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Real Time Embedded Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Real-Time Embedded Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA ยท Hybrid

$127.70K - $168K/yr

SEI is seeking an enthusiastic experienced real-time embedded engineer to work on safety-critical embedded software. You will work closely with a variety of software and hardware systems including ...

Senior Real-Time Embedded Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA ยท Hybrid

$120.40K - $157.80K/yr

SEI is seeking an enthusiastic experienced senior real-time embedded engineer to work on safety-critical embedded software. You will work closely with a variety of software and hardware systems ...

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Real Time Embedded Software Engineer information

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$70K

$153.4K

$174K

How much do real time embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for real time embedded software engineer in the United States is $153,383.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Real Time Embedded Software Engineer job?

A Real Time Embedded Software Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes software that runs on embedded systems with real-time constraints. These systems must respond to inputs within strict timing requirements, often in industries like automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and industrial automation. Engineers work with low-level programming languages like C/C++ and real-time operating systems (RTOS) to ensure reliable system performance. Their role also involves debugging, testing, and integrating software with hardware components to meet functional and timing specifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Real Time Embedded Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Real Time Embedded Software Engineer, you need strong proficiency in C/C++, real-time operating systems (RTOS), embedded systems design, and a degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. Experience with tools like debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and familiarity with microcontroller or FPGA development environments is highly valued, along with certifications such as Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP) being advantageous. Outstanding problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills enable collaboration with hardware engineers and cross-functional teams. These skills are vital to developing robust, high-performance systems that meet strict timing and reliability requirements in demanding environments.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Real Time Embedded Software Engineer?

As a Real Time Embedded Software Engineer, your daily tasks usually include designing, coding, and testing embedded software to run on real-time systems, often in resource-constrained environments. You will work closely with hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration between software and hardware, debug issues, and optimize system performance. Regular activities also involve participating in code reviews, writing technical documentation, and adhering to stringent quality and safety standards. Collaboration and communication within multidisciplinary teams are essential parts of the workflow in this dynamic field.
What cities are hiring for Real Time Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Real Time Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Real Time Embedded Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Real Time Embedded Software Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Real Time Embedded Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,383 per year, or $73.7 per hour.
Real-Time Embedded Software Engineer

Real-Time Embedded Software Engineer

Software Engineering Institute

Pittsburgh, PA โ€ข On-site

$127.70K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

SEI advances software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering and computer security. The SEI works closely with academia, defense and government organizations, and industry to continually improve software-intensive systems. We deliver innovative technologies and solutions, collaborate on research in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence systems, and transition maturing technologies into practice.
Joining the SEI means becoming part of a world-class organization at the forefront of software engineering innovation. Our work has a profound impact on software systems across both government and industry. You'll collaborate with leading experts and work with cutting-edge technologies to tackle some of the nation's most complex and critical challenges.
Position Summary:
SEI is seeking an enthusiastic experienced real-time embedded engineer to work on safety-critical embedded software. You will work closely with a variety of software and hardware systems including bare-metal embedded systems, RTOSes, FPGAs, and embedded Linux. You will have opportunities to develop tools, techniques, and processes to solve some of the most difficult software problems that our government faces.
Who you are:
  • You have a BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related disciple with eight (8) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with five (5) years of experience; OR a PhD in the same fields with two (2) years of experience.
  • You've worked in a collaborative team environment as a software developer, software engineer, verification engineer, or related field.
  • You have proficiency in one or more of the following: C, C++, VHDL, Verilog, Python, C#.
  • You've built, analyzed, debugged, and/or tested bare-metal systems and are familiar with a CMSIS/HAL/specific peripheral driver.
  • You have experience in one or more of the following: Java, Go, Rust, Ada, MATLAB.
  • You have experience with FPGAs and/or heterogenous computing boards that require communication and synchronization between specialized hardware/chips.
  • You have exposure with modern RTOSes, e.g. VxWorks or Integrity, and developed and analyzed embedded software.
  • You have worked with common embedded interfaces and protocols: I2C, CAN, SPI, RS-232, RS-422, etc.
  • You've developed embedded software and performance tests and have experience interpreting the results.
  • You have an understanding of the Department of War (DoW) Systems Engineering lifecycle.
  • You have strong communication skills and the ability to convey difficult engineering or technical challenges to stakeholders.
  • You are willing to work 100% of your week onsite at either the SEI or customer facility.
  • You can pass a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of War (DoW) security clearance.
  • You have a willingness to travel (25%) outside of your office location to other SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.

What you'll do:
  • Understand complex, inter-dependent systems that hit multiple abstraction levels for embedded systems, interacting across a number of system interfaces.
  • Design and develop embedded software tools and capabilities to analyze, test, and evaluate existing software.
  • Apply systems engineering knowledge to identify and communicate weaknesses and flawed implementations of embedded functionality tracing from requirements.
  • Utilize static analysis, dynamic testing, and complexity analysis tools to uncover software weaknesses, security vulnerabilities, and instances of poor engineering judgment, guiding a high-impact, safety-critical system toward robustness, reliability, and engineering soundness.
  • Conduct research, experimentation, and present knowledge-sharing initiatives to enhance software development processes, demonstrate analytical capabilities, and foster a comprehensive understanding of system-of-systems (SoS) integration and performance.

What we offer you
Our benefits philosophy encompasses three driving priorities: choice, control, and well-being. Through Carnegie Mellon University, SEI offers a wide range of competitive employee benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, tuition benefits, generous time off, and a robust retirement savings policy to name a few.
  • Join a world-class organization that has a significant impact on software.
  • Work with cutting edge technologies and experts to solve tough problems for the government and the nation.
  • Publish your research, attend or present at prestigious events, and enjoy annual professional development opportunities.
  • Get an 8% monthly contribution for your retirement plan without having to contribute to it yourself.
  • Get tuition benefits to attend classes at Carnegie Mellon University for you and your dependent children.
  • Get access to university resources, including campus fitness facilities, mindfulness programs, childcare, free transportation on the Port Authority Transit System, and more.
  • Enjoy paid parental and military leave.
  • Work in the heart of Oakland, a few blocks from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.
  • Qualify for relocation assistance and so much more.

Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Software/Applications Development/Engineering
Position Type
Staff - Regular
Full time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
  • Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
  • Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
  • Statement of Assurance