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Principal Embedded Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Principal FPGA Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$144K - $192K/yr

Principal FPGA Engineer - Onsite position Curtiss-Wright is seeking an experienced Principal FPGA ... Embedded processor design and C software development * Vivado IP Integrator or other IP integration ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $208K/yr

Principal CNO Software Engineer Zetier is seeking Principal CNO Software Engineers to develop ... Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) * Reverse engineering experience ...

Principal FPGA Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$144K - $192K/yr

Principal FPGA Engineer - Onsite position Curtiss-Wright is seeking an experienced Principal FPGA ... Embedded processor design and C software development * Vivado IP Integrator or other IP integration ...

Principal FPGA Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$144K - $192K/yr

Principal FPGA Engineer - Onsite position Curtiss-Wright is seeking an experienced Principal FPGA ... Embedded processor design and C software development * Vivado IP Integrator or other IP integration ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $208K/yr

Principal CNO Software Engineer Zetier is seeking Principal CNO Software Engineers to develop ... Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) * Reverse engineering experience ...

Principal FPGA Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$144K - $192K/yr

Principal FPGA Engineer - Onsite position Curtiss-Wright is seeking an experienced Principal FPGA ... Embedded processor design and C software development * Vivado IP Integrator or other IP integration ...

Principal FPGA Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$144K - $192K/yr

Principal FPGA Engineer - Onsite position Curtiss-Wright is seeking an experienced Principal FPGA ... Embedded processor design and C software development * Vivado IP Integrator or other IP integration ...

Draper is actively seeking a Principal Cyber Effects Engineer that will support current and future ... Duties/Responsibilities Define and evolve software architecture for embedded, realtime, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Principal Embedded Engineer information

What is a principal embedded engineer?

A Principal Embedded Engineer is a senior-level professional who designs, develops, and oversees the implementation of embedded systems, which are specialized computing systems that operate within larger devices like automobiles, medical equipment, and industrial machines. They typically lead technical teams, define system architectures, and ensure that embedded solutions meet performance, reliability, and safety requirements. Principal Embedded Engineers often mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects from concept to production.

How does a principal embedded engineer typically balance technical leadership with hands-on development work?

As a Principal Embedded Engineer, you are expected to provide both technical direction and contribute directly to development tasks. This often involves mentoring junior engineers, performing code reviews, and setting architectural standards, while still engaging in critical coding, debugging, and system integration activities. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong time management and the ability to prioritize high-impact tasks. You'll frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams—including hardware, software, and QA—to ensure cohesive product development and delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal embedded engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Embedded Engineer, you need advanced expertise in embedded systems design, strong programming skills (often in C/C++), and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with RTOS, embedded development tools, hardware debugging equipment, and certifications such as Certified Embedded Systems Engineer are typical requirements. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you guide teams and manage complex projects. These skills ensure the reliable development of critical embedded products and successful coordination across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What is the difference between Principal Embedded Engineer vs Embedded Software Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Embedded EngineerEmbedded Software Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's/Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related; extensive experienceBachelor's or higher in relevant field; entry to mid-level experience
ResponsibilitiesLeading design, architecture, and technical strategy; mentoring teamsDeveloping, testing, and maintaining embedded software
Work EnvironmentCross-functional teams, leadership roles, project planningHands-on coding, debugging, and implementation
Industry UsageUsed in advanced product development, system architectureCommon in product development, firmware updates

The Principal Embedded Engineer typically holds a senior, strategic role with leadership and architecture responsibilities, requiring extensive experience and advanced skills. In contrast, the Embedded Software Engineer focuses on coding and implementation tasks. Both roles are vital in embedded systems development but differ in scope and seniority.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Principal Embedded Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Principal Embedded Engineer job openings:

