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Junior Embedded C Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Junior Embedded Developer Location: Milpitas, CA Long Term Contract with Full-Time Hire as an ... Develop software using C, C++, Embedded Firmware following coding standards and best practices.

Embedded C/C++ Engineer

Elyria, OH ยท On-site

$119K - $157K/yr

Embedded C/C++ Engineer Contract Position Elyria, OH (Day1 onsite) Only US CITIZENS - ITAR * Motor control algorithms, especially field-oriented control (FOC) for brushless DC (BLDC) motors.

We are seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer with strong hands-on experience in Embedded C, MATLAB/Simulink development and modeling, and embedded software testing. The ideal candidate ...

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How much do junior embedded c developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior embedded c developer in the United States is $88,976.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $87,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a junior embedded C developer do?

A Junior Embedded C Developer assists in designing, developing, and testing software for embedded systems using the C programming language. They often work on microcontrollers and hardware devices, writing code that interacts directly with hardware components. Their responsibilities may also include debugging, code optimization, and supporting senior developers on larger projects. This role is ideal for those with a background in computer science or electronics and a strong interest in low-level programming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior embedded C developer?

To thrive as a Junior Embedded C Developer, you need a solid understanding of C programming, embedded systems concepts, and a relevant degree in computer science or electronics. Familiarity with microcontroller platforms (like ARM or AVR), debugging tools, and version control systems such as Git is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies enable the development of reliable embedded solutions and efficient collaboration within engineering teams.

What are some common challenges faced by junior embedded C developers when transitioning from academic projects to real-world embedded systems work?

Junior Embedded C Developers often find that working on commercial embedded systems introduces complexities not encountered in academic settings. Common challenges include understanding and working with hardware constraints, such as limited memory or processing power, and integrating with existing codebases and legacy systems. Additionally, juniors may need to quickly adapt to rigorous testing and debugging tools specific to embedded environments, as well as collaborating closely with hardware engineers and cross-functional teams. Overcoming these challenges helps build a strong foundation for future advancement in embedded systems development.

What is the difference between Junior Embedded C Developer vs Embedded Software Engineer?

CriteriaJunior Embedded C DeveloperEmbedded Software Engineer
Required CredentialsAssociate's/Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fieldBachelor's or higher in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentEmbedded systems development, hardware integration, low-level programmingEmbedded systems, firmware development, software optimization
Employer & Industry UsageConsumer electronics, automotive, IoT devices, industrial automationAutomotive, aerospace, medical devices, consumer electronics
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

While both roles involve embedded systems and C programming, a Junior Embedded C Developer typically focuses on basic firmware development and hardware interfacing under supervision. An Embedded Software Engineer often handles more complex software design, optimization, and integration tasks, requiring more experience and technical expertise.

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What states have the most Junior Embedded C Developer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Junior Embedded C Developer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Junior Embedded C Developer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,976 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Embedded C Developer

Cygnus Professionals Inc.

Englewood, CO โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Greetings From Cygnus Professionals Inc


Job Title: Embedded C Developer - OpenSync/OpenWrt WiFi Router with Cellular Backup

Location: Englewood, CO (Onsite/Hybrid as applicable)

Duration: Long Term Contract


Key Skills

  • Embedded C Development
  • OpenWrt
  • OpenSync
  • Linux Networking
  • LTE/5G Cellular Integration
  • OVSDB
  • WiFi Router/CPE Development
  • ARM/MIPS Linux Platforms


We're looking for an Embedded C Developer to work on next-generation residential gateway platforms that combine DOCSIS/fiber WAN connectivity with LTE/5G cellular backup. You'll be developing and maintaining firmware on OpenWrt-based hardware running the OpenSync framework, with direct impact on millions of deployed customer premises equipment (CPE).


Responsibilities

โ€ข Design, develop, and debug embedded C software for Linux-based residential gateway platforms (ARM/MIPS SoC)

โ€ข Develop and maintain OpenSync managers โ€” event-driven daemons that interact with OVSDB for cloud-managed configuration and state reporting

โ€ข Implement and optimize LTE/5G cellular failover and fallback logic including modem management, route arbitration, and WAN healthchecks

โ€ข Develop LED state machine logic to provide accurate device status indication across complex multi-WAN scenarios

โ€ข Interface with cellular modems via AT commands, QMI/MBIM, USB, and PCIe (MHI) protocols

โ€ข Work with WiFi drivers (Qualcomm/Broadcom/Atheros) for 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz radio configuration

โ€ข Debug kernel-level issues including PCIe enumeration, USB device management, network driver crashes, and kernel panics

โ€ข Implement and maintain secure communication channels using TLS with mutual authentication and tunneling protocols

โ€ข Analyze and resolve field issues using device logs, crash dumps, and remote diagnostics

โ€ข Develop init scripts, UCI configuration handlers, and persistent storage management for OpenWrt

โ€ข Write unit tests and participate in code reviews via GitLab merge requests

โ€ข Collaborate with hardware teams, QA, cloud platform engineers, and service provider partners


Required Skills

โ€ข 5+ years of embedded C development on Linux-based platforms

โ€ข Strong proficiency in C programming โ€” pointers, memory management, IPC, event-driven architectures

โ€ข Experience with OpenWrt build system, package management, UCI configuration, and JFFS2/SquashFS overlay filesystems

