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.
Find JobsOverview
Open roles25
Top employerNorthrop Grumman
Top cityDulles, VA
Cities hiring14
Work type50% On-site
Top credentialBachelor's degree in electrical engineering
Showing 5 of 25+ Embedded Software Engineer jobs
Embedded Software Developer
We won't show you this job again
Added 2d ago
SimVentions
Embedded Software Developer
Dahlgren, Virginia
Added 2d ago
Embedded Software Engineer
We won't show you this job again
Added 4d ago
Apogee Research
Embedded Software Engineer
Arlington, Virginia
Added 4d ago
Principal Software Systems Engineer (Embedded Flight Systems)
We won't show you this job again
Added 6d ago
Trident Systems Inc
Principal Software Systems Engineer (Embedded Flight Systems)
Fairfax, Virginia
Added 6d ago
Principal/ Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer
We won't show you this job again
Added 1w ago
Northrop Grumman
Principal/ Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer
Charlottesville, Virginia
Added 1w ago
Lead Embedded Software Verification &Validation Engineer - Digital I&C
We won't show you this job again
Added 1w ago
Quest Defense
Lead Embedded Software Verification &Validation Engineer - Digital I&C
Lynchburg, Virginia
Added 1w ago
Added 2d ago
Embedded Software Developer
SimVentions·Dahlgren, Virginia
Job functions:
$92k - $135k/yr
On-Site
201-500 employees
Job Description
Overview:
The projected annual compensation range for this position is $99,540 - $135,000 (USD). This estimate reflects the standard salary range for this position and is just one component of the total compensation package that SimVentions offers.
Benefits:
We offer:
Support Our Warfighters
SimVentions is a proud supporter of the U.S. military, and we take pride in our ability to provide relevant, game-changing solutions to our armed men and women around the world.
Drive Customer Success
We deliver innovative products and solutions that go beyond the expected. This means you can expect to work with a team that will allow you to grow, have a voice, and make an impact.
Get Involved in Giving Back
We believe a well-rounded company starts with well-rounded employees, which is why we offer diverse service opportunities for our team throughout the year.
Build Innovative Technology
SimVentions takes pride in its innovative and cutting-edge technology, so you can be sure that whatever project you work on, you will be having a direct impact on our customer’s success.
Work with Brilliant People
We don’t just hire the smartest people; we seek experienced, creative individuals who are passionate about their work and thrive in our unique culture.
Create Meaningful Solutions
We are trusted partners with our customers and are provided challenging and meaningful requirements to help them solve.
Employees who join SimVentions will enjoy additional perks like:
MWAC
SimVentions is looking for an experienced embedded software developer to work on-site at NSWC Dahlgren within a dynamic government team developing new and cutting edge systems. Must be comfortable conducting coding on embedded microcontrollers as well as developing Android and Desktop based applications to control and interact with the embedded systems.
Travel: up to 10% - Travel on occasion within Continental US Clearance:
An ACTIVE Secret Clearance is required for this position. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. US Citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
Requirements:
- 5 Years experience with embedded software development related to microcontrollers or similar devices
- Knowledge of C, Kotlin, & Java
- Knowledge of embedded software development for hardware is desired
- Knowledge of hardware architectures, microcontrollers and communication protocols
- Ability to debug and troubleshoot hardware-software interfaces at a low-level using tools, such as an oscilloscope, logic analyzers, etc.
- Knowledge of writing test cases, unit testing and validation of hardware software integration
- Knowledge of Android/Desktop GUI development
- Knowledge of the TCP/IP protocol suite, including network stack integration and socket programming
- Knowledge in diagnosing and resolving network-related issues, including network configuration, connectivity, and data transmission problems
- Knowledge of Weapon Systems and Command & Control Systems
- Ability to work in a fast paced, rapidly changing range/field environment with a focus on fielding a product
- Ability to work with others to meet established goals and program schedules
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Tasks range in scope from coding on embedded microcontrollers to developing Android and Desktop applications that interact with embedded systems
- Develop embedded software for new and existing systems
- Develop and support Android applications using Kotlin
- Develop and support Desktop applications
- Support testing and assessment of embedded systems locally and at external locations
- Utilize software development best practices within government development processes
- Identify and incorporate the latest hardware, technology, and techniques in this rapidly evolving environment
- Routinely collaborate with the government team through regularly scheduled meetings on-site
The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills.
Education: Degree in Computer Science, or related Engineering field is required. Compensation:
Compensation at SimVentions is determined by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, security clearance, work location, skills, knowledge, and competencies, as well as alignment with our corporate compensation plan and contract specific requirements.