Principal FPGA Engineer

Ashburn, VA • On-site

Curtiss-Wright
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

$144K - $192K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Curtiss-Wright rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Principal FPGA Engineer - Onsite position
Curtiss-Wright is seeking an experienced Principal FPGA Engineer to join our engineering team in Ashburn, VA. In this senior, hands-on role, you will lead the design and development of FPGA-based solutions for DoD and other stakeholder secure products. The products include VITA standards based VPX modules and custom form-factor boards for DoD sub-systems and systems. You will also mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across projects.
You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and customers, contributing to concept development, FPGA architecture, HDL coding, simulation, prototyping, and product release. This role requires strong technical expertise, leadership, and the ability to drive complex projects to completion.
Location: Ashburn, VA / Boston, MA / Nashua, NH
We Take Care of Our People
Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture *
Salary Information: $144,100.00 - 192,100.00 plus bonus
Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in Virginia. Criteria such as the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer
Your Challenge:
  • Work collaboratively with an Integrated Product Team (IPT) comprised of Program Manager(s), Chief Engineer or Principal Systems Engineer, and several hardware (electrical), FPGA, software, test, component, and manufacturing engineers to bring products from concept through production release. Also support sustaining engineering efforts as needed.
  • As needed, participate in project planning, scheduling, and resource estimation, ensuring timely delivery of designs.
  • As needed, lead FPGA design projects, providing architecture, implementation, and validation guidance.
  • Develop detailed FPGA architectures and specifications for IP blocks.
  • Drive FPGA development from concept through coding, simulation, synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation.
  • Perform digital logic design and implement HDL using current FPGA technologies.
  • Verify and validate HDL designs through simulation and hardware testing.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior FPGA engineers.
  • Oversee circuit card development, prototype build, testing, and debugging activities.
  • Contribute to new product development through environmental testing and transition into production.

What You Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree is a plus.
  • 10+ years of FPGA hardware development experience, including high-speed, mixed-signal, or embedded applications at 100/400 Gz data rates.
  • Strong understanding of FPGA design flow, including RTL design (System Verilog, Verilog, or VHDL), simulation, synthesis, and timing closure.
  • Proven problem-solving and debugging skills, with hands-on experience using lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, etc.).
  • Experience leading projects or mentoring team members is preferred.
  • US Citizenship is mandatory; Active security clearance is preferred.

Experience/familiarity in the following is an asset:
  • Simulation test benches using Model Sim or Questa
  • Xilinx ISE/Vivado tools
  • Xilinx 7-Series, Zynq MPSoC, Versal Adaptive SoC, UltraScale+
  • Embedded processor design and C software development
  • Vivado IP Integrator or other IP integration tools
  • FPGA platforms from AMD (Xilinx), Microchip, or Intel (Altera)
  • Microchip Libero SoC or Intel Quartus
  • Board bring-up and debug (e.g., ChipScope or integrated logic analyzers)
  • High-speed digital design and signal integrity concepts
  • Requirements capture, analysis, and tracking
  • High-speed serial interfaces and related IP
  • TCL or other automation scripting
  • FPGA resource and power estimation tools

Who We Are:
Our Values
Environmental, Social and Governance
Curtiss-Wright's Defense Solution division is a trusted, proven leader, delivering superior products and services that meet the defense and aerospace industries' toughest challenges with best-in-class value. Our solutions address air, ground, and naval defense applications, and are focused on growth segments with a high demand for advanced technology, enhanced safety, security, and performance. As a leading Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) solutions supplier for battlefield platforms and communication systems, we are uniquely positioned to benefit from the DoD's commitment to maintaining technological superiority on the battlefield.
To learn more visit: https://www.curtisswrightds.com/
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No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.
Compliance Statement
This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.
Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.
For US Applicants: EEO is The Law - click here for more information.
If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.

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About Curtiss-Wright

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Curtiss-Wright Actuation Division designs, manufactures and supports electro-mechanical actuation products and systems for use in demanding applications in Aerospace, Defense and Industrial Automation markets. Our market leading solutions help improve the reliability, efficiency and performance of our customers' operations and platforms, as well as reducing their environmental impact with energy efficient electro-mechanical designs and technology. For the Aerospace market, we supply actuation systems for flight control, landing gear, utility and other applications on both commercial and military aircraft. In Ground & Naval Defense markets, we support a wide array of applications ranging from door assist, ramp and hatch actuation, weapons handling systems, radar and launch platform actuation, and robotic (AUV/ROV) actuation. In Industrial Automation, our Exlar® actuators are globally recognized as a leading brand offering high power density, precision and reliability for machine/process applications in automotive, food & beverage, oil & gas, robotics, entertainment and many other industries.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Davidson, NC, US

Year founded

1929

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