ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Thornton, CO (NOW HIRING)

Cymertek

Terrestrial Software Systems Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$176K - $208K/yr

SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Ground Systems Engineer, Systems Software Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer, Software Systems Architect, Terrestrial Systems Engineer, Software Integration Engineer, Aerospace ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsEmbedded Systems Engineer JobsEmbedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Thornton, CO

Embedded Systems Engineer information

See Thornton, CO salary details

$63.9K

$140.4K

$196.3K

How much do embedded systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded systems engineer in Thornton, CO is $140,363.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,000.00 and $167,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an embedded systems engineer?

Embedded Systems Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain embedded systems—specialized computing systems that perform dedicated functions within larger mechanical or electrical systems. These engineers work with both hardware and software, often programming microcontrollers or microprocessors to control devices like automobiles, medical equipment, consumer electronics, and industrial machines. Their expertise ensures devices are efficient, reliable, and optimized for specific tasks, making embedded systems a crucial part of modern technology.

What does an embedded systems engineer do?

An embedded systems engineer creates the software to control electronics or machines that are different from regular computers. This software needs to run on the specific hardware it controls. Their duties also include troubleshooting and testing. Essential skills include problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. Work is typically in an office environment with full-time business hours. Educational qualifications include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in embedded systems engineering or a related field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded systems engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded Systems Engineer, you need strong proficiency in C/C++ programming, embedded hardware knowledge, and a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), microcontroller development platforms, and debugging tools like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers is typically required. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities are essential to design reliable embedded solutions that meet strict performance, safety, and efficiency requirements.

What are some common challenges an embedded systems engineer faces when integrating hardware and software components?

Embedded Systems Engineers often encounter challenges when ensuring that hardware and software components work seamlessly together. These can include dealing with limited memory and processing power, timing constraints, and real-time performance requirements. Troubleshooting issues that arise from hardware-software interactions—such as driver compatibility, signal integrity, or power management—requires strong problem-solving skills and close collaboration with hardware designers and software developers. Engineers must frequently debug at both the hardware and code level, making attention to detail and cross-disciplinary communication essential in this role.

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

AspectEmbedded Systems EngineerFirmware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Embedded Systems EngineerBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering; certifications like Certified Firmware Engineer
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing embedded hardware/software for devices like automotive, medical, consumer electronicsWriting low-level code to optimize firmware for microcontrollers and embedded devices
Industry UsageUsed across automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, industrial automationPrimarily in consumer electronics, IoT devices, and embedded hardware products

Both roles focus on embedded development but differ in scope. Embedded Systems Engineers work on both hardware and software integration, while Firmware Engineers specialize in writing low-level code for device firmware. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Are embedded systems engineers in demand?

Embedded systems engineers are in high demand due to the growth of IoT, automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics industries. They typically require skills in programming languages like C and C++, and knowledge of hardware design, with job opportunities available across various sectors worldwide.
More about Embedded Systems Engineer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Thornton, CO?

For Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Thornton, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Thornton, CO are hiring for Embedded Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities near Thornton, CO with the most Embedded Systems Engineer job openings:

Embedded Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Systems Engineer job openings in Thornton, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,363 per year, or $67.5 per hour.

Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer - Software

CesiumAstro

Westminster, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.
The Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer - Software is responsible for translating system-level operational concepts, customer requirements, and architecture into detailed software requirements, verification strategies, and integrated technical solutions for complex embedded systems. This role serves as a critical bridge between Systems Engineering and Software Engineering, ensuring requirements are properly decomposed, traceable, testable, and aligned to overall program objectives.
The position is organizationally aligned within the Systems Engineering function while working closely day-to-day with the Software Engineering team to support planning, development, integration, and verification activities. This role is instrumental in defining software verification approaches, required hardware/software configurations, and ensuring system functionality meets mission and performance objectives.
ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Requirements Decomposition & Flow Down
  • Analyze customer, mission, and system-level requirements and decompose them into clear, verifiable software-level requirements.
  • Ensure software requirements maintain traceability to higher-level system requirements, architecture, and Concept of Operations (CONOPS).
  • Collaborate with systems, software, and hardware teams to refine requirements for completeness, feasibility, and technical accuracy.
  • Support requirements management processes, baseline control, and change impact assessments.
  • Identify requirement gaps, ambiguities, and risks early in the development lifecycle.

Verification Planning & Validation
  • Develop software verification approach including verification descriptions, methods (test, analysis, demonstration, inspection), levels, and acceptance criteria aligned to system and program requirements.
  • Identify required verification configurations, including hardware setups, software loads, firmware versions, and test environments.
  • Support verification cross-reference matrices (VCRM), traceability matrices, and evidence packages.
  • Partner with test and software teams to ensure efficient execution of planned verification activities.

Systems & Software Integration
  • Serve as a technical liaison between Systems Engineering and Software Engineering teams.
  • Support software integration planning, readiness reviews, and release coordination.
  • Evaluate impacts of software changes to system behavior, interfaces, and verification scope.
  • Participate in architecture, design, and interface reviews to ensure requirements alignment.
  • Support issue resolution involving system functionality, interoperability, and software performance.

Embedded Systems & Interfaces
  • Apply working knowledge of embedded systems architectures, constraints, and development environments.
  • Understand hardware/software interfaces, communication protocols, and subsystem interactions.
  • Support interface definition and validation between embedded devices, processors, sensors, payloads, and external systems.
  • Assess integration and verification implications of firmware, software, and hardware revisions.

Program Execution & Technical Leadership
  • Support Program Increment (PI) planning, staffing assessments, and execution readiness activities.
  • Prioritize verification and requirements activities to meet schedule and milestone commitments.
  • Mentor junior engineers on requirements quality, traceability, and verification planning.
  • Drive continuous improvement in systems/software collaboration, process efficiency, and engineering rigor.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline with 5-8 years of experience in systems engineering, software engineering, embedded systems, or integration environments.
  • Experience decomposing system requirements into software-level requirements.
  • Experience creating verification plans, descriptions, procedures, or acceptance criteria.
  • Strong understanding of embedded systems and software development lifecycles.
  • Experience with hardware/software interfaces and communication protocols.
  • Ability to interpret and apply system-level CONOPS to engineering execution.
  • Programming Languages: Python, C++, C, Java, Bash, or similar.
  • Development Tools: Git, IDEs, debuggers, CI/CD platforms.
  • Operating Systems: Linux, Windows, Unix.
  • Protocols/Interfaces: TCP/IP, UDP, Serial, USB, Ethernet, APIs.
  • Other Tools: Requirements tools, issue tracking systems, automated test tools.

$133,908 - $160,991 a year
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Apply