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Senior Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Charlottesville, VA

... senior engineering leadership and partnering with colleagues across the firm's functional teams. This individual will be responsible for building and supporting internal software tools and systems ...

Senior Software Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site +1

$115K - $125K/yr

... senior engineering leadership and partnering with colleagues across the firm's functional teams. This individual will be responsible for building and supporting internal software tools and systems ...

Software Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$115 - $125/hr

... closely with senior engineering leadership and partnering with colleagues across the firm ... This individual will have strong software engineering fundamentals, experience with relational ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Embedded Software Engineer information

See Charlottesville, VA salary details

$74.9K

$143.6K

$192K

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

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior embedded software engineer in Charlottesville, VA is $143,624.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,000.00 and $161,200.00 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior embedded software engineer?

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 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 Charlottesville, VA?

The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Charlottesville, VA are:

What cities near Charlottesville, VA are hiring for Senior Embedded Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Charlottesville, VA with the most Senior Embedded Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Charlottesville, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,624 per year, or $69 per hour.

Principal/Senior Principal Engineer Embedded Software Engineer

Charlottesville, VA • On-site


Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 367 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
As a Principal Embedded Software Engineer/Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation.
Northrop Grumman is looking to add to our talented team of Embedded Software Engineers. Our engineers are self-starters who are part of a team of software professionals developing world-class software to meet our customer's high expectations. The Embedded Software Engineer designs, develops, operates, and maintains software and firmware components and computing systems software to be applied to and integrated with engineering, scientific and manufacturing requirements. The individual shall apply the appropriate standards, processes, procedures, and tools throughout the system development life cycle to support the generation of engineering applications and products within the Multidomain Sensing, Targeting, and Survivability division. This includes interfacing with customers, suppliers, application users and other technical and support personnel. The ideal individual will have experience including the full software development life cycle, which includes requirements, design, coding, testing, and integration.
This position will be full-time, on-site at our Charlottesville, VA. location.
This position can be filled at the Principal Embedded Software or Senior Principal Embedded Software level based on requirements below.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Embedded Software Engineer:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or any related STEM degree with a minimum of 5+ years of relevant engineering experience; or 3+ years with a Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering; or 1+year with PhD.
• Experience with Object Oriented Programming in C/C++. Familiarity with Java a plus.
• Experience with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc.)
• Experience Developing Embedded Software running Linux or (VxWorks) Real Time Operating Systems
• Familiarity with Software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design)
• Familiarity in CI/CD Pipeline development (DevOps)
• Familiarity with software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile
• Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc)
• Familiarity with Modeling Tools ie: CAMEO, Rational
• US Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.
• Occasional travel required to support program and customer needs
Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or any related STEM degree with a minimum of 8+ years of engineering experience; or 6+ years with a Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering; or 4+years with PhD.
• Experience with Object Oriented Programming in C/C++. Familiarity with Java a plus.
• Experience with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc.)
• Experience Developing Embedded Software running Linux or (VxWorks) Real Time Operating Systems
• Familiarity with Software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design)
• Familiarity in CI/CD Pipeline development (DevOps)
• Familiarity with software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile
• Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc)
• Familiarity with Modeling Tools ie: CAMEO, Rational
• US Citizenship Required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.
• Occasional travel required to support program and customer needs
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with Software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile.
  • Experience with CI/CD Pipeline Development (Dev/Ops)
  • Experience testing, debugging, and integrating Embedded Software on target hardware.
  • Active Secret Clearance
  • Differentiating characteristics include demonstrated leadership and teamwork capability, interpersonal communication skills and activities.

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939


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