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Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY Within Infleqtion's Computing Product Group (CPG), the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to own and deliver highperformance embedded and ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$128K - $168K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY Within Infleqtion's Computing Product Group (CPG), the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to own and deliver high‑performance embedded and ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Louisville, CO · On-site

$129K - $169K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY Within Infleqtion's Computing Product Group (CPG), the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to own and deliver highperformance embedded and ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Louisville, CO · On-site

$129K - $169K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY Within Infleqtion's Computing Product Group (CPG), the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to own and deliver high‑performance embedded and ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$128K - $168K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY Within Infleqtion's Computing Product Group (CPG), the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to own and deliver high-performance embedded and ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

$127K - $166K/yr

As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge algorithms that implement resilient, lightweight, and decentralized network solutions for edge ...

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 ...

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

$134K - $177K/yr

Collaborate with hardware and systems engineers to integrate software with embedded platforms * Assistwith system integration, testing, and validation, including simulation and hardware-in-the-loop ...

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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 Jun 18, 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 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 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.

Will AI replace embedded system engineers?

Embedded software engineers design and develop software for embedded systems, and while AI tools can assist with coding and testing, they are unlikely to fully replace the need for human expertise in understanding hardware constraints, system integration, and troubleshooting. AI can enhance productivity but requires skilled engineers to oversee, interpret, and implement solutions effectively.

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.

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 do embedded software engineers do?

Embedded software engineers design, develop, and test software that runs on hardware devices such as microcontrollers and embedded systems. They work with programming languages like C and C++, and often use tools like debuggers and oscilloscopes to ensure software reliability in environments such as consumer electronics, automotive systems, and medical devices.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data science, or executive roles can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, typically found in large tech companies or finance firms.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior embedded software engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in real-time systems, and proficiency in programming languages like C and C++ can reach salaries of $300,000 or more, especially in high-demand industries such as aerospace, defense, or advanced technology. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, leadership roles, or working in regions with high living costs and competitive markets.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $161,285 per year, or $77.5 per hour.

Lead Embedded Software Engineer

Coherent

Longmont, CO

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

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.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Software Architecture and Design: Works as a member of a cross-disciplinary team of systems engineers, optical engineers, electrical engineers, and FPGA engineers to conceptualize a system solution that meets customer requirements. Responsible for designing, developing, and documenting software for assigned projects. Creates design documentation including Software Requirements Documents, block diagrams, Software Design Documents, and Interface Control Documents. May serve as the lead software engineer on assigned projects.

  • Software Development and Test: Develops software (primarily embedded) to meet the requirements of the system under development. Writes software test plans and tests software at various levels of integration (unit tests, tests on target architecture, test with target electronics). Writes software scripts and tools to support software development and system test.
  • System Integration and Test Support: Develops Software Test Plans and supports integration and test activities from initial board-level bring-up through final system test. 
  • Technical Expertise: Extensive knowledge and expertise in embedded systems and software development.  Makes accurate detailed work plans for moderately complex systems/projects; may take lead role in planning and executing tasks; able to work many complex tasks simultaneously; able to plan resource requirements for task completion. Regularly works independently with minimal supervision to achieve goals and objectives. Able to complete routine work without considerable direction; receives general instructions on new assignments.

Education & Experience

Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 5 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years experience; or equivalent expeirence.

Skills

  • Must have significant demonstrated experience in designing and developing software solutions in embedded systems. Must have deep understanding of tradeoffs involved in hardware/software functional partitioning.
  • Must have a strong understanding of embedded processor platforms and be familiar with microcontrollers, FPGAs and system-on-chip devices. Experience with AMD/Xilinx platforms is preferred.
  • Must have significant past experience developing software in C and C++, and a strong background in object-oriented programming. Must have strong debugging and troubleshooting skills. Experience developing in one or more of the following are also highly desirable: C#, Python, LabVIEW.
  • Must have significant experience developing software for real-time operating systems (RTOS) and/or embedded Linux
  • Must have strong understanding of embedded hardware devices, chip-to-chip interfaces, and networking protocols.
  • Must have demonstrated experience working with cross-disciplinary engineering teams to develop and test highly-functional integrated systems.
  • Experience working with laser systems is desired but not required. Past experience on high-reliability systems for defense and/or space is desired but not required.
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain a US Government security clearance if one is required to perform the job responsibilities.

Working Conditions

Primarily an engineering design function with office working conditions.

Physical Requirements

Primarily an engineering design function with few physical requirements.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and II-VI Corporate EHS standards.  This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities.

Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently.  They will ensure that risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.


Coherent Aerospace & Defense is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
 

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8. U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State."

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.
II-VI Aerospace & Defense is a high technology company, offering careers in offices and campuses in California, Colorado, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. We work with emerging technology in areas of atmospheric sensing and imaging, adaptive optics, optical communications, coherent beam combining, and numerical performance analysis of atmospheric optics systems. II-VI A&D has recently been awarded several new government contracts and we are offering opportunities to leverage your technical experience and interpersonal skills for something more than a simple paycheck. If this sounds like the type of environment you are seeking at this point in your career, and if your background meets these qualifications, please apply. We will offer a competitive salary and benefits. Since II-VI A&D is a rapidly expanding organization, it means that significant opportunities exists for career advancement and professional development.