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Senior Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you'll work closely with custom hardware to develop low-level software that brings our spacecraft to life. From initial hardware bring-up through fully ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$154K - $217K/yr

The Reality Labs Research Software Team is looking for an Embedded Software Engineer to help bring next-generation display prototypes to life through collaboration and commitment. Our research pushes ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$147K - $193K/yr

The Reality Labs Research Software Team is looking for an Embedded Software Engineer to help bring next-generation display prototypes to life through co.

Embedded Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$147K - $193K/yr

The Reality Labs Research Software Team is looking for an Embedded Software Engineer to help bring all-day wearable AI research platforms to life throug.

Embedded Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Seniority Level Mid - Senior Engineering Services, Computers and Electronics Manufacturing, Defense ... Software Development, Embedded Systems $150,000 - $185,000 #J-18808-Ljbffr

Showing results 41-60

Senior Embedded Software Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$86K

$164.8K

$220.3K

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

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior embedded software engineer in Seattle, WA is $164,849.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,200.00 and $185,000.00 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Senior Embedded Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Senior Embedded Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $164,756 per year, or $79.2 per hour.

Senior Firmware Engineer, Vehicle

Seattle, WA • On-site

K2 Space
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees

$160K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price — and with over $1 billion in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers, we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.

The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.

With multiple launches in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger — helping develop the solar system and build toward a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply.

The Role 

We are seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to develop and enhance low‑level embedded software across the satellite platform. As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you'll work closely with custom hardware to develop low-level software that brings our spacecraft to life. From initial hardware bring-up through fully integrated, flight-ready systems. 

You'll build embedded software that interfaces directly with sensors, actuators, and critical spacecraft subsystems, including propulsion, attitude control, and power. Your work will primarily be written in Rust and deployed on microcontrollers across our platform, requiring strong fundamentals in real-time systems, resource-constrained environments, and fault-tolerant design. 

Responsibilities 

  • Create embedded software architecture for real-time, fault tolerant control of a 20kW+ spacecraft. 
  • Develop embedded software for new hardware integrated throughout the satellite.
  • Extend embedded software applications for managing hardware on some of the largest satellites that have ever flown.
  • Scale embedded software across different satellite products by building software infrastructure and development processes.
  • Debug complex HW/FW issues using traditional debug tools (JTAG/SWD, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes), and custom debug hooks both on the ground and in orbiting satellites.
  • Mentor a diverse team of software engineers and instill embedded software best practices. 

Qualifications 

  • 5+ years of experience developing embedded software in either Rust, C, or C++, targeting microcontrollers (ARM, RISC-V, or similar). 
  • Strong understanding of your favorite microcontroller's memory subsystem, instruction pipeline, interrupt and DMA controller.
  • Experience collaborating with hardware engineering teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to debug complex hardware/firmware issues. 

Nice to haves 

  • Experience using Rust in hard real-time systems, either bare-metal or RTOS environments. 
  • Experience developing peripheral drivers without use of the vendor's software.
  • Experience with spacecraft flight software development.
  • Experience maintaining embedded software across multiple product revisions.
  • Experience with software verification and testing methods.
  • Experience with software and network performance analysis and debugging.
  • Experience with fault tolerant software design and implementation.
  • Experience defining, creating, and maintaining test systems for both hardware-in-the-loop and hardware-out-of-the-loop. 

Compensation and Benefits: 

  • Base salary range for this role is $160,000 - $220,000 + equity in the company 
  • Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision/ coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks 

If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Export Compliance

As defined in the ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a "U.S. Person."

The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.


K2 Space logo

About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022