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Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer at Ursa Major, you will design, develop, and maintain the software powering our engines, vehicles, and avionics systems. You will be part of a small, high ...

Embedded Software Engineer Level 2

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$135.40K - $178.10K/yr

We are seeking embedded software developers and engineers to work on a well-funded program for the future of commercial human space services. Our team is responsible for the software deliverables ...

Coherent Aerospace & Defense, Emerging Laser Subsystems Business Unit is seeking an embedded software engineer to contribute to the development of advanced laser systems for defense applications.

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Embedded Software Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$73.6K

$161.3K

$183K

How much do embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded software engineer in Colorado is $161,285.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,300.00 and $181,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is an Embedded Software Engineer?

Embedded software is installed on devices that operate like personal computers. Examples of embedded software can be found in geographic positioning systems, or GPS devices, smart watches, and calculators. Embedded software engineers perform a range of embedded software engineering functions, including running system software updates and designing software for embedded systems. Embedded software engineers also advise on product development, approve new product designs, and optimize the product lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Embedded Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded Software Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science or electrical engineering, strong programming skills in C/C++, and experience with embedded systems design. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), microcontroller architectures, debugging tools, and version control systems like Git is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top engineers apart. These competencies are crucial for building reliable, efficient, and safe embedded solutions that meet industry standards.

How does an Embedded Software Engineer typically collaborate with hardware engineers during product development?

Embedded Software Engineers work closely with hardware engineers throughout the product development lifecycle. Collaboration often involves joint design reviews, debugging sessions, and integration testing to ensure software and hardware function seamlessly together. Effective communication is crucial, as changes in hardware can impact software functionality and vice versa. This cross-disciplinary teamwork helps resolve technical issues quickly and ensures the end product meets performance and reliability standards.

What are Embedded Software Engineers?

Embedded Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain software that runs on embedded systems—specialized computing devices that are part of larger systems, such as cars, medical devices, industrial machines, and consumer electronics. Their work involves programming in languages like C or C++ to interact closely with hardware components, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and safety. Embedded Software Engineers work closely with hardware engineers to integrate and test software with physical devices, often working within real-time and resource-constrained environments. Their expertise is crucial in developing the 'brains' of many devices we use every day.

What is the difference between Embedded Software Engineer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectEmbedded Software EngineerFirmware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; often requires knowledge of C/C++Similar credentials; strong C/C++ skills, understanding of hardware
Work EnvironmentDevelops software for embedded systems in various industries like automotive, IoT, consumer electronicsFocuses on low-level hardware interaction, often working closely with hardware teams
Industry UsageCommon in automotive, medical devices, consumer electronics, industrial automationPrimarily in consumer electronics, IoT devices, and hardware startups

Embedded Software Engineers design and develop software for embedded systems, focusing on system-level programming. Firmware Engineers write low-level code that directly interacts with hardware components. While both roles require similar skills and work environments, Embedded Software Engineers often work on a broader range of software, whereas Firmware Engineers focus on hardware-specific code. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Colorado as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $161,285 per year, or $77.5 per hour.
Embedded Software Engineer

Embedded Software Engineer

Kratos Defense

Colorado Springs, CO

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Kratos Defense & Security Solutions rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Readiness Delivered. At Kratos, we encourage an entrepreneurial spirit balanced with discipline. We work hard, and take care of our customers, employees, and families. Recognized as thought leaders in our industry, we are motivated by creating and delivering innovative solutions to our nation and global customers. Kratos is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer in Colorado Springs, CO. The position will support dynamic, agile projects implementing firmware designs across all phases of the development lifecycle, to include design, development, test, and operational support / user feedback. The ideal candidate must be able to work independently as well as within a team setting on the design, implementation, and maintenance/troubleshooting of new and existing software solutions.

The candidate must be self-motivated, be a self-learner, and able to work well within a dynamic schedule. Candidate must show ability to effectively communicate with various team members, customers, as well as communicate with vendor support. Candidate must be able to leverage modern industry standard technologies for engineered solutions and be able to provide status of design efforts.

This candidate may be expected to support more than one project at a time, bringing their knowledge and experience to help not only their primary project but be able to support other projects address critical issues and challenges.


  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Experience: 1-4 years of professional software development experience.
  • Core Coding: Solid grasp of C/C++ and Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) principles.
  • Environments: Experience working in Linux or Windows environments, specifically using Visual Studio.
  • Networking & Web: Basic understanding of networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP) and exposure to GUI development (HTML5, JavaScript, or C#).
  • Tools: Familiarity with scripting (Python), version control (Git/BitBucket), and Agile workflows.
  • Soft Skills: Strong communication skills and a desire to collaborate with hardware and firmware teams.
  • Mindset: A proactive learner who takes ownership of tasks and can estimate their own workload.
  • Security: Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Software Driver development
  • Experience using and understanding non-volatile storage technologies such as EEPROM, NVRAM, and ROM
  • Network, Multi-threaded, client-server programming Embedded Software / System Development Experience
  • Docker/Container & Kubernetes design and implementation knowledge and experience on premise and cloud
  • Experience interfacing/integrating with firmware based FPGAs
  • Ability to work directly with customers

#LI-Onsite

The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Competitive salary based on experience and education
Salary Range: $100,000-$120,000

Kratos is valued for our ability to design and deliver leading edge, resilient solutions for aerospace communication, control, awareness and mission success across a continuum of offerings—from commercial to tailored custom solutions and integrated programs. Customers trust us to stay relevant and know we are in it for the long-haul. We bring both the capability and confidence that our customers value and depend on. And we always deliver.

This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.