โ€ข Familiarity with OpenSync or similar cloud-managed CPE frameworks (OVSDB, protobuf, MQTT telemetry)

โ€ข Experience with cellular modem integration โ€” AT commands, QMI, network interface management (rmnet/wwan)

โ€ข Strong understanding of Linux networking โ€” routing tables, metrics, netfilter, bridge interfaces, IPv4 and IPv6 dual-stack, neighbor discovery, DHCPv4/DHCPv6, SLAAC, and prefix delegation

โ€ข Understanding of TLS handshake with mutual authentication using X.509 certificates, certificate chain validation, and secure provisioning

โ€ข Knowledge of security and tunneling protocols โ€” GRE tunneling, IPsec, VPN overlays, and secure encapsulation for cloud-managed traffic

โ€ข Experience with event loop frameworks (libev, libuv, or similar)

โ€ข Proficiency with debugging tools โ€” GDB, strace, tcpdump, kernel logs, serial console

โ€ข Familiarity with Git, GitLab CI/CD, cross-compilation toolchains

โ€ข Understanding of WiFi standards (802.11ax/be) and wireless driver configuration


Preferred Skills

โ€ข Experience with Qualcomm IPQ series SoCs (IPQ5018, IPQ9574) and NSS/PPE data path

โ€ข Experience with Broadcom BCM series chipsets (BCM4908, BCM6750, BCM63178) and Memory Direct Engine (MDE) / hardware acceleration

โ€ข Knowledge of Atheros/QCA/BCM wireless chipsets and CFG80211/mac80211 driver architecture

โ€ข Knowledge of DOCSIS cable modem interaction and WAN interface management

โ€ข Experience with PCIe and USB subsystems in embedded Linux (device enumeration, power management, error recovery)

โ€ข Familiarity with eSIM/eUICC provisioning (LPA, GSMA SGP.22)

โ€ข Experience with carrier aggregation, NR5G NSA/SA, and multi-band cellular configurations

โ€ข Understanding of TR-069/TR-369 (USP) device management protocols

โ€ข Basic understanding of TR-181 data model for CPE device management and service configuration

โ€ข Experience with Kconfig-based build configuration

โ€ข Knowledge of flash storage considerations โ€” wear leveling, persistent partitions, factory reset flows

โ€ข Familiarity with thermal management and power management (battery-powered CPE)


Tools & Technologies

โ€ข Languages: C, Shell scripting (sh/bash), Python (test automation)

โ€ข OS/Platform: OpenWrt (Linux 5.x/6.x kernel), ARM Cortex-A53/A73

โ€ข Frameworks: OpenSync, OVSDB, libev, protobuf-c, jansson (JSON)

โ€ข Chipsets: Qualcomm IPQ, Broadcom BCM, Atheros/QCA

โ€ข Networking: iproute2, iptables/nftables, ovsdb-server, hostapd/wpa_supplicant, GRE, IPsec

โ€ข Security: OpenSSL/mbedTLS, X.509 certificates, mTLS, certificate management

โ€ข Cellular: Qualcomm QCM/SDX modems, MHI, qcserial, AT+QENG/AT+COPS

โ€ข Protocols: IPv4, IPv6, DHCPv4/v6, DNS, MQTT, GRE, TLS 1.2/1.3

โ€ข Build: Make, Kconfig, OpenWrt feeds, cross-compilation (musl/glibc)

โ€ข Debug: GDB, valgrind, serial console, logpull analysis

โ€ข VCS/CI: Git, GitLab, merge request workflows


Nice to Have

โ€ข Experience working directly with ISP/MSO/OEM partners

โ€ข Exposure to hardware bring-up and board support package (BSP) development

โ€ข Experience with Agile/Scrum in a firmware development context

โ€ข Familiarity with SCTE/DOCSIS standards

โ€ข Understanding of TR-181 data model parameters for WAN management, WiFi configuration, and device monitoring

โ€ข Experience with GRE tunnel implementation for backhaul traffic in managed WiFi deployments


What You'll Work On

โ€ข Cellular failover/fallback state machines with sub-second transition handling

โ€ข LED indication logic for multi-WAN connectivity states

โ€ข Modem health monitoring and subsystem restart/recovery

โ€ข Internet reachability healthcheck frameworks

โ€ข Cloud-managed device configuration and telemetry reporting via MQTT

โ€ข Secure cloud connectivity using mTLS with X.509 certificate-based mutual authentication

โ€ข GRE tunnel management for cloud-redirected traffic

โ€ข Factory reset, firmware upgrade, and persistent storage management

โ€ข IPv4/IPv6 dual-stack network configuration, routing, and failover across DOCSIS and LTE interfaces

โ€ข WiFi radio configuration and performance optimization across Qualcomm / Broadcom platforms

โ€ข Kernel crash analysis and driver-level bug resolution


About Cygnus Professionals, Inc.

Cygnus is a Princeton, NJ-headquartered global Business IT consulting and software Services firm with offices in the USA and Asia. Cygnus offers and enables innovation and helps our clients accelerate time to market & grow their business. Over 15 years, we have taken great pride in continuing our deep relationships with our clients.


Cygnus Belief

We believe in our commitment to diversity & inclusion.


Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Cygnus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We ensure that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation.


All our employment decisions are taken without looking into age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, nationality, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other aspects of employment protected by federal, state, or local law. Applicants for employment in the US must have valid work authorization.