1

Embedded Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

NKI is experiencing rapid growth, and we're looking for a full-time Embedded Systems Engineer to join our team and support this exciting expansion. At NKI, we're committed to investing in our ...

Embedded Systems Engineer

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

The Embedded Systems Engineer is responsible for the design and development of embedded applications on hardware platforms. The focus in this role includes creation of technical specifications ...

As a Junior Embedded Systems Developer, you will work alongside experienced vulnerability researchers, reverse engineers, and embedded developers who analyze embedded platforms across a wide range of ...

Senior Embedded Systems Engineer Experience: Mid Level Salary: $60 - $74 per hour Job Details We are seeking a talented and experienced Senior Embedded Systems Engineer to join our dynamic team in ...

New

Showing results 41-60

embedded systems information

See salary details

$62.5K

$137.3K

$192K

How much do embedded systems jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded systems in the United States is $137,274.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $163,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an embedded system?

An Embedded Systems job involves designing, developing, and optimizing hardware and software for devices with dedicated functions, such as medical devices, automotive systems, and IoT products. Engineers in this field work with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and firmware development to ensure efficiency and reliability. Their role often includes coding in C/C++, debugging hardware-software interactions, and improving system performance.

What does an embedded system professional do?

Embedded Systems professionals commonly spend their days designing, coding, and testing software that operates on hardware devices, working closely with circuit schematics and firmware. They often collaborate with hardware engineers and quality assurance teams to troubleshoot issues and refine integrated products. Tasks may also involve writing technical documentation, participating in design reviews, and optimizing system performance for reliability and efficiency. The role requires a balance between hands-on development and cross-team communication, providing a dynamic and challenging workday.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the embedded systems position?

To thrive in Embedded Systems, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, C/C++ programming, and hardware-software integration, usually supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and debugging tools like oscilloscopes is commonly expected, and certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Professional can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork abilities help you excel in cross-functional environments. These competencies ensure effective design, implementation, and troubleshooting of reliable embedded solutions for various industries.

Does embedded systems pay well?

Embedded systems engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. Professionals with skills in C/C++, real-time operating systems, and hardware integration often command higher pay, especially in sectors like aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics.

Is embedded systems a good career?

Embedded systems is a viable career option for those interested in designing and developing specialized hardware and software for devices like appliances, automotive systems, and medical equipment. It often requires knowledge of programming languages such as C or C++, and familiarity with hardware design and real-time operating systems. The field offers steady demand and opportunities for growth with certifications and hands-on experience.
More about embedded systems jobs

What cities are hiring for Embedded Systems jobs?

Cities with the most Embedded Systems job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Systems jobs?

The most popular types of Embedded Systems jobs are:

What states have the most Embedded Systems jobs?

States with the most job openings for Embedded Systems jobs include:

Infographic showing various Embedded Systems job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Internship, 62% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $137,274 per year, or $66 per hour.

$80 - $110/hr

Other

Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Kratos Defense & Security Solutions rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview: Nomad Global Communication Solutions (Nomad GCS) is a leading provider of communication and response products serving a wide range of customers. Our purpose is to be the solution when every minute matters. We are seeking Embedded Systems Engineers to help design, develop, and support the embedded hardware systems for Nomad Total Command™ (NTC) and other systems integrated into Nomad products.

Embedded Systems Engineers at Nomad GCS are responsible for the design, development, integration, testing, and lifecycle support of embedded hardware and firmware used within Nomad Total Command™ (NTC), as well as support of embedded systems across all Nomad products and platforms. This includes microcontrollers, embedded processors, sensors, control modules, communication interfaces, and operator control systems that enable deterministic control, automation, monitoring, and safe operation of capabilities across Nomad platforms.

Depending on level (I–V), Engineers progress from learning foundational engineering practices and supporting designs to independently leading complex system architectures, mentoring others, and driving technical strategy across the organization.

This position requires strong hands‑on engineering capability combined with system‑level thinking, enabling the engineer to diagnose complex system interactions, guide technical decisions, and improve the robustness and performance of embedded systems deployed in demanding environments.

Career Growth: Embedded Systems Engineers at Nomad GCS progress through five levels based on demonstrated technical mastery, independence, leadership, and impact. Advancement is supported through mentorship, ownership of embedded subsystems, and alignment with Nomad’s Core Values.

Organizational Structure: Engineering is organized into Teams and Disciplines within the Innovative Solutions Division.

Teams:

o Team 1 – Standards and Modularity: Builds and maintains engineering standards, modules, templates, and rules enabling repeatability and scale.

o Team 2 – Design: Executes project-level engineering using established standards and less complex custom configurations.

o Team 3 – Advanced: Develops novel systems and resolves first-of-kind engineering challenges.

o Team 4 – Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering: Ensures manufacturability, safety, engineering intent, efficiency, and continuous improvement throughout Production.

o Mechanical Engineering

o Electrical Engineering

o Embedded Systems Engineering (where this role is located)

o Software Engineering

An Embedded Systems Engineer may be temporarily assigned to one or more of the four Teams and support Standards and Modularity, Design Engineering, Advanced Engineering, and/or Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering.

