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Senior Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join their multidisciplinary team developing cutting-edge technologies for national security. The role involves architecting and implementing ...

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 ...

Draper

Senior Embedded Vulnerability Researcher

Reston, VA · On-site

$129K - $169K/yr

... engineering assessment techniques for firmware or embedded systems • Familiarity with binary file and filesystem structures and formats • Hands-on proficiency with reverse engineering tooling ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

STR

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$142K - $186K/yr

The Systems Development Division (SDD) delivers technology advantage into users' hands by ... SDD is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to support the design, development, and ...

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All JobsEmbedded Systems Engineer JobsSenior Embedded Systems Engineer JobsSenior Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Senior Embedded Systems Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$70.8K

$155.4K

$217.4K

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

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior embedded systems engineer in Washington, DC is $155,418.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,200.00 and $185,100.00 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 a senior embedded systems engineer?

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.

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, DC? The most popular types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Senior Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Senior Embedded Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Embedded Systems Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,418 per year, or $74.7 per hour.

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

STR

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join their multidisciplinary team developing cutting-edge technologies for national security. The role involves architecting and implementing software applications for emulating cyber-physical systems, as well as developing tools for analysis and experimentation.
Responsibilities:
• 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.
Qualifications:
Required:
• 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)
• BS in Computer Engineering, Computers Science, Electrical Engineering or related field
Preferred:
• 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
Company:
STR is built on people & technology platforms tackling tough problems in cybersecurity, distributed sensing & artificial. Founded in 2010, the company is headquartered in Woburn, USA, with a team of 501-1000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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