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Temporary Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Columbia, MD

Principal Software Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$137K - $184K/yr

Lead technology decisions for embedded platforms, operating systems, development tools, software ... Mentor software engineers and promote clear standards for design, documentation, testing, and code ...

We're looking for a Software Engineer who can work across the full stack of an embedded system: from training a custom ML model, to writing firmware drivers, to building the interface the user ...

As a Embedded System Researcher, you will lead others in tasks, coordinate with customers on existing work, and lead complex problems through to completion. Your experience will be focused on ...

Showing results 41-60

Temporary Embedded System Software Engineer information

See Columbia, MD salary details

$69.5K

$152.2K

$172.7K

How much do temporary embedded system software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary embedded system software engineer in Columbia, MD is $152,217.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,500.00 and $171,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary embedded system software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Embedded System Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills in C/C++, knowledge of embedded systems architecture, and typically a degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), debugging tools, and hardware interfacing platforms like ARM or Microchip is often required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and effective communication help you integrate quickly with new teams and projects. These skills ensure you can efficiently contribute to complex, time-sensitive development tasks and deliver reliable embedded solutions.

What is a temporary embedded system software engineer?

Temporary Embedded System Software Engineers are professionals who are contracted for a limited period to design, develop, and test software that runs on embedded systems, such as microcontrollers and specialized hardware. Their work often involves writing low-level code, debugging, and optimizing software for devices with specific hardware constraints. These engineers typically join a project to address a particular need, such as a product launch or to fill in staff shortages, and may work across industries like automotive, consumer electronics, or medical devices. Their contracts usually last from a few months to a year, depending on project requirements.

What is the difference between Temporary Embedded System Software Engineer vs Embedded Software Developer?

AspectTemporary Embedded System Software EngineerEmbedded Software Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering or related field; experience with embedded systemsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering; embedded systems experience
Work EnvironmentProject-based, short-term assignments in manufacturing, automotive, or consumer electronicsLong-term or project-based roles in similar industries, often within a team
Employer & Industry UsageContract roles for companies developing embedded productsFull-time or contract roles in embedded systems development across industries

Temporary Embedded System Software Engineers focus on short-term projects with specific deliverables, often in contract roles, while Embedded Software Developers typically hold ongoing positions involved in the full development lifecycle. Both roles require similar skills and credentials but differ mainly in employment duration and project scope.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a temporary embedded system software engineer expect during their contract period?

As a Temporary Embedded System Software Engineer, you can expect to work on targeted projects such as developing firmware for new hardware prototypes, troubleshooting existing embedded systems, or optimizing real-time software performance. Your daily responsibilities may include writing and testing code in languages like C or C++, collaborating closely with hardware engineers, and participating in code reviews. Temporary roles often require quickly ramping up on existing projects, so adaptability and strong communication skills are important. You may also be involved in documentation and occasionally supporting integration or validation activities alongside cross-functional teams.
What are popular job titles related to Temporary Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD? For Temporary Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Temporary Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Temporary Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD are:

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Baltimore, MD

$108K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to join our innovative Software Technologies organization. The new team member will work on software systems for mission systems in all phases of the software development lifecycle, primarily in C/C++.This position is located in Baltimore, MD.

What You'll Get To Do:

As a Principal Embedded Software Engineer within the Software and Digital Technologies Organization, you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning and a culture of automation.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Analyze, develop, and modify existing software, apply modern development techniques that take advantage of all that current technology has to offer

  • Identify risks, suggest mitigation, track defects, develop resolutions, and report status

  • Design, construct, and execute unit tests, and build verification test plans, and track and report test status

  • Work alongside a multi-disciplined engineering teams to test and verify software products on simulators and actual production hardware in our System Integration Laboratories

  • Identify and assess new technologies prior to implementation

  • Active participation with systems engineering in technical peer, design, architecture, and system reviews to ensure system/software requirements are being met from an end-to-end system point of view

"This position is contingent based on anticipated contract award and funding."

#SD&T726

MS-250SURGE

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related STEM Degree and 5 years of related experience

  • US Citizenship

  • Must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance. Secret Clearance is required to start. Must be able to maintain this level of clearance for continued employment.

  • Must have 4 years' experience working in C/C++

  • Must have 4 years' experience with real-time embedded software

  • Must have 4 years' experience with full software lifecycle: specification, design, implementation, integration, debug and maintenance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in algorithmic application development and optimization

  • Experience with VxWorks and/or Linux Operating Systems

  • Experience with Visual Studio

  • Experience with Matlab

  • Experience with Coverity, SonarQube and/or KlocWork tools

  • Experience in Open Architecture Solutions

  • Experience with the Atlassian tool set, Kubernetes, Model Based Engineering, and DevSecOps best practices

  • Experience in Electronic Warfare, Built in Test, or Calibrations

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939