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Senior Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Sterling, VA

Embedded Software Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$133K - $175K/yr

As an Embedded Software Engineer, you will be responsible for product design, development, and support. Your responsibilities will include architecture, design, coding, development, testing ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$133K - $175K/yr

As an Embedded Software Engineer, you will be responsible for product design, development, and support. Your responsibilities will include architecture, design, coding, development, testing ...

An aerospace client is seeking a Full Time Embedded Software Engineer to join the team and will be responsible for implementing electrical components into hardware and firmware needed for our ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$135K - $177K/yr

An aerospace client is seeking a Full Time Embedded Software Engineer to join the team and will be responsible for implementing electrical components into hardware and firmware needed for our ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Germantown, MD · Hybrid

$125K - $155K/yr

The Embedded Software Engineer will own the design, development, and test of digital logic and embedded software. This position is in Germantown, MD (hybrid -- 4 days in office per week) What you'll ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

The Embedded Software Engineer will own the design, development, and test of digital logic and embedded software. This position is in Germantown, MD (hybrid - 4 days in office per week) What you'll ...

Embedded Software Engineer This role focuses on developing next-generation embedded Linux software for advanced submarine acoustic systems and newly designed hardware platforms. You will work on a ...

In this role, the Senior Embedded Software Engineer will work with a cross-functional Engineering team to design and develop new functionalities, as well as maintaining and expanding on the existing ...

Showing results 21-40

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 20, 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:

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 Security Software Engineer

Two Six Technologies

Herndon, VA • On-site

$127K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Overview of Opportunity 

Two Six Technologies is actively seeking a Senior Embedded Security Software Engineer to join our Trusted Electronics & Effects team in Herndon, Virginia. The team is composed of intellectual individuals, passionate about embedded software development, firmware reverse engineering, and low-level system testing. The team is growing and looking for someone with an embedded systems and firmware analysis background who has an understanding of how to perform light reverse engineering to map out undocumented targets and facilitate forward development inside an emulation environment. If you are actively using Ghidra, Python, and QEMU to modify and rehost complex firmware binaries, the team wants to talk to you!

What you will do:

  • Contribute directly to delivering technical tasks focused on the reverse engineering and forward development of complex wireless and embedded systems.
  • Support critical government customers by executing routine binary and file system analysis to help our team map out undocumented target architectures.
  • Operate under moderate supervision, making decisions based on precedent and established company policies.
  • Follow team practices to translate reverse engineering insights into functional software, enabling successful firmware rehosting and expansion within custom emulation environments.

What you will need (basic qualifications):

  • Core Development & Scripting: Demonstrated programmatic competency developing low-level software in C/C++ and writing functional Python scripts for automation within Linux command-line environments.
  • Reverse Engineering Tooling: Practical experience performing light architectural reverse engineering or control-flow analysis on firmware images using tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, or Binary Ninja.
  • Emulation & Rehosting: Hands-on experience configuring or modifying embedded binaries to support successful firmware rehosting within emulation frameworks like QEMU.
  • Security Clearance: An active Top Secret security clearance, with the verified capability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
  • Location: Ability to work in the Two Six office in Herndon, Virginia daily. 

Nice to have (preferred):

  • Automated Reversing scripts: Experience utilizing the Ghidra API or Binary Ninja API to write basic scripts that automate binary or file system analysis tasks.
  • Hardware Interfaces: Foundational knowledge or exposure to hardware debugging tools (such as JTAG or SWD) or interacting with Software Defined Radio (SDR) frameworks.
  • Embedded Operating Systems: Prior experience developing software or compiling code for Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or customized embedded Linux environments.
  • DevOps & Integration: Familiarity with DevOps best practices, software protection mechanisms, or binary fuzzing infrastructure.

Security Clearance:

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


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