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Principal Embedded Engineer information

What is a principal embedded engineer?

A Principal Embedded Engineer is a senior-level professional who designs, develops, and oversees the implementation of embedded systems, which are specialized computing systems that operate within larger devices like automobiles, medical equipment, and industrial machines. They typically lead technical teams, define system architectures, and ensure that embedded solutions meet performance, reliability, and safety requirements. Principal Embedded Engineers often mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects from concept to production.

How does a principal embedded engineer typically balance technical leadership with hands-on development work?

As a Principal Embedded Engineer, you are expected to provide both technical direction and contribute directly to development tasks. This often involves mentoring junior engineers, performing code reviews, and setting architectural standards, while still engaging in critical coding, debugging, and system integration activities. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong time management and the ability to prioritize high-impact tasks. You'll frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams—including hardware, software, and QA—to ensure cohesive product development and delivery.

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

To thrive as a Principal Embedded Engineer, you need advanced expertise in embedded systems design, strong programming skills (often in C/C++), and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with RTOS, embedded development tools, hardware debugging equipment, and certifications such as Certified Embedded Systems Engineer are typical requirements. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you guide teams and manage complex projects. These skills ensure the reliable development of critical embedded products and successful coordination across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

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

AspectPrincipal Embedded EngineerEmbedded Software Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's/Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related; extensive experienceBachelor's or higher in relevant field; entry to mid-level experience
ResponsibilitiesLeading design, architecture, and technical strategy; mentoring teamsDeveloping, testing, and maintaining embedded software
Work EnvironmentCross-functional teams, leadership roles, project planningHands-on coding, debugging, and implementation
Industry UsageUsed in advanced product development, system architectureCommon in product development, firmware updates

The Principal Embedded Engineer typically holds a senior, strategic role with leadership and architecture responsibilities, requiring extensive experience and advanced skills. In contrast, the Embedded Software Engineer focuses on coding and implementation tasks. Both roles are vital in embedded systems development but differ in scope and seniority.

What cities in California are hiring for Principal Embedded Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Principal Embedded Engineer job openings:

Principal Embedded Engineer jobs near you

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Decisive Point
Investment Clubs and Venture Capital Companies • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Decisive Pointexternal

$200K - $314K/yr

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Principal Embedded Software Engineer Define and implement architecture for fault‑tolerant embedded I&C software across multiple subsystems

Location: El Segundo, California, United States

Compensation: $200,500 - 314,475 USD / year

Job Tags: Software

About The Role

Radiant is seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to set the technical direction for embedded software across instrumentation and control (I&C) systems. You will define architecture, establish engineering standards, and personally drive the development of mission‑critical, highly performant embedded systems that interface with sensors and actuators at the heart of a first‑of‑its‑kind reactor design. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguous early‑stage environments, can make high‑consequence technical decisions with incomplete information, and leaves a lasting organizational imprint through the systems and culture they build. You will have the opportunity to shape the embedded software foundation of the first commercialized portable nuclear microreactor, technology that will redefine how the world accesses clean, reliable power.

Responsibilities and Duties
  • Define and own the embedded software architecture for I&C systems, establishing patterns and standards that scale across the full program lifecycle.
  • Lead design and development of reliable, fault‑tolerant embedded software for production hardware operating in demanding environments.
  • Develop and bring up new drivers for I&C hardware across a range of sensing and actuation subsystems.
  • Serve as the senior technical voice in design reviews, setting the bar for rigor, surfacing systemic risks, and driving decisions that span multiple subsystems and teams.
  • Own the full engineering lifecycle, from architecture through test, build, and field implementation, and set expectations for how the team executes that lifecycle.
  • Establish robust hardware and software testing frameworks, validation methodology, and documentation standards that meet rigorous safety requirements.
  • Mentor and grow embedded engineers across the team; model technical excellence and engineering judgment.
  • Partner with electrical, controls, and hardware engineering leadership to align on cross‑disciplinary interfaces and constraints.
Required Qualifications and Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field.
  • 8+ years of industry experience in embedded software, including significant ownership of system‑level architecture decisions.
  • Demonstrated experience driving architecture across complex, multi‑subsystem embedded programs, not just feature ownership.
  • Hands‑on experience with an RTOS (Zephyr, NuttX, ThreadX, etc.), including low‑level bring‑up and porting.
  • Deep proficiency in embedded C/C++.
  • Track record of influencing technical direction beyond your immediate team, through documentation, standards, or cross‑functional alignment.
  • Strong communicator capable of driving consensus across engineering, program, and leadership stakeholders.
Desired Qualifications and Skills
  • Experience with Zephyr RTOS at an architectural or maintainer level.
  • Experience working with Simulink Autocode C++ export in a production context.
  • Experience with CMake in large, multi‑target embedded builds.
  • Proficiency in reading and interpreting hardware schematics; ability to debug at the hardware/software boundary.
  • Experience in safety‑critical or high‑reliability domains (aerospace, defense, medical, nuclear, or industrial).
Additional Requirements
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to accomplish our mission.
  • Must work 100% onsite at El Segundo HQ.
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