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Temporary Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Embedded Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$135K - $177K/yr

Their system consists of a constellation of commercial satellites and a network of ground stations and as the Embedded Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing and ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$135K - $177K/yr

Their system consists of a constellation of commercial satellites and a network of ground stations and as the Embedded Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing and ...

Space Systems Software Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

$173K - $205K/yr

Space Systems Software Engineer LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note ... Experience with embedded systems software * Strong understanding of software integration in complex ...

Space Systems Software Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$176K - $209K/yr

Space Systems Software Engineer LOCATION Annapolis Junction, MD 20701 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly ... Experience with embedded systems software * Strong understanding of software integration in complex ...

Space Systems Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$180K - $213K/yr

Space Systems Software Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note ... Experience with embedded systems software * Strong understanding of software integration in complex ...

Showing results 41-60

Temporary Embedded System Software Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$79.3K

$173.7K

$197.1K

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

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary embedded system software engineer in Washington, DC is $173,722.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $148,900.00 and $195,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What job categories do people searching Temporary Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Temporary Embedded System Software Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $173,722 per year, or $83.5 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer - Level 2 (Secret)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Sterling, VA • On-site

$114K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 367 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
If forging a secure future excites you, look no further! Northrop Grumman's Space Sector provides an arena where your passion for innovation and quest for exploration are welcome. As an Embedded Software Engineer - Level 2 your role at Dulles, VA, will be pivotal in supporting mission-critical efforts to national and global security.
Ready to join forces with our visionary team?
This Embedded Software Engineer will join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in the Space Systems organization, developing space flight software platforms for National Space Security programs. The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented.
This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Develop embedded software modules and have familiarity with data protocols including UART, Synchronous Serial, MIL-STD-1553, SPACEWIRE, SPI, discrete digital and analog IO, and others
  • Work with other disciplines to establish Flight-Software requirements, testing, and verification plan.
  • Develop and configure board support packages (BSPs) and integrate device drivers.
  • Performs trade studies via computer simulation or kits & development boards.
  • Work with multiple engineers to integrate spacecraft components and flight software with the simulation platform.
  • Be involved in the hardware definition and software design, development, debug and integration on simulation and hardware-in-the-loop platforms.
  • Analyze system resources to enhance efficiency, stability, and processing speed.
  • Prepare design documentation, analysis, test results and presentation materials for internal and external customers.
  • Work with software developers and other engineers, as needed, to help diagnose and identify the root cause of problems found during software installation, integration, acceptance test, and operational events.
  • Work in an innovative environment across diverse assignments and in collaborative team settings across all levels.
  • Other duties as assigned.

This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.
Basic Qualifications for Level 2:
  • Bachelor's degree in STEM (Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering) with 2 years of relevant professional experience - OR - Master's degree
  • Requires an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance, current and within scope, at time of application [US citizenship required]
  • Advanced programming proficiency with C/C++, Python.
  • Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems, and avionics integration and test practices
  • Core affinity and parallel processing experience
  • Experience with understanding the difference between concurrent and parallel processing
  • Familiarity with Stellar or CFS
  • Demonstrable programming experience on Linux

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Top-Secret / SCI
  • Experience with Yocto or Vulcan
  • System knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness, and Visualization
  • Experience with Digital, Analog, RS-422 synchronous serial and UART, MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire electrical interfaces

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
The 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