ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Sterling, VA

Doist

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$136 - $204/hr

Overview of Opportunity Two Six Technologies is actively seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to join our Trusted Electronics & Effects team in Herndon, Virginia. We are looking for someone ...

Posted today

Leonardo DRS

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Frederick, MD · On-site

$115K - $151K/yr

Job Summary A Senior Embedded Software Engineer to develop a leading-edge embedded software development by designing, developing, analyzing, documenting, and supporting testing of complex ...

STR

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Arlington, VA

$142K - $186K/yr

SDD is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to support the design, development, and implementation of real-time processing solutions in software for advanced multi-function Radar systems. You ...

Socket.dev

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

SDD is seeking a Lead Embedded Software Engineer to support the design, development, and implementation of real-time processing solutions in software for advanced multi-function Radar systems. You ...

STR

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$142K - $186K/yr

SDD is seeking a Lead Embedded Software Engineer to support the design, development, and implementation of real-time processing solutions in software for advanced multi-function Radar systems. You ...

STR

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$142K - $187K/yr

SDD is seeking a Lead Embedded Software Engineer to support the design, development, and implementation of real-time processing solutions in software for advanced multi-function Radar systems. You ...

STR

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$142K - $186K/yr

SDD is seeking a Lead Embedded Software Engineer to support the design, development, and implementation of real-time processing solutions in software for advanced multi-function Radar systems. You ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEmbedded Software Engineer JobsSenior Embedded Software Engineer JobsSenior Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Sterling, VA

Senior Embedded Software Engineer information

See Sterling, VA salary details

$74.8K

$143.4K

$191.6K

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior embedded software engineer in Sterling, VA is $143,376.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,800.00 and $160,900.00 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 cities near Sterling, VA are hiring for Senior Embedded Software Engineer jobs?

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

Senior Embedded Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Sterling, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 76% In-person, 12% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,376 per year, or $68.9 per hour.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Two Six Technologies

Herndon, VA • On-site

$127K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Overview of Opportunity 

Two Six Technologies is actively seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to join our Trusted Electronics & Effects team in Herndon, Virginia. We are looking for someone with a background in embedded system programming, security-oriented tooling, emulation, or computer network operations (CNO) development. If you are interested in leveraging these skills to support mission-driven research and deliver operational capabilities, the team wants to talk to you!

What you will do

  • Design, develop, and test embedded software to support offensive cybersecurity research and deliver mission-critical operational capabilities.
  • Build target-specific instrumentation and introspection tools while designing high-fidelity emulation targets for various embedded platforms.
  • Create and operationalize CNO tools and capabilities for embedded targets to support the Trusted Electronics & Effects business unit.
  • Execute assigned technical tasks autonomously and in a timely manner while building a deep understanding of company processes and customer mission requirements.

What you will need (basic qualifications)

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field; in place of a degree, comparable professional experience or a strong portfolio of relevant technical projects and coursework will be considered.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in one of the following fields: embedded software, security tooling, emulation, or CNO development (this may be satisfied through professional roles, significant academic research, or demonstrable project-based experience).
  • Proven experience with a low-level programming language (C, C++, etc.) and a scripting language (Python, Bash, etc.) to develop and automate technical solutions.
  • Ability to work in the Two Six office in Herndon, Virginia, daily.

Nice to have (preferred)

  • Functional understanding of embedded system design (interrupts, MMIO, peripherals, etc.)
  • Experience with system-level programming (memory management, task scheduling, concurrency, etc.)
  • Experience with QEMU or other virtualization.
  • Experience creating custom toolchains and build systems.
  • Experience developing introspection tooling.
  • Basic understanding of computer architecture (instruction sets, virtual memory, etc.)
  • Basic reverse engineering skills.

Security Clearance: Active Top Secret Clearance is required, with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.

#LI-JK1

#LI-ONSITE

Apply