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Senior Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Washington

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Arlington, VA

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our ...

Zetier

CNO Embedded Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

CNO Embedded Engineer Zetier seeks senior Computer Network Operations (CNO) embedded system engineers to analyze and develop operationally critical cyber capabilities. Candidates will demonstrate ...

Zetier

CNO Embedded Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

CNO Embedded Engineer Zetier seeks senior Computer Network Operations (CNO) embedded system engineers to analyze and develop operationally critical cyber capabilities. Candidates will demonstrate ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our ...

Raytheon Technologies

Senior Systems Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

In this role, the Senior Systems Engineer will execute the full systems engineering lifecycle ... Low-level programing in both Windows and Linux environments for embedded systems utilizing ...

Raytheon

Senior Systems Engineer

Dulles, VA

$103K - $141K/yr

In this role, the Senior Systems Engineer will execute the full systems engineering lifecycle ... Low-level programing in both Windows and Linux environments for embedded systems utilizing ...

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Senior Embedded Systems Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$70.8K

$155.5K

$217.5K

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

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior embedded systems engineer in Washington is $155,476.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,300.00 and $185,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Embedded Systems Engineer vs Embedded Software Engineer?

AspectSenior Embedded Systems EngineerEmbedded Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science; experience in embedded systemsBachelor's in Computer Science or related; programming skills in C/C++
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test embedded hardware/software in industrial, automotive, or consumer electronicsDevelop embedded software for devices, often in teams, within tech or manufacturing companies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries like automotive, aerospace, consumer electronicsCommon in consumer electronics, IoT, and industrial automation

The main difference is that Senior Embedded Systems Engineers typically oversee complex projects, integrate hardware and software, and may lead teams, while Embedded Software Engineers focus primarily on developing and coding embedded software components. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the senior role involves more responsibility and system-level understanding.

What is the highest salary in embedded systems?

Senior Embedded Systems Engineers can earn salaries exceeding $150,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills in real-time operating systems, and certifications. Top salaries are often found in industries like aerospace, defense, and high-tech manufacturing, where advanced expertise and security clearances are valued.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior Embedded Systems Engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in hardware and software development, and working in high-demand industries such as aerospace or defense can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. Such compensation typically requires advanced certifications, leadership roles, and working in competitive or executive-level positions.

What are Senior Embedded Systems Engineers?

Senior Embedded Systems Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and maintain embedded systems, which are specialized computing systems that perform dedicated functions within larger systems. They work with both hardware and software components, often programming in languages like C or C++, and ensuring seamless integration and performance. These engineers typically lead teams, manage complex projects, and mentor junior engineers, contributing to the development of products ranging from consumer electronics to automotive control systems.

Is embedded systems still worth it in 2026?

Embedded systems remain a valuable field for Senior Embedded Systems Engineers due to ongoing demand in industries like automotive, healthcare, and IoT. Skills in real-time operating systems, hardware design, and programming languages such as C and C++ are essential for success, and the industry continues to evolve with advancements in AI and connectivity.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Embedded Systems Engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in hardware and software integration, and often advanced certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation typically occurs in industries like aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing, especially for those in leadership roles or with unique expertise.

What are some common challenges a Senior Embedded Systems Engineer faces when integrating hardware and software components?

Senior Embedded Systems Engineers often encounter challenges related to ensuring seamless communication between hardware and software elements, particularly when dealing with real-time constraints and limited system resources. Debugging and troubleshooting issues at the intersection of hardware and firmware can be complex, requiring a deep understanding of both domains. Additionally, they may need to balance performance optimization with system reliability while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as hardware designers, software developers, and quality assurance engineers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Embedded Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Embedded Systems Engineer, you need deep expertise in embedded C/C++ programming, microcontroller architectures, and hardware-software integration, typically backed by a degree in electrical engineering or computer science. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), debugging tools like JTAG, and industry certifications such as IEEE or ARM accreditation is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and leadership capabilities help drive project success and mentor junior engineers. These competencies are essential for delivering reliable, high-performance embedded solutions and ensuring seamless cross-functional collaboration.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Washington are:
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Senior Embedded Systems Engineer jobs near you
Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

STR

Arlington, VA

$110K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 hours ago

Job description

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our national security. In this role, you will work at the intersection of computer systems and real-world physical systems, building the tools and models that emulate complex cyber-physical platforms to enable analysis, reverse engineering, and experimentation.

We believe every employee brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives that are essential to providing innovative solutions for our customers. You do not need to have experience with every technology listed to be successful in this role. Strong fundamentals, curiosity, and the ability to learn new tools and domains are highly valued.

What you will do:

  • Work as part of a small, focused team to architect, develop, implement, and test modular software applications and tools for emulating cyber-physical systems.
  • Extend and customize existing emulation frameworks (e.g., QEMU) in C/C++ and Python to support new targets, peripherals, and capabilities.
  • Rehost unknown or sparsely documented firmware by analyzing binaries, identifying hardware dependencies, and adapting these to run correctly in emulated environments.
  • Develop emulator tooling and virtual device models to support reverse engineering and analysis of embedded systems across diverse architectures (e.g., ARM, PPC).
  • Develop digital models using virtualization tools (e.g., QEMU) and network them together to create integrated, end-to-end system simulations that closely approximate real hardware behavior.
  • Ensure model quality and correctness through unit-level and system-level testing, and by validating behavior against first principles, measured data, documentation, and hardware/software artifacts.
  • Communicate technical foundations of models and algorithms through reports and briefings

Who you are:

  • This position requires an Active Secret security clearance with eligibility for Top Secret (TS) clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government.
  • Proficiency in C/C++ for systems-level or embedded software development
  • Proficiency in Python for tool development, automation, and integration
  • Familiarity with emulation and virtualization tools (e.g., QEMU or similar frameworks)
  • Strong understanding of computer architecture, emulation principles, and software engineering best practices (e.g., modular design, testing, code review)
  • Experience using collaborative source code management (e.g., Git)

Education:

  • BS in Computer Engineering, Computers Science, Electrical Engineering or related field

Nice to have:

  • Active Top Secret (TS) Security Clearance
  • Familiarity with network architecture and protocols, and experience integrating networked simulations
  • Experience with low-level software modifications (e.g., implants, firmware changes, binary patch development)
  • Experience at the software/hardware interface, including device drivers or real-time/embedded operating systems
  • Experience with reverse engineering and firmware rehosting for embedded systems, including analysis of instruction set architectures (e.g., ARM, PPC) and use of tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, or Binary Ninja
  • Experience implementing component models (e.g., sensors, actuators, dynamics, environmental factors) in Python and/or C/C++, and integrate them into system-level simulations and software processing chains
  • Experience working with hardware components and interfaces
  • Masters or PhD in related field

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $110,000 - $151,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.


STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.