The projected annual compensation range for this position is $99,540 - $135,000 (USD). This estimate reflects the standard salary range for this position and is just one component of the total compensation package that SimVentions offers.
At SimVentions, we’re committed to supporting the total well-being of our employees and their families. Our benefit offerings include comprehensive health and welfare plans to serve a variety of needs.
We offer:
- Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
- Competitive 401(k) programs
- Retirement and Financial Counselors
- Health Savings and Health Reimbursement Accounts
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life insurance, short- & long-term disability
- Continuing Education Assistance
- Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Paid Leave (e.g., Maternity, Paternity, Jury Duty, Bereavement, Military)
- Third Party Employee Assistance Program that offers emotional and lifestyle well-being services, to include free counseling
- Supplemental Benefit Program
SimVentions is about more than just being a place to work with other growth-orientated technically exceptional experts. It’s also a fun place to work. Our family-friendly atmosphere encourages our employee-owners to imagine, create, explore, discover, and do great things together.
Support Our Warfighters
SimVentions is a proud supporter of the U.S. military, and we take pride in our ability to provide relevant, game-changing solutions to our armed men and women around the world.
Drive Customer Success
We deliver innovative products and solutions that go beyond the expected. This means you can expect to work with a team that will allow you to grow, have a voice, and make an impact.
Get Involved in Giving Back
We believe a well-rounded company starts with well-rounded employees, which is why we offer diverse service opportunities for our team throughout the year.
Build Innovative Technology
SimVentions takes pride in its innovative and cutting-edge technology, so you can be sure that whatever project you work on, you will be having a direct impact on our customer’s success.
Work with Brilliant People
We don’t just hire the smartest people; we seek experienced, creative individuals who are passionate about their work and thrive in our unique culture.
Create Meaningful Solutions
We are trusted partners with our customers and are provided challenging and meaningful requirements to help them solve.
Employees who join SimVentions will enjoy additional perks like:
- Employee Ownership: Work with the best and help build YOUR company!
- Family focus: Work for a team that recognizes the importance of family time.
- Culture: Add to our culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
- Dress code: Business casual, we like to be comfortable while we work.
- Resources: Excellent facilities, tools, and training opportunities to grow in your field.
- Open communication: Work in an environment where your voice matters.
- Corporate Fellowship: Opportunities to participate in company sports teams and employee-led interest groups for personal and professional development.
- Employee Appreciation: Multiple corporate events throughout the year, including Holiday Events, Company Picnic, Imagineering Day, and more.
- Founding Partner of the FredNats Baseball team: Equitable distribution of tickets for every home game to be enjoyed by our employee-owners and their families from our private suite.
- Food: We have a lot of food around here!
MWAC
SimVentions
Embedded Software Developer
Dahlgren, Virginia
Added 2d ago201-500 employees
Job functions:
$92k - $135k/yr
On-Site
Job Description
Overview:
The projected annual compensation range for this position is $99,540 - $135,000 (USD). This estimate reflects the standard salary range for this position and is just one component of the total compensation package that SimVentions offers.
Benefits:
We offer:
Support Our Warfighters
SimVentions is a proud supporter of the U.S. military, and we take pride in our ability to provide relevant, game-changing solutions to our armed men and women around the world.
Drive Customer Success
We deliver innovative products and solutions that go beyond the expected. This means you can expect to work with a team that will allow you to grow, have a voice, and make an impact.
Get Involved in Giving Back
We believe a well-rounded company starts with well-rounded employees, which is why we offer diverse service opportunities for our team throughout the year.
Build Innovative Technology
SimVentions takes pride in its innovative and cutting-edge technology, so you can be sure that whatever project you work on, you will be having a direct impact on our customer’s success.
Work with Brilliant People
We don’t just hire the smartest people; we seek experienced, creative individuals who are passionate about their work and thrive in our unique culture.
Create Meaningful Solutions
We are trusted partners with our customers and are provided challenging and meaningful requirements to help them solve.
Employees who join SimVentions will enjoy additional perks like:
MWAC
SimVentions is looking for an experienced embedded software developer to work on-site at NSWC Dahlgren within a dynamic government team developing new and cutting edge systems. Must be comfortable conducting coding on embedded microcontrollers as well as developing Android and Desktop based applications to control and interact with the embedded systems.
Travel: up to 10% - Travel on occasion within Continental US Clearance:
An ACTIVE Secret Clearance is required for this position. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. US Citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
Requirements:
- 5 Years experience with embedded software development related to microcontrollers or similar devices
- Knowledge of C, Kotlin, & Java
- Knowledge of embedded software development for hardware is desired
- Knowledge of hardware architectures, microcontrollers and communication protocols
- Ability to debug and troubleshoot hardware-software interfaces at a low-level using tools, such as an oscilloscope, logic analyzers, etc.
