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Senior Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia

JRC is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to design, develop, and test embedded software and firmware solutions for microcontroller, RTOS, and Linux-based systems. This role involves hardware ...

This role involves overseeing the management, auditing, and validation of embedded software rather than hands-on coding. You will work closely with hardware engineers to evaluate the impact of ...

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Senior Embedded Software Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$74.9K

$143.5K

$191.8K

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

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior embedded software 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 is a Senior Embedded Software Engineer?

A Senior Embedded Software Engineer is an experienced professional who designs, develops, tests, and maintains software that runs on embedded systems—specialized computing devices that are not traditional computers, such as automotive control systems, medical devices, or consumer electronics. They often work closely with hardware engineers to ensure software integrates seamlessly with hardware components. Senior engineers typically lead projects, mentor junior staff, and contribute to system architecture and design decisions. Their expertise includes programming languages like C or C++, real-time operating systems, and debugging tools specialized for embedded environments.

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

AspectSenior Embedded Software EngineerEmbedded Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field; experience in embedded systemsBachelor's degree in relevant field; entry-level to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, testing embedded systems for hardware productsDeveloping firmware and software for embedded devices, often under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, automotive, aerospace, consumer electronicsSimilar industries, often as part of product development teams

The main difference between a Senior Embedded Software Engineer and an Embedded Software Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. Senior engineers typically have more expertise, lead projects, and mentor junior staff, while embedded software engineers focus on developing and testing embedded code. Both roles require similar technical skills and industry knowledge, but senior roles involve greater leadership and strategic input.

What are some common challenges Senior Embedded Software Engineers face when integrating software with new hardware platforms?

Senior Embedded Software Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring software compatibility with diverse hardware architectures, optimizing for limited memory or processing power, and debugging hardware-software interactions. These engineers must frequently collaborate with hardware teams to resolve timing issues, manage device drivers, and ensure reliable system performance. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a deep understanding of both hardware constraints and software design.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you need deep expertise in embedded C/C++ programming, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and a strong background in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with hardware debugging tools (such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers), version control systems (like Git), and relevant certifications (e.g., ARM Accredited Engineer) is typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and project leadership skills help you collaborate effectively and mentor junior engineers. These competencies ensure the creation of robust, efficient, and reliable embedded systems critical for product success.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
Specialist, Software Engineer (Embedded Software)

Specialist, Software Engineer (Embedded Software)

L3Harris Technologies

Lincoln, VA

$95K - $177K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Specialist, Software Engineer (Embedded Software)

Job Code : 38864

Job Location: Herndon, VA (On-site)

Schedule: 9/80 Regular (9/80 Employees work 9 out of every 14 days – totaling 80 hours worked – and have every other Friday off)

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing diverse, high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

About L3Harris Technologies:

L3Harris Technologies is an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivering end-to-end solutions that meet customers’ mission-critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across space, air, land, sea and cyber domains. L3Harris has approximately $18 billion in annual revenue and 47,000 employees, with customers in more than 100 countries.

Job Description:

L3Harris is seeking a Software Engineer. Responsibilities include the translation of requirements into working and maintainable solutions for our C5 and Cyber Solution Centers. The selected candidate will apply technical proficiency across various stages of our SDLC, gather requirements and work closely with stakeholders to prioritize and scope tasks. The selected candidate will be working as a key team member on a Scrum team and will be instrumental in setting our direction and strategy for product and infrastructure development.

Essential Functions:

  • Support the engineering team members as a subject matter expert in embedded software application development, through guidance and direction to one or more software engineers.
  • Investigate root-cause of complex issues, and implement solutions, working independently or with a multi-discipline team.
  • Apply computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis concepts and principles in the development of software for the target hardware.
  • Work closely with cross-functional members of the engineering organization to develop and evaluate interfaces between hardware and software, and operational performance requirements and design of the overall system
  • Support and participate in all phases of the software. development life cycle, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, hardware-software integration, and formal test.
  • Develop software test plans and procedures, and other relevant technical documentation.
  • Utilize modeling tools and equipment to establish operating data, conduct experimental tests, prototype, and evaluate results.
  • Participate in peer reviews, identify, track and repair defects
  • Utilize a variety of software languages (primarily C/C++ and Python), implementing software for embedded real time operating systems.

Qualifications:

  • Active Department of Defense (DoD) Secret clearance.
  • Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience in Computer Engineering,Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related field. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.
  • 3+ years of experience developing applications on simulated and target hardware.
  • Experience using a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS), such as Green Hills Integrity, VxWorks, or similar.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Object-oriented design and implementation experience, with exposure to software modeling and UML tools such as IBM Rhapsody or MagicDraw/Cameo.
  • Experience with programming Rust.
  • Experience developing device drivers and Board Support Packages for real time embedded systems.
  • Experience with Modern C++ techniques.
  • Experience with Information Assurance and/or cryptography.
  • Experience with NSA Type 1 certification or other SW certification such as DO-178.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role is $95,000 MIN - $177,000 MAX. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

#LI-IK1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.