1

Volunteer Embedded Software Engineer Robotics Jobs in Washington, DC

Embedded Software Engineer

VA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

The Embedded Software Engineer is responsible for the design, development, testing, and support of embedded software solutions for both existing and new products, including new hardware bring-up, low ...

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer This role focuses on developing next-generation embedded ... Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) * Short and long-term ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Germantown, MD

$133K - $175K/yr

As an Embedded Software Engineer, you will be responsible for product design, development, and support. Your responsibilities will include architecture, design, coding, development, testing ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$133K - $175K/yr

As an Embedded Software Engineer, you will be responsible for product design, development, and support. Your responsibilities will include architecture, design, coding, development, testing ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

The Embedded Software Engineer will own the design, development, and test of digital logic and embedded software. This position is in Germantown, MD (hybrid - 4 days in office per week) What you'll ...

The Embedded Software Engineer will own the design, development, and test of digital logic and embedded software. This position is in Germantown, MD (hybrid -- 4 days in office per week) What you'll ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Volunteer Embedded Software Engineer Robotics information

See Washington, DC salary details

$79.3K

$173.7K

$197.1K

How much do volunteer embedded software engineer robotics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for volunteer embedded software engineer robotics 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 the difference between Volunteer Embedded Software Engineer Robotics vs Volunteer Mechanical Engineer Robotics?

AspectVolunteer Embedded Software Engineer RoboticsVolunteer Mechanical Engineer Robotics
Required CredentialsKnowledge of embedded systems, programming languages (C/C++), and robotics fundamentalsMechanical design, CAD skills, and understanding of robotics hardware
Work EnvironmentSoftware development labs, robotics teams, or field testingDesign workshops, prototyping labs, and manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, research institutions, robotics startups

Volunteer Embedded Software Engineers focus on developing and maintaining the software that controls robotic systems, requiring programming and embedded systems skills. In contrast, Volunteer Mechanical Engineers work on designing and building the physical components of robots, emphasizing mechanical design and hardware integration. Both roles are essential in robotics projects but differ in their technical focus and daily tasks.

What does a volunteer embedded software engineer robotics do?

A Volunteer Embedded Software Engineer in Robotics designs, develops, and tests software that operates on hardware devices within robotic systems. They typically work with microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators to enable robots to perform specific tasks. As a volunteer, their work often supports research, educational, or nonprofit projects, contributing technical expertise to advance innovative robotics solutions. Tasks may include writing firmware, debugging code, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to integrate hardware and software components.

How does a volunteer embedded software engineer robotics typically collaborate with hardware and mechanical teams?

As a Volunteer Embedded Software Engineer in Robotics, you will work closely with hardware and mechanical engineers to integrate software with physical components. This collaboration often includes joint troubleshooting sessions, regular design meetings, and iterative testing to ensure that firmware interacts correctly with sensors, actuators, and control boards. Clear communication and a willingness to learn about hardware constraints are key, as your code may need to adapt to changes in hardware design. This teamwork fosters a dynamic and supportive environment, especially in volunteer or non-profit settings where resourcefulness and flexibility are highly valued.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Embedded Software Engineer in Robotics, you need a solid understanding of embedded C/C++ programming, microcontroller architectures, and real-time operating systems, often supported by a degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with hardware debugging tools, version control systems like Git, and robotics-specific platforms such as ROS (Robot Operating System) is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and tackle complex technical issues. These combined skills are crucial for developing reliable, efficient robotic systems that meet project goals and function safely in real-world conditions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software Engineer Robotics jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer Robotics jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Volunteer Embedded Software Engineer Robotics jobs in Washington, DC? For Volunteer Embedded Software Engineer Robotics jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Volunteer Embedded Software Engineer Robotics jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Volunteer Embedded Software Engineer Robotics jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Volunteer Embedded Software Engineer Robotics job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $173,722 per year, or $83.5 per hour.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Liquid Robotics