- Knowledge of writing test cases, unit testing and validation of hardware software integration
- Knowledge of Android/Desktop GUI development
- Knowledge of the TCP/IP protocol suite, including network stack integration and socket programming
- Knowledge in diagnosing and resolving network-related issues, including network configuration, connectivity, and data transmission problems
- Knowledge of Weapon Systems and Command & Control Systems
- Ability to work in a fast paced, rapidly changing range/field environment with a focus on fielding a product
- Ability to work with others to meet established goals and program schedules
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Tasks range in scope from coding on embedded microcontrollers to developing Android and Desktop applications that interact with embedded systems
- Develop embedded software for new and existing systems
- Develop and support Android applications using Kotlin
- Develop and support Desktop applications
- Support testing and assessment of embedded systems locally and at external locations
- Utilize software development best practices within government development processes
- Identify and incorporate the latest hardware, technology, and techniques in this rapidly evolving environment
- Routinely collaborate with the government team through regularly scheduled meetings on-site
The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills.
Education: Degree in Computer Science, or related Engineering field is required. Compensation:
Compensation at SimVentions is determined by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, security clearance, work location, skills, knowledge, and competencies, as well as alignment with our corporate compensation plan and contract specific requirements.
The projected annual compensation range for this position is $99,540 - $135,000 (USD). This estimate reflects the standard salary range for this position and is just one component of the total compensation package that SimVentions offers.
At SimVentions, we’re committed to supporting the total well-being of our employees and their families. Our benefit offerings include comprehensive health and welfare plans to serve a variety of needs.
We offer:
- Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
- Competitive 401(k) programs
- Retirement and Financial Counselors
- Health Savings and Health Reimbursement Accounts
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life insurance, short- & long-term disability
- Continuing Education Assistance
- Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Paid Leave (e.g., Maternity, Paternity, Jury Duty, Bereavement, Military)
- Third Party Employee Assistance Program that offers emotional and lifestyle well-being services, to include free counseling
- Supplemental Benefit Program
SimVentions is about more than just being a place to work with other growth-orientated technically exceptional experts. It’s also a fun place to work. Our family-friendly atmosphere encourages our employee-owners to imagine, create, explore, discover, and do great things together.
Support Our Warfighters
SimVentions is a proud supporter of the U.S. military, and we take pride in our ability to provide relevant, game-changing solutions to our armed men and women around the world.
Drive Customer Success
We deliver innovative products and solutions that go beyond the expected. This means you can expect to work with a team that will allow you to grow, have a voice, and make an impact.
Get Involved in Giving Back
We believe a well-rounded company starts with well-rounded employees, which is why we offer diverse service opportunities for our team throughout the year.
Build Innovative Technology
SimVentions takes pride in its innovative and cutting-edge technology, so you can be sure that whatever project you work on, you will be having a direct impact on our customer’s success.
Work with Brilliant People
We don’t just hire the smartest people; we seek experienced, creative individuals who are passionate about their work and thrive in our unique culture.
Create Meaningful Solutions
We are trusted partners with our customers and are provided challenging and meaningful requirements to help them solve.
Employees who join SimVentions will enjoy additional perks like:
- Employee Ownership: Work with the best and help build YOUR company!
- Family focus: Work for a team that recognizes the importance of family time.
- Culture: Add to our culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
- Dress code: Business casual, we like to be comfortable while we work.
- Resources: Excellent facilities, tools, and training opportunities to grow in your field.
- Open communication: Work in an environment where your voice matters.
- Corporate Fellowship: Opportunities to participate in company sports teams and employee-led interest groups for personal and professional development.
- Employee Appreciation: Multiple corporate events throughout the year, including Holiday Events, Company Picnic, Imagineering Day, and more.
- Founding Partner of the FredNats Baseball team: Equitable distribution of tickets for every home game to be enjoyed by our employee-owners and their families from our private suite.
- Food: We have a lot of food around here!
MWAC
See All 25 Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsEmbedded Software Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Dulles
3 jobsFairfax
3 jobsSterling
3 jobsArlington
3 jobsMcLean
2 jobsHerndon
2 jobsLynchburg
2 jobsReston
1 jobRoanoke
1 jobDahlgren
1 jobWarrenton
1 jobKing George
1 jobTysons Corner
1 jobCharlottesville
1 jobEmbedded 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, Trident Systems, and Quest Defense, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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, Fairfax, and Sterling. 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 50% of embedded software engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of September 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
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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