Core Responsibilities – All Levels:

  • Design, develop, and support embedded hardware and firmware used within Nomad Total Command (NTC) and other Nomad platforms.
  • Develop firmware and control logic using C/C++ for microcontrollers and embedded processors supporting modules and control interfaces.
  • Write logic that bridges embedded hardware with NTC software using C/C++ and other languages.
  • Specify/test new embedded computers, network switches, and other hardware for NTC or other Nomad platforms.
  • Integrate sensors, actuators, networking interfaces, and operator control systems used by the NTC platform.
  • Design and troubleshoot embedded systems using CAN, SPI, I²C, UART, Ethernet, and related protocols used within various communication networks.
  • Ensure systems exhibit deterministic and predictable behavior, particularly in real-time or near real-time environments.
  • Review, edit, or write JSON based configuration files.
  • Implement error logging, as well as frequent “health checks” and hardware status updates.
  • Drive improvements in reliability through testing, diagnostics, and design iteration.
  • Diagnose complex interactions between hardware, firmware, networking, and electrical systems.
  • Work within Linux-based environments, including containerized environments (Docker).
  • Flash embedded firmware for micro-controlled hardware and sensors.
  • Write control logic & software for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s).
  • Participate in efforts to automate and continuously improve NTC hardware configuration.
  • Attend meetings regarding upcoming builds, take meaningful notes, and actively participate:
    • Proposal Reviews;
    • Sales/Project Management Kickoffs;
    • SPN reviews, Initial Design Reviews (IDR), and Executive Design Reviews (EDR); and
    • Actively participate in Executive Reviews and document any findings.
  • Configure, or aid in configuring NTC hardware for production projects, ensuring configuration is accurate and aligns with customer requirements and intended system operation.
  • Assist production team(s) with troubleshooting NTC issues.
  • Design or assist in designing printed circuit boards (PCB’s)
  • Participate in design reviews, testing, validation, and root cause analysis of embedded hardware and control behavior.
  • Work closely with Software Engineering to define hardware abstraction layers (HAL’s) and other methods to translate software commands into hardware actions.
  • Assist software in defining how hardware data/control should be presented in the NTC frontend.
  • Develop and improve embedded systems with the goal that hardware control logic is independent of NTC software functionality.
  • Design systems with strong emphasis on fault tolerance, redundancy, and predictable failure behavior.
  • Assist field and production teams in resolving challenging system-level issues.
  • Prototype and test next-generation capabilities including, but not limited to:
    • Automation systems
    • Advanced sensor integration
    • AI-assisted monitoring
    • Autonomous subsystems
    • Vehicle information system integration (CAN)
    • Self-deployment capabilities (SLAM, Sensor-Fusion, Computer Vision etc.)
    • Edge machine learning
    • Predictive maintenance capabilities
    • Subsystem data acquisition for local inference.
  • Identify opportunities to improve operational awareness, system automation, and reliability.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, IT Integration, Human Factors Engineering, Software Engineering, Production, Quality, and Program Management teams to ensure embedded systems integrate cleanly with platform subsystems.
  • Apply continuous improvement principles to improve reliability, determinism, manufacturability, and maintainability of embedded hardware.
  • Produce clear technical documentation including:
    • Engineering notes
    • Troubleshooting guides
    • Test procedures
    • Technical design documentation
    • System changes, firmware updates, and hardware improvements.
  • Uphold and model Nomad Core Values in all work.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Embedded Systems Engineer ll – Independent Contributor

  • Independently develop firmware for embedded subsystems and control modules.
  • Implement control logic, state machines, and communication interfaces supporting NTC functionality.
  • Create production-ready embedded code and configuration for NTC hardware.
  • Participate in NTC hardware bring-up, integration, and troubleshooting.
  • Support manufacturing troubleshooting and resolve moderate NTC system issues.
  • Participate actively in design reviews and cross-functional collaboration with supporting disciplines.
  • Participate in advanced engineering projects requiring new features or complex logic.
  • 2–5 years embedded systems engineering experience.

Progression signal: Can be trusted to deliver correct and quality embedded solutions under minimal supervision. Takes full ownership of projects and remains composed under pressure. Trusted to lead tasks assigned to them including leading design reviews, mentoring others, and taking initiative to continuously improve quality of work.

Basic Knowledge Progression:

  • Level l: Foundational understanding of microcontrollers, firmware development, and debugging tools used within NTC embedded systems.
  • Level ll: Strong working knowledge of embedded protocols and subsystem integration supporting NTC modules.
  • Level lll: System-level expertise and troubleshooting mastery of NTC embedded hardware and communications.
  • Level lV: Platform-level architecture and technical leadership for the NTC embedded system.
  • Level V: Enterprise-level strategy, innovation, and mentorship guiding the evolution of the NTC embedded platform.
Experience and Skills

Qualifications & Preferred Skills:

  • Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems required.
  • Experience working in Linux environments required.
  • Basic networking knowledge required, advanced preferred.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering or related preferred.
  • 2–5 years embedded systems engineering experience.
  • Working knowledge of relational database systems preferred.
  • Experience with FreeRTOS or other RTOS platforms preferred.
  • Exposure to closed-loop control in robotics, automotive, aerospace or similar preferred.

Physical Demands:

  • Ability to stand and sit for extended periods.
  • Manual dexterity to operate office equipment.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
  • Occasional climbing or hands-on testing activities.
  • Ability to work in office, shop, and vehicle environments as needed.
  • Ability to work safely around energized systems when required.
  • Must be able to travel as needed on occasion.
  • Combination of office, production floor, and vehicle-based environments.
  • Exposure to manufacturing noise, electrical equipment, and testing environments.
  • PPE required when entering production or testing areas.
  • Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • Paid Time-Off (PTO)
  • Holidays
  • Education Reimbursement

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy,genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicablefederal, state, and local laws.

Disability Accessibility Accommodation
If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply toour careers site, please send your request to HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com or call 858-964-2916. Any inquiresnot related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

Pay Transparency
The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate againstemployees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay ofanother employee or applicant.

Job Applicant Privacy Notice
For applicants in the EU and California residents, please review ourprivacy notice .

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Kratos Defense & Security Solutions employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom