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Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs in Virginia

STR is hiring a Senior Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of ... to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems

Senior Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$134K - $184K/yr

STR is hiring a Senior Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of ... Embedded systems or firmware analysis * Experience development custom emulation tools to enable ...

Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$142K - $186K/yr

SDD is seeking a Lead Embedded Software Engineer to support the design, development, and implementation of real-time processing solutions in software for advanced multi-function Radar systems. You ...

SDD is seeking a Lead Embedded Software Engineer to support the design, development, and implementation of real-time processing solutions in software for advanced multi-function Radar systems. You ...

New

SDD is seeking a Lead Embedded Software Engineer to support the design, development, and implementation of real-time processing solutions in software for advanced multi-function Radar systems. You ...

Showing results 41-60

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 7, 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 $139,123 per year, or $66.9 per hour.

Senior Reverse Engineer

STR

Arlington, VA

$134K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

STR is hiring aSenior Reverse Engineerwho has a passion for research and analysis of vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems. Work must be performed onsite. 

What you'll do: 

  • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems
  • Developing and applying automated reverse engineering and binary analysis tools to characterize protocols, interfaces, and functionality of target systems
  • Working in multi-discipline teams to develop innovative offensive cyber solutions to challenging problems from a wide variety of technologies 
  • Performing vulnerability weaponization, exploit development, payload development, and exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets 
  • Documenting, demonstrating, and presenting research 
  • Solving real world problems that have an impact on national security

Who you are: 

  • This position requires the ability to obtain anActive Top Secret (TS) security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by the U.S. Government 
  • Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity or related field plus a minimum of 5 years relevant experience 
    (MS or PhD with equivalent work experience may also be considered) 
  • Experience with binary analysis of software/firmware 
  • Experience with disassembly tools, such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra 
  • Proficiency in one or more programming languages: C/C++, Python, etc. 
  • Proficiency in one or more Assembly Languages: x86, ARM, etc. 
  • General understanding of reverse engineering fundamentals: memory layout, calling conventions, etc. 

Nice to haves: 

  • Vulnerability research and analysis
  • Knowledge of weaponizing discovered vulnerabilities into exploits 
  • Implant or software patch development 
  • Familiarity with binary emulation or vulnerability research, including tools such as QEMU or AFL++ 
  • Experience with DSP architectures, such as Texas Instruments, STMicroelectronics, NXP, or Analog Devices. 
  • Knowledge of operating system internals including memory/process/thread management 
  • Embedded systems or firmware analysis 
  • Experience development custom emulation tools to enable dynamic analysis 
  • Disassembler/decompiler module development 
  • Experience analyzing and reconstructing code/data flow 
  • Automated reverse engineering or software analysis tool development 
  • Experience debugging software without source code 
  • Knowledge of binary file structures and formats 
  • Experience analyzing protocols or message structures 
  • Knowledge of anti-reverse engineering techniques 
  • Knowledge of intrusion detection and anti-malware systems and techniques

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $134,000 - $184,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.