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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See related jobsWe are seeking a Senior Software Developer to design and implement robust embedded software solutions in C and C++ within Unix and Linux environments. This role requires strong version control discipline using Git and Bitbucket, along with a solid grounding in software design patterns to build scalable, maintainable systems. The ideal candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver device-oriented solutions as well as features supporting billing and revenue management.
Responsibilities
Design and implement high-quality embedded software components in C and C++ that meet functional requirements, adhere to organizational quality standards, and run efficiently on target hardware platforms.
Develop and maintain applications and services in Unix and Linux environments, writing optimized code and shell scripts to improve performance, reliability, and operational efficiency for production systems.
Manage source code using Git and Bitbucket, including creating branches, managing pull requests, and maintaining clean commit histories to ensure traceability and secure collaboration across teams.
Apply appropriate design patterns in architectural decisions, structuring modules and interfaces for scalability, reusability, and long-term maintainability of complex embedded solutions.
Debug and troubleshoot embedded system issues using appropriate tools and logs, identifying root causes and implementing sustainable fixes that improve system stability and reduce recurring defects.
Partner with cross-functional stakeholders in product, engineering, testing, and operations to clarify requirements, refine technical specifications, and deliver features aligned with business objectives.
Optimize existing codebases through refactoring, improved resource utilization, and reduced latency to enhance device performance and system efficiency.
Participate in code reviews and technical discussions, offering constructive feedback and ensuring adherence to secure coding and compliance standards.
Implement configuration and build management practices for embedded projects, including scripting automated builds and integrations to support consistent deployments in a hybrid work environment.
Contribute to documentation of system designs, module interfaces, and operational procedures to enable efficient onboarding, ongoing support, and long-term knowledge continuity.
Support integration of device-focused solutions with broader enterprise systems by designing interfaces and data flows that enable reliable communication and a seamless user experience.
Collaborate with product and business teams to understand billing and revenue management requirements, translating them into clear technical tasks that support accurate and efficient financial processes.
Maintain day-shift availability for collaboration meetings and status updates within the hybrid work model, ensuring regular alignment with local and distributed team members.
Qualifications
Demonstrated experience in embedded systems development using C and C++, with a solid understanding of memory management, concurrency, and hardware-software interaction.
Proficiency in Unix and Linux platforms, including command-line tools, process management, and performance monitoring for application and system troubleshooting.
Hands-on expertise with Git and Bitbucket, including branching strategies, merge conflict resolution, and repository hygiene to support collaborative workflows.
Proven ability to apply software design patterns in real-world projects, structuring components that are modular, testable, and resilient to change across embedded and back-end systems.
Practical experience in device-oriented domains, such as firmware, communication interfaces, or system-level integration supporting secure and reliable device operations.
Understanding of billing and revenue management concepts is a plus, supporting contributions to solutions involving rating, invoicing, and reporting processes.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently investigate complex technical issues and propose well-reasoned solutions aligned with project goals.
About Cognizant’s IoT Practice:
Intelligent, IoT-enabled products will soon result in the proliferation of data and disrupt virtually all industries. To be successful, both large and small companies must leverage IoT capabilities by designing modern products that fundamentally connect people with processes. Within Cognizant IOT, we engineer industry-aligned, IoT-enabled products that merge industry needs with human drivers. Our intelligent products will revolutionize experiences and result in exciting, transformative outcomes. Without human-centered thinking, connected products are just standalone things—but with it, our modern connected products facilitate a unified way of life enjoyed by all.
- Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*
LI#- #LI-SC6
Compensation & Benefits
$104,000 – $117,000 per year
Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits
Additional Information
Onsite role
- ️ Visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future. Candidates requiring sponsorship will not be considered.
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
- Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
- 401(k) plan and contributions
- Long-term/Short-term Disability
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
We are seeking a Senior Software Developer to design and implement robust embedded software solutions in C and C++ within Unix and Linux environments. This role requires strong version control discipline using Git and Bitbucket, along with a solid grounding in software design patterns to build scalable, maintainable systems. The ideal candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver device-oriented solutions as well as features supporting billing and revenue management.
Responsibilities
Design and implement high-quality embedded software components in C and C++ that meet functional requirements, adhere to organizational quality standards, and run efficiently on target hardware platforms.
Develop and maintain applications and services in Unix and Linux environments, writing optimized code and shell scripts to improve performance, reliability, and operational efficiency for production systems.
Manage source code using Git and Bitbucket, including creating branches, managing pull requests, and maintaining clean commit histories to ensure traceability and secure collaboration across teams.
Apply appropriate design patterns in architectural decisions, structuring modules and interfaces for scalability, reusability, and long-term maintainability of complex embedded solutions.
Debug and troubleshoot embedded system issues using appropriate tools and logs, identifying root causes and implementing sustainable fixes that improve system stability and reduce recurring defects.
Partner with cross-functional stakeholders in product, engineering, testing, and operations to clarify requirements, refine technical specifications, and deliver features aligned with business objectives.
Optimize existing codebases through refactoring, improved resource utilization, and reduced latency to enhance device performance and system efficiency.
Participate in code reviews and technical discussions, offering constructive feedback and ensuring adherence to secure coding and compliance standards.
Implement configuration and build management practices for embedded projects, including scripting automated builds and integrations to support consistent deployments in a hybrid work environment.
Contribute to documentation of system designs, module interfaces, and operational procedures to enable efficient onboarding, ongoing support, and long-term knowledge continuity.
Support integration of device-focused solutions with broader enterprise systems by designing interfaces and data flows that enable reliable communication and a seamless user experience.
Collaborate with product and business teams to understand billing and revenue management requirements, translating them into clear technical tasks that support accurate and efficient financial processes.
Maintain day-shift availability for collaboration meetings and status updates within the hybrid work model, ensuring regular alignment with local and distributed team members.
Qualifications
Demonstrated experience in embedded systems development using C and C++, with a solid understanding of memory management, concurrency, and hardware-software interaction.
Proficiency in Unix and Linux platforms, including command-line tools, process management, and performance monitoring for application and system troubleshooting.
Hands-on expertise with Git and Bitbucket, including branching strategies, merge conflict resolution, and repository hygiene to support collaborative workflows.
Proven ability to apply software design patterns in real-world projects, structuring components that are modular, testable, and resilient to change across embedded and back-end systems.
Practical experience in device-oriented domains, such as firmware, communication interfaces, or system-level integration supporting secure and reliable device operations.
Understanding of billing and revenue management concepts is a plus, supporting contributions to solutions involving rating, invoicing, and reporting processes.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently investigate complex technical issues and propose well-reasoned solutions aligned with project goals.
About Cognizant’s IoT Practice:
Intelligent, IoT-enabled products will soon result in the proliferation of data and disrupt virtually all industries. To be successful, both large and small companies must leverage IoT capabilities by designing modern products that fundamentally connect people with processes. Within Cognizant IOT, we engineer industry-aligned, IoT-enabled products that merge industry needs with human drivers. Our intelligent products will revolutionize experiences and result in exciting, transformative outcomes. Without human-centered thinking, connected products are just standalone things—but with it, our modern connected products facilitate a unified way of life enjoyed by all.
- Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*
LI#- #LI-SC6
Compensation & Benefits
$104,000 – $117,000 per year
Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits
Additional Information
Onsite role
- ️ Visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future. Candidates requiring sponsorship will not be considered.
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
- Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
- 401(k) plan and contributions
- Long-term/Short-term Disability
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
See All 5 Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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, Cognizant, and Trident Systems, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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, Fairfax, and Herndon. 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 100% of embedded systems engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of August 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 5 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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