Junior Embedded Systems Developer

About the role

Battelle is seeking a Junior Embedded Systems Developer to support our Cyber research teams in Columbus, OH or Chantilly, VA. This role is ideal 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

• Aid in developing firmware, instrumentation, and internal tooling that supports reverse engineering and vulnerability research
• 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

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