to interact with sensors, actuators, and other electronic components. Their work ensures that devices operate efficiently, reliably, and safely according to specifications.

Is embedded systems still a good career in 2026?

Embedded systems engineering remains a strong career in 2026 due to ongoing demand in industries like automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics. Skills in C/C++, real-time operating systems, and hardware integration are valuable, and the field offers opportunities for growth with advancements in IoT and automation.

What are some common challenges faced by embedded engineers when working on cross-functional teams?

Embedded engineers often collaborate with hardware designers, software developers, and testing teams to deliver integrated products. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication between disciplines, as each team may use different technical terminology and have varying priorities. Additionally, embedded engineers must frequently balance hardware limitations with software requirements, requiring creative problem-solving and compromise. Regular cross-team meetings and thorough documentation can help address these challenges and keep projects on track.

Will AI replace embedded programmers?

AI is unlikely to fully replace embedded programmers, as their expertise in designing, coding, and debugging hardware-specific software remains essential. AI tools can assist with code generation and testing, but human oversight and specialized knowledge are critical for developing reliable embedded systems. Skills in programming languages like C and C++, along with understanding hardware constraints, are still highly valuable in this field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Embedded jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Embedded jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Embedded job openings:
Embedded jobs near you

Embedded Android Software Engineer

Riverside Research Institute

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$115K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Riverside Overview
Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country's most challenging technical problems.
All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.
Position Overview
Riverside Research Institute is currently seeking an Embedded Android Software Engineer to support and execute cutting-edge firmware development in embedded and mobile network security hardware on behalf of the Riverside Research Open Innovation Center (OIC). The OIC executes research and development in several broad areas including the development of secure and resilient systems.
The ideal candidate will have experience working in dynamic research and development (R&D) environments, from ideation through execution, and designing and delivering innovative secure networking and cryptographic solutions to national security customers. As a principal technical contributor, the candidate will be responsible for developing new techniques and technology to address complex and open-ended problems. The candidate should have a track record of outside-the-box problem-solving, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ability to brief stakeholders on technical results.
Responsibilities
Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of information requires evaluation of identifiable factors. Devises solutions based on limited information and precedent and adapts existing approaches to resolve issues. Uses evaluation, judgment, and interpretation to select right course of action. Work is done independently and is reviewed at critical points. Enhances relationships and networks with senior internal/external partners who are not familiar with the subject matter often requiring persuasion. Adapts style to differing audiences and often advises others on difficult matters.
The selected candidates will be responsible for:
  • Developing C/C++, Kotlin/Java code in Android, Linux-based, or embedded systems
  • Collaborating on systems-level projects (e.g. networking, device interfaces, or low-level services)
  • Algorithm/protocol analysis, architecture review, system engineering, implementation, verification, and delivery.
  • Creating and managing embedded system build processes, including AOSP.
  • Duties involve all aspects of Embedded Software development, including documentation, implementation, emulation, integration, and test.

Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in computer engineering, computer science or equivalent
  • 3+ years' experience developing Linux embedded platforms (e.g. Yocto, Buildroot)
  • Understanding of git/repo version management in Android build process
  • General understanding of Android architecture, AOSP Telephony experience
  • Experience working on systems-level projects (e.g. networking, device interfaces, or low-level services)
  • Understanding of networking fundamentals - basic networking and firewall experience on Android/Linux (IP, routing, TCP/UDP)
  • Ability to debug issues across system layers (baseband, application, OS, network)
  • 3+ years of cross-platform development using C/C++ and embedded Linux
    • Firmware development, analysis, and reverse-engineering
    • Device bring-up starting with the root filesystem
    • Experience building software using Make, CMake, or Cargo
    • Familiarity with debugging tools: tcpdump, strace, dmesg, ip, ss
  • Eligibility for a SECRET clearance and ultimately a TS/SCI

Additional/Desired:
  • Eligible for a TS/SCI Clearance
  • Experience with Rust programming language
  • Familiarity with: iptables, NAT, or VPN concepts
  • Familiarity with Linux device management (udev)
  • Exposure to USB device/gadget frameworks
  • Exposure to /dev, sysfs, or procfs interfaces
  • Experience with ARM-based systems (e.g., Raspberry Pi)
  • Exposure to performance tuning in low-level or embedded C software

Global Comp
$100,000 - $180,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.
Closing Statement
Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.
Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran's status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.

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