New

Embedded Software Engineer

Riverside Research

United States, Virginia, Fairfax

Apr 24, 2026

Embedded Software Engineer

Location

US-VA-Fairfax

ID

2026-4202

Category

Research & Development

Position Type

Full Time Salary

Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country's most challenging technical problems.

All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

Position Overview

Riverside Research Institute is currently seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to support and execute cutting-edge firmware development in embedded and mobile network security hardware on behalf of the Riverside Research Open Innovation Center (OIC). The OIC executes research and development in several broad areas including the development of secure and resilient systems.

The ideal candidate will have experience working in dynamic research and development (R&D) environments, from ideation through execution, and designing and delivering innovative secure networking and cryptographic solutions to national security customers. As a principal technical contributor, the candidate will be responsible for developing new techniques and technology to address complex and open-ended problems. The candidate should have a track record of outside-the-box problem-solving, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ability to brief stakeholders on technical results.

Responsibilities

The selected candidates will be responsible for:

Developing C code in Linux-based or embedded systems

Collaborating on systems-level projects (e.g. networking, device interfaces, or low-level services)
Algorithm/protocol analysis, architecture review, system engineering, implementation, verification, and delivery.
Duties involve all aspects of Embedded Software development, including documentation, implementation, emulation, integration, and test.

Qualifications

Required:

Master's degree or higher in computer engineering, computer science or equivalent
5+ years' experience developing Linux embedded platforms (firmware and OS-level)
Ability to debug issues across system layers (baseband, application, OS, network)
5+ years of cross-platform development using C/C++ and embedded Linux
- Firmware development, analysis, and reverse-engineering
- Device bring-up starting with the root filesystem
- Experience building software using Make, CMake, or Cargo
- Familiarity with debugging tools: tcpdump, strace, dmesg, ip, ss
Strong Linux command-line skills
Understanding of networking fundamentals (IP, routing, TCP/UDP)
Proficiency in C or Rust, with willingness to learn the other
Experience with source control tools such as Git and SVN
Experience in cellular network vulnerability testing and threat mitigation
Understanding of cellular (4G/5G) hardware platforms
Eligibility for a SECRET clearance

Additional/Desired:

Eligible for a TS/SCI Clearance
Experience with Python scripting
Experience with embedded Linux (Yocto, Buildroot)
Familiarity with: iptables, NAT, or VPN concepts
Familiarity with Linux device management (udev)
Exposure to USB device/gadget frameworks
Exposure to /dev, sysfs, or procfs interfaces
Experience with ARM-based systems (e.g., Raspberry Pi)
Exposure to Rust in real-world projects
Exposure to performance tuning in low-level or embedded C software

Global Comp

$100,000- $160,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Closing Statement

Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.
Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran's status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.