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Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO

Embedded Software Engineer III

Denver, CO · On-site

$150.93K - $211.30K/yr

As an Aerospace Software Apps Engineer III, you will have hands on development responsibility to build and test real-time embedded software that controls rocket engines for human capable spacecraft.

Embedded Software Engineer II

Denver, CO · Hybrid

$123.71K - $173.20K/yr

As an Embedded Software Engineer II on the Blue Ring program, you will be at the forefront of developing and testing flight software for one of the most capable and maneuverable multi-mission ...

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

$134.70K - $177.20K/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 Highlands Ranch, CO salary details

$73.5K

$161K

$182.6K

How much do embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded software engineer in Highlands Ranch, CO is $160,993.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,000.00 and $181,600.00 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 popular job titles related to Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO? For Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Highlands Ranch, CO are hiring for Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Highlands Ranch, CO with the most Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
Staff Embedded Software Engineer - Middleware

Staff Embedded Software Engineer - Middleware

Lunar Outpost, Inc.

Arvada, CO • On-site

$137K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanity's presence in space? Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a permanent presence in space, while also driving positive impacts here on Earth. Currently, we are seeking a Staff Embedded Software Engineer - Middleware to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment.
The main responsibility of the Embedded Software Engineer is to act as a subject matter expert in developing Linux Kernels for advanced space robotic applications. They will lead kernel development efforts and mentor engineers on best practices, ensuring the system meets stringent safety and reliability requirements for crewed and autonomous space operations.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the technical authority for kernel configuration and deployment on a robotics-based avionics platforms
  • Design, implement, integrate and maintain kernel-based software for space avionics
  • Perform board bring-up for new avionics hardware, including processor initialization, bootloader configuration, and peripheral driver development
  • Implement task scheduling, memory partitioning, and time partitioning in alignment with mission safety standards
  • Develop and integrate device drivers for rover avionics subsystems
  • Collaborate with systems, hardware, and robotics teams to define and implement fault-tolerant operating system configurations
  • Support hardware/software integration using engineering models, simulators and hardware-in-the-loop testbeds
  • Document OS configuration, integration steps, operational procedures to flight-certifiable standards

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer or electrical engineering or related field
  • 5+ years in embedded software or avionics systems for space or mission-critical robotics applications
  • 3+ in Linux kernel setup, configuration and BSP customization
  • Hands-on board bring-up experience for avionics or robotics hardware
  • Strong proficiency in C for embedded system development
  • Experience with real-time debugging, timing analysis and performance optimization
  • Experience working with SPI, RS485/422, ADCs, Spacewire
  • Experience with deterministic networking, symmetric multiprocessors (SMP) and safety-critical software architecture
  • Self-motivated, focused, and driven to meet critical deadlines
  • Excellent organization and time management skills
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • U.S. Person

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior work with crewed vehicle avionics architecture or planetary robotics
  • Time-sensitive Networking (TSN) protocol configuration and validation for deterministic ethernet
  • Experience working with NASA core flight system (cFS)
  • Familiarity with space mission development phases and associated documentation and standards
  • Experience with VxWorks 7 DKMs and RTPs
  • Experience with OCI containerization

Compensation & Benefits: Compensation level and base salary are competitively structured and thoughtfully determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, education, and the scope of the role.
  • Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer
  • Paid time off: Three (3) weeks per year of vacation
  • Retirement plan: Up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions
  • Paid holidays: 11 company-recognized holidays
  • Parental leave
  • Educational reimbursement opportunities to support company objectives, continued learning, and career development

Lunar Outpost Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Lunar Outpost Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employees, including executives and human resources personnel, are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism and treat others with dignity and respect in accordance with this policy.