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Lead Embedded Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Lead Embedded Software Engineer will develop embedded software/firmware for high performance, real-time controls and protective relays used for smart grid applications in the electrical power ...

You'll lead with purpose, breaking down barriers to innovation in a more connected, compassionate ... Embedded Software Engineer - Development for Medical Device We are seeking a highly skilled, self ...

You'll lead with purpose, breaking down barriers to innovation in a more connected, compassionate ... Embedded Software Engineer - Development for Medical Device We are seeking a highly skilled, self ...

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Lead Embedded Software Engineer information

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$14.5K

$133.3K

$182.5K

How much do lead embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead embedded software engineer in the United States is $133,293.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,500.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectLead Embedded Software EngineerEmbedded Software Engineer
ResponsibilitiesLeading development teams, designing system architecture, overseeing project executionWriting and testing embedded software, implementing features, debugging
Required SkillsAdvanced programming, leadership, system design, communication skillsProficient in C/C++, RTOS, hardware integration, debugging
Experience5+ years, leadership experience preferred1-3 years, technical focus
Work EnvironmentCollaborative teams, project management, client interactionDevelopment labs, hardware testing, coding

The main difference between a Lead Embedded Software Engineer and an Embedded Software Engineer lies in leadership and project scope. The lead role involves guiding teams and overseeing system design, while the embedded engineer focuses on coding and testing. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the lead position demands additional experience in management and architecture.

How does a Lead Embedded Software Engineer typically collaborate with hardware and cross-functional teams during project development?

As a Lead Embedded Software Engineer, close collaboration with hardware engineers and cross-functional teams is essential throughout the product lifecycle. You'll regularly participate in design reviews, align software implementation with hardware specifications, and troubleshoot integration issues. Effective communication and coordination are vital to ensure that firmware interacts seamlessly with hardware components and meets performance goals. You'll also mentor junior engineers and often act as a technical liaison between software, hardware, and product management teams.

What does a Lead Embedded Software Engineer do?

A Lead Embedded Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software that runs on embedded systems, such as microcontrollers or specialized hardware. They lead a team of engineers, oversee project timelines, and ensure software quality by following best practices in coding, testing, and documentation. Their role often involves collaborating with hardware engineers to optimize system performance and integrating software with hardware components. They also mentor junior team members and contribute to technical decision-making throughout the product development cycle.

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

To thrive as a Lead Embedded Software Engineer, you need expertise in embedded systems development, proficiency in languages such as C/C++, and a strong background in computer science or electrical engineering. Familiarity with embedded operating systems (like RTOS), version control systems (such as Git), and industry certifications (e.g., Certified Embedded Systems Engineer) are typically expected. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders. These capabilities ensure robust product development, successful project delivery, and innovation in complex technical environments.
More about Lead Embedded Software Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Lead Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Lead Embedded Software Engineer jobs? The top employers for Lead Embedded Software Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Lead Embedded Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Embedded Software Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lead Embedded Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,293 per year, or $64.1 per hour.
Lead Embedded Software Engineer

Lead Embedded Software Engineer

Eaton

Plymouth, MN • On-site

$105K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Eaton rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 210 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

221st of 520 rated manufacturers


Job description

Eaton's ES AMER ESS division is currently seeking a Lead Embedded Software Engineer.
The expected annual salary range for this role is $105000 - $154000 a year.
Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
What you'll do:
Eaton's ES AMER ESS division is currently seeking a Lead Embedded Software Engineer. This position is located at our Eaton Plymouth, MN or Franksville, WI location and will provide relocation to those currently residing in the U.S. This position offers a hybrid work schedule. (3 days in office/2 days remote).
The Lead Embedded Software Engineer will develop embedded software/firmware for high performance, real-time controls and protective relays used for smart grid applications in the electrical power distribution industry. You'll collaborate with a multi-discipline engineering team (software, hardware, and test) to define requirements between hardware and software subsystems.
• Lead high-level design activities for new product features
• Lead system interface design activities and lead the resolution of integration issues
• Evaluate system performance requirements to evaluate suitability of embedded software and hardware components
• Design and implement features for power system intelligent electronic devices, including power system protection algorithms, system diagnostics/prognostics, communication protocols, cybersecurity, and other relay, control and monitoring functions using C/C++
• Collaborate with product owners, functional managers, systems engineering to distill product/system requirements/use cases to firmware designs/stories, developing module & system level code, and unit tests
• Participate in tasks related to new product development/feature development including planning, task/story estimation, design, programming, unit testing, peer review, integration and release
• Collaborate with external and internal customers, such as Marketing, Service, Operations and other engineering teams throughout the product development life cycle
• Participate in the analysis and specification of embedded software subsystems
• Design and implement unit test in support of developer testing activities and integration with Continuous Integration (CI) pipelines
• Participate and lead design and code reviews
• Plans and executes tasks in collaboration with the project team to ensure objectives are met
• Evaluates and recommends software development process improvements in collaboration with engineering management
Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
  • Minimum of 4 years' experience working on embedded systems or embedded software development
  • Eaton will not consider applicants for employment immigration sponsorship or support for this position. This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E-3, TN status, I-485 job portability, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Minimum 3 years' experience using C / C++
  • Familiarity with hardware drivers and embedded applications, networking and related areas primarily using C and C++ as programming languages.
  • Demonstrated competency with embedded software development environment and tools for Embedded Linux
  • Familiarity with using or designing systems that use network protocols such as Serial, TCP/IP, Ethernet
  • Familiarity creating and implementing virtualized environments for embedded software designs.
  • Understanding of Object Oriented Design (OOD) principles, secure coding and cybersecurity best practices
  • Understanding of real-time operating system (RTOS) concepts
  • Model designs using UML or similar methodologies as appropriate; develop use cases to model real-time systems behavior
  • Ability to work effectively in an Agile Scrum (or other iterative development) environment
  • Experience with test-driven development (TDD) and a good familiarity with unit test frameworks (e.g. GoogleTest, GoogleMock, xUnit++)
  • Experience with multi-core embedded systems
  • Experience using SDLC management tools in a team environment (e.g. Jira, Git, etc.)
  • Knowledge of power systems, switchgear and regulator controls products/applications is an added advantage

Skills:
• Ability to travel up to 10%
• Effectively lead, work and communicate within a global team environment.
• Collaborate with a global multi-discipline engineering teams (software, embedded software, hardware, power systems, systems, product and test) to deliver products and features in the Controls and Relays Group.
• Collaborate with external and internal customers, such as Marketing, Service, Operations and other engineering teams throughout the product development life cycle
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to effectively explain technical issues/concepts
• Demonstrated proficiency in problem solving
• Self-starter with the ability to operate effectively with minimal supervision
• Ability to work in a fast paced, deadline-oriented environment
• Strong planning and organizational skills
All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part of the hiring process. All candidates will be evaluated based on job-related competencies, and all candidates' privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws.
We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
Eaton believes in second chance employment. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws.
You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Eaton is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
To request a disability-related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number.
We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families. Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview. Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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About Eaton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cleveland, OH, US