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Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs in Washington

Fend Incorporated

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 ...

Fend Incorporated

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 ...

Molg

Firmware Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

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

The Josef Group

Embedded Hardware Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

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 ...

NSS

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 ...

Henpen Corporation

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 ...

New

Henpen Corporation

Sr. Firmware Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$140 - $210/hr

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 ...

New

Kastle Systems

Firmware Engineer

Falls Church, VA · Hybrid

$140K - $160K/yr

Experience: 5+ years of developing firmware for mass market on Embedded Linux stacks * SDLC and programming languages: C, C++, Python, Go, Rust, Shell scripting * Parallel processing: Multiprocessing ...

Fibertek, Inc

Senior Firmware Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$140K - $210K/yr

Job Title Senior Firmware Engineer Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...

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All JobsEmbedded Firmware Engineer JobsSenior Embedded Firmware Engineer JobsSenior Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs in Washington

Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$91.7K

$158.9K

$223.1K

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

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior embedded firmware engineer in Washington is $158,933.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,300.00 and $179,000.00 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 Washington?

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

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

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

Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $158,933 per year, or $76.4 per hour.

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Arlington, VA

Fend Incorporated
See more jobs at Fend Incorporatedexternal

$118K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Fend protects the infrastructure that powers cities, delivers food, and keeps you and your family safe from physical harm. Fends products create a physical barrier to cyberattack and provides utility equipment owners the information they need to improve efficiency and reduce downtime. Fend keeps hackers out, completely, so people can be safe and customers can sleep at night. Fend needs you to help improve our hardware and software.

Fend has created a new category of security hardware and the software to help equipment owners better run their operations. Fend hires for the long term and provides opportunities for flexible work schedules and on-the-job training. Fend is very much a startup environment with new challenges every day. Fend is hiring new teammates after winning a major R&D contract.

Job Description

This position will work with the Chief Engineer to develop embedded software for this security appliance.

Your goals are to increase the number of applications that the hardware can be used for, continue to harden the appliance so it can run in an industrial environment for many years, and continue to improve the encryption technology that is being used.

Tasks can include writing code, testing and debugging of the hardware and software in the field, working with the manufacturer to program the device, and related development tasks.

As an early employee to the company you will be given a great deal of autonomy be expected to deliver results that get Fend closer to the project goals.

Compensation is in line with market rates and you will have an opportunity to earn equity in the form of stock options. Fend pays for medical and dental insurance, paid time-off, and paid holidays.

Daily Task includes and are not limited to

      Designing and testing embedded (what is it written in) software

      Test hardware in the field. There is less than 10 percent travel

      Set up a JIRA shop and promote agile development

      Regularly communicate progress with team members

      Communicate with contractors and suppliers to keep the project on track

      Speak with our clients on a regular basis to fully understand their needs and make sure we are delivering on them

      Mentor employees as company grows

      Participate in product demonstration to potential clients

      Follow information security procedures such as two factor authentication and other DoD NIST 800 Cybersecurity Standards

      We need you to jump in wherever you are needed

Qualifications

Required Skills and experience:

      Experience designing embedded firmware. We will look at a sample of your work

      US Citizenship is required

Desired Traits:

      Ability to learn and figure out solutions to novel problems.

      Ability to be both a focused independent worker and a contributor to a team.

      Strong written and verbal communication.

Preferred (not required) Skills, Education, and Background:

      Degrees in Electrical or Computer Engineering.

      Experience with AWS.

      Professional experience with building controls, industrial systems, utilities.

      Portfolio of software projects

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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