Demo

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Carnegie Mellon University and Careers
Arlington, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/30/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/20/2026

Who we are

SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering, computer security, and process improvement. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software-intensive systems. Its core purposes are to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities, advance cybersecurity methods and technologies, and bring the discipline of software engineering to AI systems.

About the role

Are you an engineer who enjoys a challenge? Are you excited about working for a Federally Funded Research and Development Center focusing on areas critical to national security? Do you want to join a collaborative team that develops and uses best-in-class tools to enable end-to-end software development? If so, we want you for our team, where you’ll be part of an exciting and impactful culture of collaboration that delivers timely and high-quality results.

We are looking for a creative engineer to design and develop software prototypes and research methods for software resilience. We are seeking a technology-focused team member who has experience with software engineering, RTOS scheduling, and memory management. You’ll develop tools, techniques, and processes to solve some of the most difficult software problems that our government faces.

What you’ll do

  • Design and analyze embedded software tools and capabilities, including software exception handlers, inter-process communication mechanisms, and software fault monitors.
  • Use static, dynamic, and complexity analysis software tools to identify software weaknesses and areas that need additional design and refactoring.
  • Ensure deterministic performance by architecting and developing software using state-of-the-art techniques.
  • Lead a team of developers while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, taking ownership of high-visibility tasks and deliverables for customers.

Who you are

  • Candidates must possess an active TS/SCI DoD security clearance issued by the U.S. government. A counterintelligence polygraph is required or must be obtained upon request. Applicants must also meet additional customer-specific security requirements.
  • You have a BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related disciple with ten (10) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with eight (8) years of experience; OR a PhD in the same fields with five (5) years of experience.
  • You have extensive experience with ground and space systems, including software acquisition, architecture, systems/software engineering, testing, and operations, with a deep understanding of the complexities involved in acquiring large, legacy-dependent systems.
  • You have demonstrated experience collaborating with senior customers, program managers, internal staff, and SEI leadership to assess and address customer needs effectively.
  • You’ve worked in a collaborative team environment as a software developer, software engineer, or verification engineer.
  • You understand the DoD Systems Engineering lifecycle.
  • You’re proficient in one or more of the following: C and C , Python, MATLAB, C#, or JAVA.
  • You’ve worked with modern RTOSes, such as VxWorks and Integrity, and developed and analyzed embedded software.
  • You’ve developed embedded software and performance tests and interpreted the results.
  • You are willing to work 100% of your week onsite at either SEI or a customer facility.
  • You’re willing to travel (25%) outside your office location to other SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.

Why work here?

Our benefits philosophy encompasses three driving priorities: choice, control, and well-being. Through Carnegie Mellon University, SEI offers a wide range of competitive employee benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, tuition benefits, generous time off, and a robust retirement savings policy to name a few.

  • Join a world-class organization that has a significant impact on software in government.
  • Work with cutting edge technologies and experts to solve tough problems for the government and the nation.
  • Get an 8% monthly contribution for your retirement plan without having to contribute to it yourself.
  • Get tuition benefits for you and your dependent children.
  • Get access to university resources including mindfulness programs, a monthly transit benefit on WMATA, free onsite gym at our Arlington facility, etc.
  • Enjoy paid parental and military leave.
  • Qualify for relocation assistance and so much more.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits , take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays , and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access , and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page .

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Arlington, VA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

  • Please visit Why Carnegie Mellon to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.


  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran .

  • Statement of Assurance

Salary.com Estimation for Senior Embedded Software Engineer in Arlington, VA
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