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Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Arlington, VA

$118K - $162K/yr

This position will work with the Chief Engineer to develop embedded software for this security ... Experience designing embedded firmware. We will look at a sample of your work US Citizenship is ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

This position will work with the Chief Engineer to develop embedded software for this security ... embedded firmware. We will look at a sample of your work • US Citizenship is required Desired ...

As a Firmware Engineer, you will ... Design, develop, and maintain firmware for embedded systems across Molg's robotic platforms ...

Embedded Hardware Engineer Top Secret, TS/SCI is required to start (will accept a CI or FSP ... Support hardware bring-up, debugging, and firmware integration. * Troubleshoot hardware and ...

Firmware Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$95 - $125/hr

We are looking for an experienced Firmware Engineer to contribute to the development of products on ... Developing code for FPGA embedded cpu cores, such as Zynq and Microblaze * Designing GUI-based test ...

Sr. Firmware Engineer

Herndon, VA

$122K - $162K/yr

Senior Firmware Engineer Herndon, Virginia, USA 140000-210000 We are looking for an experienced Firmware Engineer to contribute to the development of products on our Research and Development Division ...

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Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$80.3K

$139.1K

$195.3K

How much do senior embedded firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior embedded firmware engineer in Virginia is $139,123.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $156,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior embedded firmware engineer do?

A Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer designs, develops, and maintains low-level software (firmware) that runs on hardware devices such as microcontrollers and embedded systems. They are responsible for writing code that interfaces directly with electronic hardware, optimizing system performance, and ensuring reliability and security. In addition to technical development, they often lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with hardware and software teams to deliver integrated products.

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

A Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer needs deep expertise in embedded systems design, C/C++ programming, microcontroller architectures, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering or computer science. Familiarity with tools such as JTAG debuggers, oscilloscopes, version control systems (like Git), and real-time operating systems (RTOS) is crucial, along with experience in using relevant IDEs and communication protocols (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART). Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, leadership, and clear technical communication help these engineers excel in cross-functional teams and complex projects. These competencies ensure reliable, efficient firmware development and successful product delivery in highly technical environments.

What are some typical challenges a senior embedded firmware engineer might face when working on cross-functional teams?

Senior Embedded Firmware Engineers often collaborate with hardware designers, software developers, and systems engineers to deliver integrated products. A common challenge is ensuring seamless communication between hardware and firmware, as design changes in one can significantly impact the other. Additionally, balancing project deadlines with the need for thorough testing and debugging of low-level code can be demanding. Successful engineers proactively coordinate with team members, participate in design reviews, and advocate for clear documentation to minimize miscommunication and ensure project alignment.

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

AspectSenior Embedded Firmware EngineerEmbedded Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science; experience in firmware developmentBachelor's or higher in Computer Science or related field; programming skills in embedded systems
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, and testing firmware for embedded devicesDeveloping software for embedded systems, often in a team environment
Industry UsageElectronics, IoT, automotive, consumer devicesConsumer electronics, industrial automation, IoT

The main difference is that a Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer typically has more experience, takes on complex firmware projects, and may lead development efforts, whereas an Embedded Software Engineer focuses on developing embedded software, often at an entry to mid-level experience. Both roles require strong programming skills and knowledge of embedded systems, but the senior role emphasizes leadership and advanced technical expertise.

How much do senior embedded firmware engineers make?

Senior embedded firmware engineers typically earn between $90,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often have expertise in C/C++, real-time operating systems, and hardware integration, which can influence salary levels.

Is embedded firmware engineering a good career?

Embedded firmware engineering is a stable and growing field that involves developing software for hardware devices such as IoT gadgets, medical equipment, and automotive systems. It requires knowledge of programming languages like C or C++, hardware interfaces, and real-time operating systems, making it a technically demanding but rewarding career with strong job prospects. Continuous learning and certification can enhance career growth in this specialized area.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,123 per year, or $66.9 per hour.

Senior Embedded Firmware/Flight Software Engineer

Hampton, VA • On-site

Psionic, LLC
11 - 50 employees

$104K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Senior Embedded Firmware/Flight Software Engineer

Psionic, Inc. is a startup focused on lidar sensors for autonomous systems. We value our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. We offer a competitive salary and attractive benefits package.

We would like to add a motivated, fast-paced Firmware/Software Development leader with a solid background in designing, developing and testing code for space flight and remote sensing. We value a diverse, hands-on background with integrated photonic circuits to complement our on-site team in Hampton, VA.

Job Description

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Senior Flight Software/Embedded Firmware Engineer to provide design and development support for our second generation lidar to support space and defense markets. The role will include lab demonstrations, field tests, prototypes, Engineering Development Units and the full range of space flight software (up to human-rated) to be supplied to potential customers for testing in their systems.

The work requires real time and offline algorithm adaptation and coding of complex algorithms, low level driver development and implementation, software and firmware design, integrated opto-electronic control and housekeeping management, inter-module communication protocol, high speed electronics and software testing and debugging, high reliability techniques, signal processing, and in-situ, full system testing of instrumentation systems and navigation algorithms. Ability to collaborate with Systems Engineering and hardware builds to define function allocation among software and hardware resources is a must. These systems will be used for detecting, recording, measuring, or controlling physical conditions, phenomena, and environments encountered in defense and aerospace development programs.

The successful candidate will also mentor junior engineers related to the study, development, and test of hardware, data system components, and associated equipment. As such, our applicant will oversee the day-to-day development activities of small design and development teams in support of the project manager's work plan.

Major Engineering Responsibilities

  • Software requirements definition
  • Design, develop, and test complex, high reliability micro-processor, micro-controller and FPGA based systems.
  • Deliver high quality design, documentation, and implementation that meet defined requirements as well as support products throughout the life cycle
  • Collaborate with team members across multiple engineering disciplines including Systems, Software, and Electrical/Firmware
  • Ability to architect, design, code, and test complex FPGAs is desired

Education and Qualifications

  • Must be eligible to work in the United States
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check
  • Bachelors in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering (Master's degree is a plus)
  • Seven plus years of overall digital design based electrical engineering experience
  • Demonstrated knowledge/experience with designing and developing systems using microprocessors (single and/or multi-core), microcontrollers, and FPGAs
  • Demonstrated experience with any of the standard high-speed topologies (1/10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), PCIe, Fiber Channel, Serial Rapid IO or similar)
  • Proficient with serial communications such as: UARTs, SPI, I2C and the like
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication, and problem-solving skills required
  • Ability to work alone or on a team setting
  • Experience with source control management tools
  • Fully skilled in MS programs such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, and Visio

Highly Desired Technical Skills:

  • Experience developing software code for flight systems using C, C+ and C++
  • Experience with Xilinx Ultrascale+ series of FPGAs
  • Demonstrated HDL coding experience with Microsemi, Xilinx and/or Intel (Altera) FPGAs using either Verilog or VHDL.
  • Familiarity with signal integrity tools
  • Exposure to MATLAB and Simulink
  • Image processing experience such as OpenCV, OpenCL or similar

Psionic, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position requires access to export-controlled technology or software source code and the position is subject to U.S. export control laws.

Psionic, Inc. is an affirmative action employer and is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.

Psionic, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and expressly prohibits any form of unlawful harassment or discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, genetic information or results of genetic testing, or service in the military.

This position requires access to export-controlled technology or software source code and is subject to U.S. Export Control Laws. This position requires eligibility to work in the United States and well as the ability to pass a pre-employment background check.