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Senior Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Washington

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$142.70K - $186.90K/yr

Who we are SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national ... Design and analyze embedded software tools and capabilities, including software exception handlers ...

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Senior Embedded Software Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$85.5K

$164K

$219.2K

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

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior embedded software engineer in Washington is $163,970.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,400.00 and $184,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Senior Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Senior Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Washington as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $163,970 per year, or $78.8 per hour.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Bare-Metal)

TAP Engineering

Washington, DC • On-site

$191K - $254K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Bare-Metal)

Software | Washington, DC | Full Time

Position: Senior Embedded Software Engineer
Location: Washington, DC
Category: Software Engineering
Schedule: Standard Day Shift, Monday–Friday
Clearance Requirement: Active Secret security clearance (required)
Experience Requirement: Senior-level
Compensation Range: $191,000 – $254,000 (based on experience)

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to support the design and development of low-level embedded software for next-generation hardware platforms in a mission-focused environment. This role focuses on bare-metal development, board bring-up, and infrastructure code supporting advanced ARM-based System-on-Chip (SoC) devices.

The ideal candidate has deep experience with embedded systems, strong low-level programming skills, and a security-focused mindset. This position plays a critical role in building, validating, and securing embedded software that supports complex hardware systems operating in constrained environments.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop low-level bare-metal infrastructure code that is rigorously tested and validated

  • Build and maintain the embedded software ecosystem supporting next-generation hardware platforms

  • Perform board bring-up on embedded ARM-based boards, including bootloaders and drivers

  • Customize and maintain vendor Board Support Packages (BSPs) for ARM-based SoC platforms

  • Develop and implement security controls for embedded system devices

  • Create and maintain automated tests to validate embedded system functionality

  • Debug complex hardware/software integration issues

  • Collaborate with hardware, systems, and security engineers throughout the development lifecycle

Required Qualifications
  • Experience with one or more of the following languages: Rust, C, C++, ARMv7/ARMv8 assembly

  • Hands-on experience developing bare-metal code, infrastructure, and device drivers

  • Strong understanding of embedded system architecture and low-level software design

  • Experience performing board bring-up and low-level debugging

  • Ability to maintain an active Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience developing operating systems or operating system components

  • Strong focus on secure embedded software development

  • Experience working with complex System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms

  • Experience implementing Control Flow Integrity or similar security mechanisms

  • Familiarity with ISRs, MMUs, timers, health monitoring, and entropy sources

  • Experience working with standard I/O interfaces such as UART, I2C, SPI, eMMC, and similar

Benefits Overview

TAP Engineering offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

  • Paid Time Off: 15–25 days annually based on tenure, plus 11 paid holidays (never use-or-lose)

  • Retirement: Up to 15% employer contribution to a 401(k) through match and profit sharing

  • Medical Coverage: Free medical insurance for employees, with optional buy-up plans for dependents

  • Dental & Vision: Employer-paid plans with optional enhancements

  • Insurance Coverage: Employer-paid life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability

  • Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and dependent care FSAs

  • Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $36,000 per year for approved coursework

  • Additional Benefits: Employee Assistance Program, wellness incentives, discount programs, virtual care, prescription savings, and travel support

  • Performance-Based Rewards: Merit increases, performance bonuses, and referral bonuses

Clearance Requirement

This position requires an active Secret security clearance. Clearance processing and maintenance will be conducted in accordance with U.S. Government requirements.

Additional Information

By submitting your resume for this position, you acknowledge and agree that TAP Engineering may share your resume and related application materials with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for consideration for other available positions.
TAP Engineering is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.