Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia are among the most active in the country, concentrated in defense electronics, aerospace systems, and federal intelligence contracting across Northern Virginia, the Hampton Roads corridor, and the Richmond metro. Entry-level roles appear regularly through cleared defense programs, while senior positions are abundant at established employers like Northrop Grumman, Leidos, and Raytheon Technologies. The most in-demand specialties in Virginia include real-time operating systems, FPGA development, and safety-critical firmware for defense and autonomous vehicle platforms. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The Space Software Team at HawkEye 360 is looking for a curious, hands-on engineer who wants to work directly with spacecraft hardware and software. You'll configure payload hardware for spacecraft integration, run and troubleshoot software-driven tests, and support the lab systems and flatsats we use to develop and validate our payloads. You'll work closely with Software, FPGA, Electrical, and AI&T engineers, giving you the opportunity to learn how the entire payload works from development through launch and on-orbit operations.
We're looking for someone with a strong foundation in Python and Linux who enjoys getting their hands on hardware, digging into problems, and learning new technologies.
This role requires on-site work in our Herndon, VA office at least 4 days per week.
Your main responsibilities will be:
- Configure and prepare payload hardware and software for spacecraft integration, including programming and flashing embedded devices.
- Run and troubleshoot software-driven tests on flight and lab hardware.
- Maintain and troubleshoot payload flatsats, Ground Support Equipment (GSE), and lab test setups.
- Investigate hardware and software issues using logs, telemetry, schematics, and lab equipment.
- Work across engineering teams to diagnose problems and drive them to resolution.
- Develop and improve test tools, automation, and lab capabilities as you learn the system.
Skills and Qualifications:
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- 2+ years of relevant engineering experience.
- Strong working knowledge of Python and Linux.
- Experience working with electronic or embedded systems.
- Familiarity with electrical schematics and hardware interfaces such as CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, or Ethernet.
- Strong troubleshooting skills, curiosity, and a desire to work hands-on with hardware.
Desirable:
- C/C++ experience.
- Experience with lab equipment, automated testing, or hardware-in-the-loop systems.
- Experience with embedded Linux, SDR/RF, or FPGA-based systems.
- Soldering, cabling, or electronics rework experience.
- Git and CI/CD experience.
- Spacecraft or satellite operations experience.
Company Overview:
HawkEye 360 is equipping defense, intelligence, and national security leaders with mission-critical signals intelligence to enable faster, better decision making. By detecting, geolocating, and characterizing radio frequency emissions worldwide, HawkEye 360 delivers trusted domain awareness and early warning indicators to the US Government and allied partners. Our space-based collection, proprietary signal processing, and AI-powered analytics transform knowledge of RF spectrum into a strategic advantage. Proven by operational mission success, HawkEye 360 is redefining how signals intelligence strengthens national and global security.
HawkEye 360 is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
The Space Software Team at HawkEye 360 is looking for a curious, hands-on engineer who wants to work directly with spacecraft hardware and software. You'll configure payload hardware for spacecraft integration, run and troubleshoot software-driven tests, and support the lab systems and flatsats we use to develop and validate our payloads. You'll work closely with Software, FPGA, Electrical, and AI&T engineers, giving you the opportunity to learn how the entire payload works from development through launch and on-orbit operations.
We're looking for someone with a strong foundation in Python and Linux who enjoys getting their hands on hardware, digging into problems, and learning new technologies.
This role requires on-site work in our Herndon, VA office at least 4 days per week.
Your main responsibilities will be:
- Configure and prepare payload hardware and software for spacecraft integration, including programming and flashing embedded devices.
- Run and troubleshoot software-driven tests on flight and lab hardware.
- Maintain and troubleshoot payload flatsats, Ground Support Equipment (GSE), and lab test setups.
- Investigate hardware and software issues using logs, telemetry, schematics, and lab equipment.
- Work across engineering teams to diagnose problems and drive them to resolution.
- Develop and improve test tools, automation, and lab capabilities as you learn the system.
Skills and Qualifications:
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- 2+ years of relevant engineering experience.
- Strong working knowledge of Python and Linux.
- Experience working with electronic or embedded systems.
- Familiarity with electrical schematics and hardware interfaces such as CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, or Ethernet.
- Strong troubleshooting skills, curiosity, and a desire to work hands-on with hardware.
Desirable:
- C/C++ experience.
- Experience with lab equipment, automated testing, or hardware-in-the-loop systems.
- Experience with embedded Linux, SDR/RF, or FPGA-based systems.
- Soldering, cabling, or electronics rework experience.
- Git and CI/CD experience.
- Spacecraft or satellite operations experience.
Company Overview:
HawkEye 360 is equipping defense, intelligence, and national security leaders with mission-critical signals intelligence to enable faster, better decision making. By detecting, geolocating, and characterizing radio frequency emissions worldwide, HawkEye 360 delivers trusted domain awareness and early warning indicators to the US Government and allied partners. Our space-based collection, proprietary signal processing, and AI-powered analytics transform knowledge of RF spectrum into a strategic advantage. Proven by operational mission success, HawkEye 360 is redefining how signals intelligence strengthens national and global security.
HawkEye 360 is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
See All 6 Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia
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Find JobsEmbedded Systems Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Embedded Systems 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 systems engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field
- Active DoD security clearance or eligibility to obtain Secret or Top Secret clearance
- Proficiency in embedded C or C++ programming for real-time systems
- Experience with RTOS platforms such as VxWorks, FreeRTOS, or Linux-based embedded environments
- Familiarity with hardware-software integration, JTAG debugging, and oscilloscope use
- Experience with FPGA development tools such as Xilinx Vivado or Intel Quartus
Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a embedded systems engineer in Virginia?
Embedded systems engineering in Virginia does not require a state-issued license, but most employers in the state require a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science. Because a large share of Virginia openings are tied to defense and federal contracting, obtaining a DoD security clearance early is the most significant career step a candidate can take. Virginia's concentration of cleared employers in Fairfax County and the Hampton Roads area means clearance-eligible graduates are hired at every experience level.
How much do embedded systems engineers make in Virginia?
Embedded systems engineers in Virginia earn a median of about $139,030 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $87,630 for the lowest 10% to over $195,290 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire embedded systems engineers in Virginia?
Employers hiring embedded systems engineers in Virginia right now include STR, ELECTRA, and HawkEye 360, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's defense contracting base means many of the most consistent openings come from large systems integrators and intelligence community contractors headquartered or operating in Northern Virginia.
Which Virginia cities have the most embedded systems engineer jobs?
The cities with the most embedded systems engineer openings in Virginia are Arlington, Herndon, and Manassas. Northern Virginia dominates due to its density of defense primes and federal agency contractors, while Hampton Roads hiring is driven by Naval Station Norfolk and the aerospace and shipbuilding suppliers clustered around it, and Richmond draws from both commercial electronics firms and state government technology programs.
Are there remote embedded systems engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. About 50% of embedded systems engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which reflects how hardware-dependent the role is. The tasks most likely to be done remotely are firmware code review, simulation modeling, and documentation, while board bring-up, lab testing, and integration work almost always require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a embedded systems engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Virginia is applying to junior embedded software or hardware engineer roles at defense contractors that actively recruit new graduates, including Northrop Grumman and Leidos, both of which run early-career and associate engineering programs in Northern Virginia. Candidates coming from adjacent roles such as test engineer, systems verification technician, or electronics technician are commonly considered for internal moves. A personal portfolio showing embedded project work, combined with cleared internships through university programs at Virginia Tech or George Mason, strengthens any application significantly.
Where can I find and apply to embedded systems engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to embedded systems engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 6 Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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