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Principal Embedded Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

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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 Maryland are hiring for Principal Embedded Engineer jobs?

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

Principal / Senior Principal Embedded Systems Security Engineer

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Northrop Grumman
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead and provide hands-on experience in the development of sensor payloads and complete mission security solutions.

  • Review process tailoring needs, approve documented procedures, and support formal Security Test and Evaluation (ST&E) processes.

  • Document findings from Assessment and Authorization activities, maintain Security Plans, and update the Plan of Actions and Milestones (POA&M).


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 547 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available.

Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman. At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning.

We're looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we'll support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you'll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

We are looking for a Principal / Senior Principal Embedded Systems Security Engineer to join our team in Baltimore, MD. This position requires 100% onsite work. What You Will Get to Do: As an integral part of our Systems Security Engineering Team you will be responsible for leading and providing hands-on experience in development of sensor payloads and complete mission security solutions assist our hardware and software security solutions.

Roles & Responsibilities: Implement and ensure compliance with government policies (e.g., JSIG, DAAPM) by reviewing process tailoring needs and approving documented procedures. Conduct thorough analyses to validate existing security requirements and develop additional safeguards as necessary to enhance system security. Support formal Security Test and Evaluation (ST&E) processes mandated by government authorities through comprehensive pre-test preparations, active participation in testing, result analysis, and the preparation of required reports

Document findings from Assessment and Authorization activities, as well as technical and coordination efforts, while preparing and maintaining the system Security Plans and updating the Plan of Actions and Milestones (POA&M). Oversee and communicate the necessary analyses and modifications for system, subsystem, or sensor exportability, ensuring compliance with international standards. Collaborate effectively with program teams and global Business Development personnel to incorporate international requirements and features into design processes and drive product line initiatives for global market success.

Demonstrate full life cycle development experience encompassing architecture design, trade studies, Cybersecurity requirements formulation, detailed design, unit testing, system testing, and validation and verification practices. Engage in strategic planning for Cybersecurity technology development to align with global strategic priorities and influence current and future policies. Utilize reverse engineering techniques to architect and validate effective Cybersecurity solutions.

Actively participate in communities of practice to enhance domain knowledge and support continuous professional growth. This position is contingent upon contract award, the successful transfer of an active DoD Secret Clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access. This position can be filled as a Principal Embedded Systems Security Engineer or a Senior Principal Embedded Systems Security Engineer.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Embedded Systems Security Engineer: Bachelor's degree with 5 years of experience, a Master's degree with 3 years of experience or a PhD with 1 year of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. U.S Citizenship is required. A current/active DoD Secret Clearance Ability to obtain/maintain Special Access Program (SAP) access prior to start

2 years of experience with system engineering with DoD based Platforms, Sensors and/or Sub-systems. Including but not limited to: EO/IR, Embedded Software or Cryptography, Satellite, Architecture development, Hardware design, RF, Radar and Undersea Sensors, etc. 2 Year of experience with requirements development, derivation, system integration & test and validation and verification 2 years of experience with Anti-tamper, Reverse Engineering and/or Risk Management Framework and Cyber Resiliency Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Embedded Systems Security Engineer: Bachelor's degree with 8 years of experience, a Master's degree with 6 years of experience or a PhD with 4 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

U.S Citizenship is required. A current/active DoD Secret Clearance Ability to obtain/maintain Special Access Program (SAP) access prior to start. 2 years of experience with system engineering with DoD based Platforms, Sensors and/or Sub-systems

Including but not limited to: EO/IR, Embedded Software or Cryptography, Satellite, Architecture development, Hardware design, RF, Radar and Undersea Sensors, etc. 2 Year of experience with requirements development, derivation, system integration & test and validation and verification 2 years of experience with Anti-tamper, Reverse Engineering and/or Risk Management Framework and Cyber Resiliency Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics or related technical fields. Active Top Secret Clearance or higher.

Experience with Hardware (Firmware) Assurance, Software Attack Surface Analysis Report, Select Software/Firmware Encryption, and Secure Key Handling Experience with identifying and mitigating software assurance vulnerabilities and performing integration testing of mitigation/resolution Experience with contributing to and/or making technical presentations to internal and external customers Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family. Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more.

Northrop Grumman has approximately 90,000 employees in all 50 states and in more than 27 countries. We strive to attract and retain the best employees by providing an inclusive work environment wherein employees are receptive to diverse ideas, perspectives, and talents to help solve our toughest customer challenges: to develop and maintain some of the most technically sophisticated products, programs, and services in the world. Our Values.

The women and men of Northrop Grumman Corporation are guided by Our Values. They describe our company as we want it to be. We want our decisions and actions to demonstrate these Values.

We believe that putting Our Values into practice creates long-term benefits for shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities we serve. Our Responsibility. At Northrop Grumman, we are committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards, embracing diversity and inclusion, protecting the environment, and striving to be an ideal corporate citizen in the community and in the world.

Primary Level Salary Range: $119,600.00 - $179,400.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results

Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date.

However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO

U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939