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Rf Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Ashburn, VA

Embedded Software Engineer (AFC Device)

Vienna, VA · On-site

$132K - $173K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer (AFC Device) About the Role STraffic America, headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, is a leading provider of Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems for major U.S. transit ...

In this role, the Senior Embedded Software Engineer will work with a cross-functional Engineering team to design and develop new functionalities, as well as maintaining and expanding on the existing ...

In this role, the Senior Embedded Software Engineer will work with a cross-functional Engineering team to design and develop new functionalities, as well as maintaining and expanding on the existing ...

In this role, the Senior Embedded Software Engineer will work with a cross-functional Engineering team to design and develop new functionalities, as well as maintaining and expanding on the existing ...

Showing results 41-60

Rf Embedded Software Engineer information

See Ashburn, VA salary details

$71.6K

$156.9K

$177.9K

How much do rf embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf embedded software engineer in Ashburn, VA is $156,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $134,500.00 and $176,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an RF embedded software engineer?

RF Embedded Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and troubleshoot software that runs on embedded systems with a focus on radio frequency (RF) communications. They integrate hardware and software components to enable wireless communication in devices such as radios, IoT devices, and wireless sensors. Their work often involves programming microcontrollers, optimizing signal processing, and ensuring reliable data transmission. These engineers collaborate closely with hardware and RF design teams to deliver efficient and robust wireless solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF embedded software engineer?

To thrive as an RF Embedded Software Engineer, you need a solid background in embedded systems, RF design principles, digital signal processing, and a relevant degree such as electrical engineering or computer engineering. Familiarity with programming languages like C/C++, RF simulation tools (such as ADS or HFSS), and embedded development platforms is typically required, and certifications in wireless communications can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help professionals excel in complex project environments. These competencies are critical for designing reliable, high-performance RF systems that meet industry standards and operational requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by RF embedded software engineers when integrating software with hardware components?

RF Embedded Software Engineers often encounter challenges related to ensuring reliable communication between software and RF hardware modules, particularly due to signal interference, timing constraints, and hardware-software compatibility issues. Debugging and testing in real-world environments can be complex, as subtle hardware anomalies may require close collaboration with hardware engineers for troubleshooting. Additionally, optimizing code for limited memory and processing power while maintaining low latency is a frequent challenge. Familiarity with embedded debugging tools and effective cross-disciplinary teamwork are essential for overcoming these hurdles.

What is the difference between Rf Embedded Software Engineer vs Rf Firmware Engineer?

AspectRf Embedded Software EngineerRf Firmware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related; experience with embedded systemsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering; firmware development experience
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing embedded software for RF hardware in labs or office settingsWriting low-level firmware for RF devices, often in manufacturing or R&D labs
Industry UsageWireless communication, telecommunications, aerospaceWireless devices, RF modules, IoT products

Both roles focus on RF technology and embedded systems, but Rf Embedded Software Engineers typically develop higher-level embedded software, while Rf Firmware Engineers work on low-level firmware directly controlling RF hardware. The roles often overlap, but the main difference lies in the level of software abstraction and specific responsibilities.

What job categories do people searching Rf Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Rf Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA are:

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Leonardo DRS

Germantown, MD • On-site

$107 - $145/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Leonardo DRS rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

117th of 540 rated manufacturers


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Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Location: Germantown, MD, US, 20876

Job ID: 114921

DRS RADA Technologies, a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, is focused on proprietary radar solutions and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance.

Job Summary

DRS RADA Technologies in Germantown, MD, is hiring a Senior Embedded Software Engineer. This position is full time and on-site.

Join our dynamic radar defense company as a Senior Embedded Software Engineer where you'll drive technical vision and architect transformative solutions across our entire product ecosystem. We're seeking a distinguished engineer who can seamlessly bridge the gaps between software, hardware, product strategy, and manufacturing while delivering innovative, secure solutions. In this role, you'll serve as a technical visionary and hands-on architect, collaborating across teams to design and implement mission-critical systems that scale with our rapid growth, all while embracing our collaborative, ego-free culture that values results over hierarchy.

Your deep technical expertise, proven ability to solve multifaceted engineering challenges, and talent for aligning diverse teams will be crucial as we partner with major defense contractors and scale our impact in the industry. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape not just software architecture, but the entire technical direction of a growing defense technology company. Our radar software runs on a real-time operating system; prior experience with our specific platform is not required, and RTOS experience is highly transferable.

Job Responsibilities
  • Be involved with the design, development, analysis, testing, and debugging of computer software applications and/or systems.
  • Be ready to learn about Image and Signal Processing, Real-time, Firmware, Database Design, Operating Systems, and more.
  • Take ownership of the outcome and the journey there: budget, costs, estimated schedules, leadership.
  • Communicate clearly (written and oral) with other company personnel and the customer as required.
  • Be a team player and provide technical knowledge and assistance to other engineers and support personnel and teach others on the team.
  • Be able to work with clients, products, hardware, and other teams.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field with a minimum of 5 years of experience
  • Fluency in C/C++
  • Experience developing software on a real-time operating system (RTOS), with an understanding of deterministic timing, task scheduling, and priority management.
  • Understanding of concurrent and multithreaded programming, including synchronization and shared-resource management.
  • Experience working close to hardware — device interfaces, memory-mapped I/O, or debugging on target hardware — and the ability to troubleshoot complex problems spanning both software and hardware.
  • Proficiency with software configuration management, code review, and automated testing practices.
  • Ability to ramp quickly on proprietary or specialized tools and environments.
  • Experience with, or willingness to learn, Matlab, Python, and Rust.
  • Ability to lead a technical group independently
  • Open to occasional travel

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment. The salary range for this position is $107,089.00-$144,570.00. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate’s qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.

Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:

  • Integrity
  • Agility
  • Excellence
  • Customer Focus
  • Community & Respect
  • Innovation

We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.

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