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Internship Embedded Systems Jobs in Washington, DC

Software Engineer - RFGL Systems

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$195K - $232K/yr

... academic + internship/project work for strong early-career candidates) * Demonstrated hands-on ... Any experience reading/debugging C++ or embedded systems code (helpful for payload/ground system ...

... academic + internship/project work for strong early-career candidates) * Demonstrated hands-on ... Any experience reading/debugging C++ or embedded systems code (helpful for payload/ground system ...

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Software Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$80K - $150K/yr

Internship or personal project experience in software development. * Exposure to cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), databases, or APIs. * Interest in AI/ML, embedded systems, or defense-related ...

... academic + internship/project work for strong early-career candidates) * Demonstrated hands-on ... Any experience reading/debugging C++ or embedded systems code (helpful for payload/ground system ...

... and internships • Must be a U.S. Citizen and able to obtain a Secret security clearance • ... with embedded systems, networking concepts, or operating systems • Willingness to learn formal ...

Exposure to embedded systems, avionics hardware, spacecraft electrical architectures, or similar ... Participation in university, internship, research, or professional engineering projects involving ...

Summer/Co-op Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$1.0K - $1.4K/wk

Electrical (Embedded Systems) * Mechanical * Chemical * Nuclear * Systems * Materials Science ... We offer a housing stipend for those who incur housing costs during their internship employment, as ...

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Internship Embedded Systems information

See Washington, DC salary details

$70.8K

$155.5K

$217.5K

How much do internship embedded systems jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for internship embedded systems in Washington, DC is $155,476.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,300.00 and $185,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Internship Embedded Systems vs Embedded Systems Engineer?

AspectInternship Embedded SystemsEmbedded Systems Engineer
QualificationsEnrolled in or recent graduate of relevant engineering or computer science programBachelor's or master's in electrical, computer engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, entry-level projects, supervised tasksFull-time professional role, responsible for designing and developing embedded systems
ResponsibilitiesLearning, assisting in projects, gaining practical experienceDesign, develop, test embedded hardware/software solutions
Industry UsageCommonly used for training and skill development in tech companiesCore role in product development across electronics, automotive, IoT sectors

In summary, an Internship Embedded Systems is a temporary, learning-focused position for students or recent graduates, while an Embedded Systems Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for developing embedded solutions in various industries.

What does an internship embedded systems do?

As an embedded systems intern, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on tasks such as developing and testing firmware, working with microcontrollers, and assisting with debugging hardware-software integration issues. You'll likely collaborate closely with engineering teams, participate in code reviews, and contribute to prototyping or refining system components. This role offers exposure to both software and hardware, providing a unique opportunity to build practical skills and gain insight into the product development lifecycle. Interns often get to work on real-world problems and may present their progress in team meetings, which helps build both technical and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship embedded systems?

To thrive as an Embedded Systems Intern, you need a solid understanding of electronics, C/C++ programming, and microcontroller fundamentals, usually obtained through coursework in electrical or computer engineering. Familiarity with development environments like Keil, MPLAB, or Arduino IDE, as well as experience with debugging tools such as oscilloscopes, is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in teams set standout interns apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for successfully contributing to real-world embedded projects and adapting to the iterative development process.

What is an internship embedded systems?

Internship positions in embedded systems are temporary roles for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience working with hardware and software that control devices such as microcontrollers, sensors, and embedded computers. Interns typically assist in designing, programming, testing, and debugging embedded systems under the supervision of experienced engineers. These internships provide valuable hands-on experience, exposure to real-world projects, and an understanding of industry tools and workflows, helping interns build the skills necessary for a career in embedded systems engineering.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Systems jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Embedded Systems jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Internship Embedded Systems job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,476 per year, or $74.7 per hour.

