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Senior Embedded Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Yocto Build Engineer

Rosslyn, VA · On-site

$149K - $197K/yr

You'll work with senior engineers to make sound technical tradeoffs around real-time behavior ... Work You'll Do As an Embedded Systems Developer/Engineer, you will contribute directly to the ...

Embedded Yocto Build Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$151K - $199K/yr

You'll work with senior engineers to make sound technical tradeoffs around real-time behavior ... common embedded interfaces and buses (for example, SPI, I²C, UART, CAN, GPIO), memory-mapped ...

Senior DevOps Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$90K - $168K/yr

Senior Manager, Software Engineer Supervises Others: No At Trident Systems, we believe that strong ... Design, build, and maintain CI/CD pipelines supporting embedded and cloud-based development ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Embedded Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$74.9K

$143.5K

$191.8K

How much do senior embedded engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior embedded engineer in Virginia is $143,532.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,900.00 and $161,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by senior embedded engineers on the job?

Senior Embedded Engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing code for limited hardware resources, integrating software with diverse hardware platforms, and troubleshooting complex system-level bugs. They may also face tight project deadlines and must ensure that products meet stringent quality and safety standards. Success in this role requires balancing technical problem-solving with clear communication among design, hardware, and quality assurance teams. Overcoming these challenges is both demanding and rewarding, as it directly contributes to the development of innovative, high-performing products.

What is a senior embedded engineer?

A Senior Embedded Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes software and hardware for embedded systems. They work on firmware, low-level programming, device drivers, and system integration for products like IoT devices, automotive systems, and industrial equipment. Their role includes debugging, performance tuning, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Additionally, they often mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver efficient and reliable embedded solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior embedded engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Embedded Engineer, you need deep expertise in embedded systems design, proficiency in programming languages like C/C++, and a solid understanding of hardware-software integration, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), debugging tools such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers, and certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Engineer (CESE) are highly valued. Excellent problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and strong teamwork skills are key soft skills that distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for delivering reliable, efficient solutions in complex projects and for seamless collaboration with cross-functional teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Embedded Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Embedded Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Embedded Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Embedded Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Embedded Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Embedded Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,532 per year, or $69 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer - Embedded Systems (C/C++)-Onsite

Cognizant Technology Solutions

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Cognizant rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Job Summary
We are seeking a Senior Software Developer to design and implement robust embedded software solutions in C and C++ within Unix and Linux environments. This role requires strong version control discipline using Git and Bitbucket, along with a solid grounding in software design patterns to build scalable, maintainable systems. The ideal candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver device-oriented solutions as well as features supporting billing and revenue management.
Responsibilities
  • Design and implement high-quality embedded software components in C and C++ that meet functional requirements, adhere to organizational quality standards, and run efficiently on target hardware platforms.
  • Develop and maintain applications and services in Unix and Linux environments, writing optimized code and shell scripts to improve performance, reliability, and operational efficiency for production systems.
  • Manage source code using Git and Bitbucket, including creating branches, managing pull requests, and maintaining clean commit histories to ensure traceability and secure collaboration across teams.
  • Apply appropriate design patterns in architectural decisions, structuring modules and interfaces for scalability, reusability, and long-term maintainability of complex embedded solutions.
  • Debug and troubleshoot embedded system issues using appropriate tools and logs, identifying root causes and implementing sustainable fixes that improve system stability and reduce recurring defects.
  • Partner with cross-functional stakeholders in product, engineering, testing, and operations to clarify requirements, refine technical specifications, and deliver features aligned with business objectives.
  • Optimize existing codebases through refactoring, improved resource utilization, and reduced latency to enhance device performance and system efficiency.
  • Participate in code reviews and technical discussions, offering constructive feedback and ensuring adherence to secure coding and compliance standards.
  • Implement configuration and build management practices for embedded projects, including scripting automated builds and integrations to support consistent deployments in a hybrid work environment.
  • Contribute to documentation of system designs, module interfaces, and operational procedures to enable efficient onboarding, ongoing support, and long-term knowledge continuity.
  • Support integration of device-focused solutions with broader enterprise systems by designing interfaces and data flows that enable reliable communication and a seamless user experience.
  • Collaborate with product and business teams to understand billing and revenue management requirements, translating them into clear technical tasks that support accurate and efficient financial processes.
  • Maintain day-shift availability for collaboration meetings and status updates within the hybrid work model, ensuring regular alignment with local and distributed team members.

Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience in embedded systems development using C and C++, with a solid understanding of memory management, concurrency, and hardware-software interaction.
  • Proficiency in Unix and Linux platforms, including command-line tools, process management, and performance monitoring for application and system troubleshooting.
  • Hands-on expertise with Git and Bitbucket, including branching strategies, merge conflict resolution, and repository hygiene to support collaborative workflows.
  • Proven ability to apply software design patterns in real-world projects, structuring components that are modular, testable, and resilient to change across embedded and back-end systems.
  • Practical experience in device-oriented domains, such as firmware, communication interfaces, or system-level integration supporting secure and reliable device operations.
  • Understanding of billing and revenue management concepts is a plus, supporting contributions to solutions involving rating, invoicing, and reporting processes.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently investigate complex technical issues and propose well-reasoned solutions aligned with project goals.

About Cognizant's IoT Practice:
Intelligent, IoT-enabled products will soon result in the proliferation of data and disrupt virtually all industries. To be successful, both large and small companies must leverage IoT capabilities by designing modern products that fundamentally connect people with processes. Within Cognizant IOT, we engineer industry-aligned, IoT-enabled products that merge industry needs with human drivers. Our intelligent products will revolutionize experiences and result in exciting, transformative outcomes. Without human-centered thinking, connected products are just standalone things-but with it, our modern connected products facilitate a unified way of life enjoyed by all.
*Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*
  • Applications will be accepted until July 31st , 2026
  • LI#- #LI-SC6

Compensation & Benefits
$104,000 - $117,000 per year
  • Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits

Additional Information
  • Onsite role
  • ⚠️ Visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future. Candidates requiring sponsorship will not be considered.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
About Cognizant:
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] for roles based in the Americas or [email protected] for roles based in India.

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