Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Virginia are among the most active in the nation, concentrated in defense electronics, aerospace systems, cybersecurity platforms, and federal contracting across every level from junior firmware developer through principal systems engineer. The heaviest hiring is in Northern Virginia, the Hampton Roads corridor, and the Richmond metro, where established names like Leidos, Northrop Grumman, and Booz Allen Hamilton maintain large engineering footprints. The most in-demand specialties are real-time operating systems, RTOS firmware, hardware-software integration for defense platforms, and secure embedded communications. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Company Description
Silicom Connectivity Solutions is an industry-leading provider of high-performance networking and data infrastructure solutions. At the Edge Networking Division, we focus on creating innovative networking platforms that provide our customers with a robust, secure, and flexible connectivity solution. Our environment is fast paced, and we work with the most advanced technologies in the industry. Connectivity is more important today than ever before and our platforms are used in some of the fastest growing markets such as 5G Infrastructure, IoT, SD-WAN, SASE, uCPE, and Industrial/ruggedized. We work closely with our other divisions in Israel and Denmark to provide solutions to our 300+ customers. Silicom Ltd is publicly traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol SILC. We are growing and seek talented and passionate engineers to join our team.
Job Description & Responsibilities
We are seeking an Embedded Software Engineer at the mid to senior level to develop and sustain firmware for our Intel, AMD, and ARM based platforms. The position will be leveled as mid or senior based on the candidate’s experience and depth of expertise. You will work across the platform firmware stack, from embedded controllers to system firmware, and collaborate directly with customers and ODM partners.
- Design, develop, maintain, and debug Embedded Controller firmware.
- Contribute to system firmware (UEFI and/or Slim Bootloader) and BMC firmware, including feature development, bug fixes, and release management.
- Participate in platform bring-up and new product introduction (NPI), working from schematics and datasheets with hardware and ODM teams.
- Debug complex system-level issues spanning firmware, hardware, and the Linux kernel.
- Support firmware security and compliance work.
- Support customers and ODM partners on firmware issues, requirements, and qualification.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of professional experience in embedded firmware development.
- Strong proficiency in C; working knowledge of assembly and Python or shell scripting.
- Hands-on experience with EC or microcontroller firmware; experience with x86/AMD system firmware (UEFI/EDK2, coreboot, or Slim Bootloader) is a strong plus.
- Solid understanding of ACPI, PCIe, SPI/I2C/SMBus/eSPI, and x86/AMD boot flow.
- Proficiency debugging with JTAG, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and serial consoles.
- Ability to read schematics and component datasheets.
- Strong Linux skills, including kernel and driver-level debugging.
- Excellent written and verbal communication; comfortable working directly with customers.
Preferred
- Familiarity with firmware security and resiliency frameworks.
- Experience with networking hardware (ethernet controllers, ARM networking SoCs).
- Experience working with ODMs and BIOS vendors.
- Experience with BMC firmware (OpenBMC) and IPMI/Redfish.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Will you need H1B sponsorship now or in the future? Silicom does not have have H1B program.
Experience:
- Embedded software: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Charlottesville, VA 22911 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Charlottesville, VA 22911: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
See All 25 Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia
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Find JobsEmbedded Software Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Embedded Software Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in embedded software engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science required
- Active DoD Secret or Top Secret security clearance strongly preferred for Virginia roles
- Proficiency in C and C++ for embedded and bare-metal development environments
- Experience with real-time operating systems such as VxWorks, FreeRTOS, or RTEMS
- Familiarity with hardware debugging tools including JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers
- Knowledge of communication protocols such as CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, or MIL-STD-1553
Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a embedded software engineer in Virginia?
Embedded software engineering in Virginia does not require a state-issued license, but most roles demand a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science from an accredited program. Because so many Virginia employers are defense contractors, obtaining a DoD security clearance early is the most impactful step a candidate can take. Graduates from Virginia Tech, George Mason University, and the University of Virginia are well recognized by Virginia's large federal and defense employers.
How much do embedded software engineers make in Virginia?
Embedded software engineers in Virginia earn a median of about $136,460 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $83,350 for the lowest 10% to over $211,930 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire embedded software engineers in Virginia?
Employers hiring embedded software engineers in Virginia right now include Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Two Six Technologies, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's concentration of defense and intelligence contractors means a significant share of openings require candidates to hold or be eligible for a federal security clearance.
Which Virginia cities have the most embedded software engineer jobs?
The cities with the most embedded software engineer openings in Virginia are Dulles, Herndon, and Arlington. Northern Virginia dominates because of its dense cluster of defense primes and federal agencies, while Hampton Roads draws consistent demand from Navy and shipbuilding programs, and Richmond rounds out the market with a growing commercial technology sector alongside state government IT work.
Are there remote embedded software engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. Embedded software engineering is inherently hardware-adjacent, requiring lab access, test equipment, and classified facility work that limits remote arrangements. About 10% of embedded software engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with most flexibility found in architecture, code review, and simulation-side work rather than bring-up and integration tasks.
How can I get hired as a embedded software engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an internship or co-op with a Virginia defense contractor or federal systems integrator while completing a relevant engineering degree. Leidos, Northrop Grumman, and SAIC all run structured early-career and new-graduate programs in Virginia specifically. Candidates with coursework in microcontrollers, a GitHub portfolio showing bare-metal projects, or a CompTIA Security+ certification to support clearance eligibility stand out most in a market where adjacent roles like embedded test engineer or hardware verification engineer often serve as the door-opener.
Where can I find and apply to embedded software engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to embedded software engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Find the roles that fit your experience and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 25 Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia
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