2026 PhD Graduate - Autonomous Systems Design Engineer: Controls, Navigation, Sensors, and Simulatio

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 73 rated research


Job description

Description
Do you enjoy problem solving and applying your skills across a broad range of applications and research?
Do you have a passion for the design, analysis, simulation, and prototyping of innovative autonomous systems and algorithms?
If so, the Strike Guidance, Navigation, Controls (GNC), and Seekers group is looking for PhDs who are pursuing degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science. Our group's goal is to ensure the United States has a distinct technology advantage in autonomous systems by leading next generation development and prototyping. We do this by providing world class design solutions with a focus on:
  • Guidance, Navigation, and Controls
  • Radio Frequency (RF) or Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors
  • Modeling and Simulation (M&S)
  • Hardware/Software Development and Test
  • Multi-Disciplinary Design Optimization

We are seeking creative problem solvers with capabilities and interests to join our team in taking on a breadth of technical challenges. We work on a variety of systems including: hypersonic missiles, submarines, cruise missiles, and autonomous flight vehicles. We are committed to developing exceptional talent and supporting a culture of innovation, and as part of our group you will have the chance to grow your expertise across these technologies.
As a PhD member on our team you will...
  • Have the opportunity to pioneer design and research in guidance, navigation, and control algorithms in support of the full lifecycle development of advanced systems.
  • Develop innovative models for simulating and analyzing a variety of complex physics and sensors.
  • Test the capability of software and algorithms within an embedded systems environment.
  • Apply multi-disciplinary optimization techniques for early phase vehicle designs.
  • Develop software to support sophisticated simulation and algorithm development.
  • Collaborate with a team of engineers and interact with government sponsors.

Our team works on a set of subject areas that feed into the design of an autonomous system. The following sections provide some more background on those unique areas:
Guidance, Navigation, and Control
  • We provide world class expertise in the areas of guidance, navigation, and control to support the full life cycle development of vehicles both as partners with contractors as well as in the development of our own prototype systems.
  • Types of work: Advanced algorithm research and development and application of algorithms to flight test systems
  • Degrees: Electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics
  • Skills: Guidance, inertial navigation, modern/adaptive control, classical control, optimization

Radio Frequency and Electro-Optical/Infrared Sensor
  • We develop sensor and seeker solutions for advanced autonomous systems and weapons.
  • Types of work: RF and EO/IR system design, sensor and seeker performance analysis and M&S, and receiver signal processing
  • Degrees: Electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, and computer science/engineering
  • Skills: Electromagnetic wave propagation, RF antennas, optics, signal and image processing, radar, programming/coding

Modeling and Simulation
  • We apply a wide range of skills to the development of multi-physics simulations for a broad range of concepts. We also use the models to analyze multi-disciplinary design problems.
  • Types of work: Multi-disciplinary vehicle design optimization and analysis, high fidelity physics-based simulation modeling, algorithm development, simulation software architecture
  • Degrees: Mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science/engineering
  • Skills: Dynamics, programming/coding, algorithms, optimization

Hardware/Software Development and Testing
  • We support sensor testing and characterization in conjunction with hardware-in-the-loop analysis for prototype systems advancing towards flight tests.
  • Types of work: Hardware-in-the-loop development, sensor characterization, embedded systems
  • Degrees: Computer science/engineering, electrical engineering
  • Skills: Hardware testing, embedded systems, software

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the internship if you...
  • Are pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science.
  • Proven internship experience or possess extensive classroom project work in a subject matter in any of the following areas: guidance, inertial navigation, modern/adaptive control, classical control, optimization; electromagnetic wave propagation, RF antennas, optics, signal and image processing, radar, programming/coding; dynamics, programming/coding, algorithms, optimization; hardware testing, embedded systems, sensor testing artificial intelligence and software development.
  • Are skilled in or have knowledge of coding practices in Matlab/Simulink, C++, Python, or other languages
  • Have a curiosity and appetite for exploring and solving hard problems.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Note: When prompted to upload attachments, please include a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have professional experience developing and analyzing control/dynamical systems or sensors.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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