Jessup, MD • Hybrid

$161K - $222K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Senior Embedded Software Engineer
Liquid Robotics is seeking a Senior Embedded / Robotics Software Engineer to develop mission-critical software for autonomous maritime robotic systems. This hybrid role is based in the Jessup, MD and reports to our Software Manager. Our platforms operate in challenging ocean environments for extended deployments (3+ month missions), requiring exceptionally reliable and fault tolerant software.
Essential Responsibilities
  • Derive requirements for, design, develop, and maintain reliable embedded software for long-duration autonomous maritime operations (90+ day uptime requirements).
  • Integrate COTS and custom robotic components including servos and actuators, power management systems (batteries, solar charging), satellite radios and maritime communication equipment, and environmental and navigation sensors (GPS, IMU, depth sensors, cameras, acoustic sensors, etc.).
  • Implement fault-tolerant architectures with watchdog systems, automated recovery, and graceful degradation to meet mission uptime and reliability goals.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including systems, mechanical, electrical, quality assurance, production, and product management to ensure integrated system performance.
  • Work within a structured software development lifecycle combining Agile methodologies with V-model validation processes; participate in requirements, design, code reviews, and system integration testing.
  • Develop and maintain device drivers, middleware, and mission code for ARM-based embedded Linux platforms (e.g., NVIDIA Tegra/Jetson, Raspberry Pi) in Debian-based environments.
  • Design for real-time constraints, deterministic behavior on Linux, and power-aware sleep/wake strategies to maximize mission duration.
  • Create and execute Software-In-Loop, Hardware-In-Loop, and on-device test methods; develop CI/CD pipelines, automated tests, and release artifacts to support multiple overlapping product lines.
  • Troubleshoot and root-cause hardware/software interactions; capture diagnostic data and coordinate corrective actions across engineering disciplines.
  • Produce and maintain clear technical documentation including design notes, runbooks, test plans, and procedures.
Key Attributes
  • Deep systems thinker who can analyze, explain, and close the loop from sensors through actuators and human-in-the-loop components.
  • Detail-oriented and methodical with strong software engineering and test discipline.
  • Practical hands-on experience integrating and troubleshooting embedded hardware and sensors in harsh environments.
  • Strong communicator, able to convey complex software and system behaviors to engineering, Manufacturing, and QA.
  • Comfortable working cross-functionally and responding to integration, production, and field deployment priorities.
  • Autonomous, pragmatic, and focused on delivering robust, maintainable solutions for safety- and mission-critical systems.
Minimum Qualifications
  • BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related discipline; advanced degree or technical credentials a plus.
  • 10+ years of professional embedded software architecture, design, and development experience.
  • Proven experience shipping robotic or autonomous systems with long-duration uptime requirements and fault-tolerant architectures.
  • Strong programming and architecture skills in C++ and Java for mission code; Python for tools, scripts, and automation.
  • Deep understanding of Linux system architecture, device drivers, and managing deterministic/real-time behavior on Linux.
  • Experience with serial protocols (RS-232, RS-485), CAN bus, USB, UDP/TCP networks, and satellite communication systems (Iridium, Starlink).
  • Experience with version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and managing complex build systems across product lines.
  • Knowledge of sensor fusion, error correction, and degraded-mode operation strategies.
  • Understanding of power management, thermal constraints, and environmentally robust software design.
  • Experience with power-aware software design, sleep/wake strategies, and long-duration mission planning.
  • Familiarity with Software-In-Loop, Hardware-In-Loop, and on-device testing methodologies.
U.S. Person status required.
Ability to obtain a US Secret Clearance required. Preference given to candidates with active security clearance at time of hire.
Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, market and business considerations, and the role's geographic location
Summary pay range: $161,600 - $222,200
Liquid Robotics designs and manufactures Wave Gliders, the first wave and solar powered autonomous ocean robots. With our partners we address many of the planet's greatest challenges, by transforming how to assess, monitor, and protect the ocean. We solve critical problems for defense, commercial, and science customers.
Visit us atwww.liquid-robotics.comto learn more.
Liquid Robotics is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.