Senior Software Engineer (Embedded/Bare Metal)

Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Bare Metal)

Software | Reston, VA | Full Time

Position: Senior Embedded Software Engineer
Location: Reston, VA
Category: Software Engineering
Schedule: Standard Day Shift, Monday–Friday
Clearance Requirement: Active Secret security clearance (required)
Experience Requirement: Senior-level
Compensation Range: $170,000 – $230,000 (based on experience)

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to support the design and development of low-level embedded software for next-generation hardware platforms in a mission-focused environment. This role focuses on bare-metal development, board bring-up, and infrastructure code supporting advanced ARM-based System-on-Chip (SoC) devices.

The ideal candidate has deep experience with embedded systems, strong low-level programming skills, and a security-focused mindset. This position plays a critical role in building, validating, and securing embedded software that supports complex hardware systems operating in constrained environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop low-level bare-metal infrastructure code that is rigorously tested and validated

• Build and maintain the embedded software ecosystem supporting next-generation hardware platforms

• Perform board bring-up on embedded ARM-based boards, including bootloaders and drivers

• Customize and maintain vendor Board Support Packages (BSPs) for ARM-based SoC platforms

• Develop and implement security controls for embedded system devices

• Create and maintain automated tests to validate embedded system functionality

• Debug complex hardware/software integration issues

• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and security engineers throughout the development lifecycle

Required Qualifications

• Experience with one or more of the following languages: Rust, C, C++, ARMv7/ARMv8 assembly

• Hands-on experience developing bare-metal code, infrastructure, and device drivers

• Strong understanding of embedded system architecture and low-level software design

• Experience performing board bring-up and low-level debugging

• Ability to maintain an active Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing operating systems or operating system components

• Strong focus on secure embedded software development

• Experience working with complex System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms

• Experience implementing Control Flow Integrity or similar security mechanisms

• Familiarity with ISRs, MMUs, timers, health monitoring, and entropy sources

• Experience working with standard I/O interfaces such as UART, I2C, SPI, eMMC, and similar

Benefits Overview

TAP Engineering offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

• Paid Time Off: 15–25 days annually based on tenure, plus 11 paid holidays (never use-or-lose)

• Retirement: Up to 15% employer contribution to a 401(k) through match and profit sharing

• Medical Coverage: Free medical insurance for employees, with optional buy-up plans for dependents

• Dental & Vision: Employer-paid plans with optional enhancements

• Insurance Coverage: Employer-paid life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability

• Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and dependent care FSAs

• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $36,000 per year for approved coursework

• Additional Benefits: Employee Assistance Program, wellness incentives, discount programs, virtual care, prescription savings, and travel support

• Performance-Based Rewards: Merit increases, performance bonuses, and referral bonuses

Clearance Requirement

This position requires an active Secret security clearance. Clearance processing and maintenance will be conducted in accordance with U.S. Government requirements.

Additional Information

By submitting your resume for this position, you acknowledge and agree that TAP Engineering may share your resume and related application materials with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for consideration for other available positions.
TAP Engineering is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.