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Senior Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Embedded Engineer III

Laurel, MD ยท On-site

$60.81/hr

Electrical Engineers must have embedded experience *** $60.81/HR ON W2 PREFER LOCAL CANDIDATES. IF ... SR.IT Recruiter Sandra Taylor 571-267-4186

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 ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Dulles, VA ยท 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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 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:
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 & Robotics Engineer with Security Clearance

MAG DS Corp dba MAG Aerospace

Fairfax, VA โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position Summary MAG is staffing for an Embedded Systems & Robotics Engineer who will bridge the critical hardware-software boundary for autonomous tactical systems. You'll modify and enhance systems and solutions that operate independently in GPS-denied environments, from underwater vehicles to aerial swarms, while ensuring reliability in the harshest conditions. US Citizens Only Former US Defense Contractor / US Gov / US Military Experience Only This is a Hybrid Position - Remote mainly - but as well on call to come into a MAG office when requested. We are seeking candidates who live in proximity to our corporate HQ in Fairfax, VA primarily but will entertain persons living near our satellite offices in: Aberdeen, MD - Titusville, FL - Newport News, VA - Carthage NC Essential Duties and Responsibilities Primary Responsibilities * Enhance or augment embedded software for autonomous vehicles (UGV, UAV, UUV, USV) to extend baseline capabilities * Implement sensor fusion for autonomous navigation (LIDAR, cameras, IMU, sonar) * Design control systems for robotic platforms and actuators * Create hardware abstraction layers following MOSA/SOSA standards * Develop digital twin simulations for hardware-in-the-loop testing * Implement real-time operating systems (RTOS) and safety-critical software * Develop and verify safety-critical software in accordance with established standards and best practices * Design and fabricate custom hardware solutions using 3D printing and rapid prototyping * Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices using SysML/AADL Secondary Responsibilities * Lead field testing and validation of autonomous systems * Support deployment and troubleshooting in operational environments * Create hardware test fixtures and validation procedures * Document MOSA compliance and interface specifications * Train operators on system capabilities and limitations Requirements Experience: Required Qualifications * 5+ years embedded systems and/or robotics development experience * Strong proficiency in C and C++ for real-time for resource-constrained systems * Expert proficiency and practical knowledge of Python for scripting, tooling, and rapid prototyping * Experience with ROS/ROS2 for robotics development * Hands-on experience with autonomous vehicle platforms * Proficiency with CAD tools and 3D printing/fabrication * Understanding of control theory and path planning algorithms * Experience with hardware communication protocols (CAN, I2C, SPI, UART) * Familiarity with MOSA/SOSA standards and open architectures * Experience with simulation tools (Gazebo, MATLAB/Simulink) Preferred Qualifications * Experience with NVIDIA Jetson platforms for autonomous systems * Military/defense robotics experience (ROS-M, JAUS) * Hands-on experience with RTOS (e.g., FreeRTOS, VxWorks) and/or embedded Linux (Yocto, Buildroot) * Knowledge of digital twin technologies and real-time simulation * Familiarity with DO-178C, DO-254, or similar safety standards * Experience with swarm robotics and distributed control * Understanding of SLAM and computer vision for navigation * Experience with environmental testing (MIL-STD-810) * Pilot's license or experience with FAA Part 107 operations Education: * Bachelor's degree in EE, CE, ME, CS or related field Clearance: * Must be eligible for Secret security clearance * US Citizenship required Special Note What Makes You Successful Here * You can go from CAD design to functioning prototype in days * You understand autonomy from sensors to behavior planning * You apply systems engineering rigor to rapid prototyping * You're comfortable with both lab development and field operations * You see MOSA as an enabler, not a constraint