Entry Level Network Engineer Jobs in Columbus, OH

At Battelle, we understand that national security professionals face immense challenges across all domains-land, air, maritime, space, and cyberspace. Our commitment is to deliver where others can't. We provide innovative, high-technology deployable equipment and engineered product solutions that not only extend the service life of fielded equipment but also enhance mission performance in extreme operating environments while offering essential threat protection for our military. Our experts collaborate with military clients throughout the entire product life cycle, from engineering and product development to production, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of national security with precision and reliability.
Job Summary
We are currently seeking a Software Engineer - Embedded Systems (Entry Level). This position is a full-time opportunity located in Columbus, OH.
The selected candidate will assist in the design, development, testing, and deployment of full stack software solutions ranging from desktop applications to embedded systems running on bare metal or Linux platforms. Responsibilities include writing and debugging software in C and Python, integrating software with hardware systems, and supporting system-level testing and validation. This role requires close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, technicians, and support staff.
Responsibilities
As a Software Engineer - Embedded Systems, the selected individual will contribute to the development and integration of software solutions for embedded and mission-critical systems. Responsibilities may include:

• Design, develop, test, and maintain software written in C for Linux-based, embedded, or mission-critical systems
• Integrate software solutions with external systems, including hardware interfaces, sensor systems, and networked environments
• Implement user interfaces and simulations to support test and integration activities
• Collaborate with internal cross-discipline teams to develop high-quality, defect-free solutions that meet project goals within schedule and budget constraints
• Develop software while adhering to a well-defined software development process to produce high-quality, secure, and controlled solutions
• Assist in system integration and testing of embedded software
• Support system-level validation efforts in coordination with engineering and technical teams

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a software-related engineering discipline (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Software Engineering)
• 0-2 years of software development experience; strong preference for candidates with 1-2 years of software engineering internship or co-op experience
• Strong programming skills in C and Python
• Basic networking skills (e.g., TCP/IP, socket programming)
• Familiarity with Linux operating systems and development tools
• Experience developing software for embedded systems such as STM32 or Raspberry Pi Pico
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Willingness to travel approximately 2-3 weeks per year as required by project tasks
• Must be a sole U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain a government TS/SCI security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Experience with embedded software development and debugging tools
• Experience developing support applications in languages such as C++, C#, TypeScript, and Go
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git)
• Experience with AI-supported design and AI/ML product integration
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) or Linux kernel modules
• Exposure to signal processing or control systems software
• Experience with scripting and automation tools
• Proficiency with MATLAB for data analysis or algorithm development

Compensation Data
Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $71,200 - $101,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.
Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs .
• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols
Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients' requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).
Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.
The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.
For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers