Junior Embedded Systems Developer

Battelle; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Tuition assistance

401(k) retirement plan with employer %

Paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Job summary

Battelle is seeking a Junior Embedded Systems Developer to work on firmware and tooling for vulnerability research in Columbus, OH or Chantilly, VA. You will develop firmware, modify embedded software, and build utilities that accelerate research workflows while interacting directly with hardware and microcontrollers.

The role offers hands‑on experience in low‑level systems, debugging, and collaboration with vulnerability researchers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or equivalent experience.
• Experience programming in C or C++.
• Familiarity with embedded systems or microcontrollers.
• Basic debugging techniques and tools understanding.
• Scripting in Python or similar language.
• Interest in low‑level software development and embedded systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small team.
• US Citizenship with ability to obtain DoD Secret or higher clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop firmware and internal tooling for reverse engineering and vulnerability research.
• Modify and build embedded software for experimentation and analysis.
• Create scripts and utilities to streamline analysis workflows
• Interact with embedded hardware platforms including microcontrollers and dev boards
• Assist with debugging embedded software using gdb and hardware debuggers
• Support automation tools and internal research utilities
• Collaborate with researchers and reverse engineers to understand device behavior
• Document tools, workflows, and development processes

Skills

C/C++ programming

Embedded systems

Python scripting

Debugging techniques

Team collaboration

US citizenship for DoD clearance

Education

Bachelor’s in Computer/Electrical Engineering or CS

Job description

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

Do you enjoy working close to the hardware and understanding how embedded systems actually operate? Are you curious about how firmware works under the hood and interested in building tools that help researchers analyze complex devices? Battelle is currently seeking a Junior Embedded Systems Developer to support our Cyber research teams in our Columbus, OH or Chantilly, VA locations.

As a Junior Embedded Systems Developer, you will work alongside experienced vulnerability researchers, reverse engineers, and embedded developers who analyze embedded platforms across a wide range of architectures and operating systems. Your role will focus on developing tools, modifying firmware, and supporting research workflows that help our teams better understand embedded devices. In this role you will gain hands‑on experience interacting directly with hardware, debugging low-level code, and developing utilities that support reverse engineering and vulnerability research. You will use your embedded development skills to help enable and accelerate the work of researchers. This role is well suited for someone who enjoys working at a low level, is curious about how systems operate beneath the surface, and wants to grow their skills in embedded development within a research‑driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing firmware, instrumentation, and internal tooling that supports reverse engineering and vulnerability research
• Help modify and build embedded software used for experimentation and analysis
• Work with researchers to develop scripts and utilities that improve analysis workflows
• Interact with embedded hardware platforms including microcontrollers and development boards
• Assist with debugging embedded software using tools such as gdb or hardware debuggers
• Support the development of automation tools and internal research utilities
• Collaborate with vulnerability researchers and reverse engineers to better understand embedded device behavior
• Document tools, workflows, and development processes

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field; or equivalent experience
• Experience programming in C or C++
• Familiarity with embedded systems or microcontrollers through coursework, projects, internships, or professional experience
• Basic understanding of debugging techniques and tools
• Experience scripting in Python or similar language
• Interest in low‑level software development and embedded systems
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small team environment while continuing to learn new technologies
• Strong curiosity about how systems work internally
• Must be a US Citizen with the ability and willingness to obtain a DoD Secret or higher clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with assembly language (ARM, MIPS, x86, or similar architectures)
• Experience working with development boards or embedded hardware
• Exposure to embedded Linux or RTOS environments
• Familiarity with debugging interfaces such as UART, SPI, I2C, JTAG, or SWD
• Exposure to reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, or BinaryNinja
• Participation in security research, CTFs, or hardware/firmware projects
• Internship or academic project experience related to embedded systems or firmware development

Some Of The Extras That Make Working Here Great

• Learn (tuition assistance, paid training) and teach (get published, speak at a conference)
• Software and Intellectual Property development royalty sharing
• Mentorship and learning culture
• Internally funded and guided research projects with large amounts of individual autonomy

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in‑office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in‑office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work‑life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender‑affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry‑leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world‑class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Vaccination and safety protocols are a condition of employment and contiguous care. Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran‑status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.