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Lead Embedded Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... engineer, particularly for aerospace or satellite applications. * Proficiency in C, C++, and/or Rust for embedded systems. * Experience developing bare-metal embedded software. * Experience with ...

Job Title Lead Software Engineer - Surveillance Position Summary As a Lead Software Engineer, you ... Significant experience developing safety‑critical embedded software within aerospace, avionics ...

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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 Sep 14, 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 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?

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.

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 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.

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Infographic showing various Lead Embedded Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,293 per year, or $64.1 per hour.

Lead Embedded Software Engineer

Longmont, CO • On-site

II-VI Incorporated
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 21 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.