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: $191,000 – $254,000 (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.