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Principal Embedded Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts

Draper

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site +1

$75K - $275K/yr

The Principal Embedded Software Engineer develops high performance solutions for resource constrained targets. Develops next-generation resilient and fault tolerant software solutions in the ...

Draper

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$75K - $275K/yr

The Principal Embedded Software Engineer develops high performance solutions for resource constrained targets. Develops next-generation resilient and fault tolerant software solutions in the ...

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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 Massachusetts are hiring for Principal Embedded Engineer jobs?

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

Principal Embedded Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Embedded Engineer job openings in Massachusetts as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Westford, MA • On-site

Johnson Controls
Machinery Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Johnson Controlsexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Johnson Controls rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 416 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Build your best future with the Johnson Controls team!
As a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places, and the planet. Join a winning team that enables you to build your best future! Our teams are uniquely positioned to support a multitude of industries across the globe. You will have the opportunity to develop yourself through meaningful work projects and learning opportunities. We strive to provide our employees with an experience focused on supporting their physical, financial, and emotional well-being. Become a member of the Johnson Controls family and thrive in an empowering company culture where your voice and ideas will be heard - your next great opportunity is just a few clicks away!
What we offer:
  • Competitive Salary

  • Paid vacation/holidays/sick time

  • Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care

  • On the job/cross training opportunities

  • Encouraging and collaborative team environment

  • Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy

Our global Fire Detection product group located in Westford, MA, offers you the possibility to interact with other development centers and teams around the world! The opportunity for professional development and career opportunities are endless, given our broad portfolio of products and services within Fire Detection. Work/life balance is important to us, and we offer a flexible hybrid work model. You will also get exposure to leading edge technology, exciting projects, and life-saving products that promote global safety of not only facilities, but people. We need your talent and ideas, as we continue to grow and expand our strategic focus and build state of the art fire detection systems. To learn more about our Principal Embedded Software Engineer opportunity, keep reading!
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Embedded Software Engineer to provide technical leadership in the design, development, and delivery of embedded software solutions for complex products and systems. This role serves as a recognized technical expert, driving software architecture, technology strategy, and engineering excellence across multiple programs. The ideal candidate combines deep hands-on embedded software expertise with strong leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
  • Define and drive the embedded software architecture, design standards, and development best practices.

  • Lead technical decision-making for embedded systems, including RTOS, Linux-based platforms, device drivers, middleware, networking, and application software.

  • Serve as the highest level of technical escalation for complex software issues.

  • Evaluate and introduce emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies to improve product quality and development efficiency.

  • Drive software quality, reliability, safety, security, and maintainability throughout the product lifecycle.

Software Development
  • Participate in requirements analysis and system-level tradeoff decisions.

  • Lead implementation of complex features and critical software components.

  • Perform code reviews and ensure adherence to coding standards and software development processes.

  • Optimize software performance, memory utilization, power consumption, and system reliability.

  • Ensure scalability, reuse, and long-term maintainability of software platforms.

Project & Team Leadership
  • Mentor senior and junior engineers across the organization.

  • Lead technical planning, risk management, and estimation activities.

  • Influence engineering roadmaps and strategic technology direction.

  • Support project execution by identifying technical risks and mitigation strategies.

  • Foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.

  • Collaborate with hardware, firmware, systems, validation, cybersecurity, and product teams.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

  • 10+ years of embedded software development experience.

  • Extensive experience programming in C and C++.

  • Strong expertise in embedded system architecture and software design principles.

  • Experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and Embedded Linux.

  • Strong understanding of microcontrollers, processors, memory architectures, and hardware/software interfaces.

  • Experience with communication protocols such as:

  • Ethernet, TCP/IP, CAN/CAN-FD, SPI, I2C, UART, USB

  • Proficiency with debugging tools, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and software analysis tools.

  • Experience with software version control systems (GitHub preferred).

  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.

  • Experience with safety-critical or regulated systems.

  • Knowledge of cybersecurity principles for embedded systems.

  • Experience with model-based design and auto-code generation tools.

  • Familiarity with Agile/Scrum development methodologies.

  • Experience leading geographically distributed engineering teams.

  • Knowledge of cloud-connected and IoT-enabled embedded devices.

  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and DevOps practices.

Technical Expertise
The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in several of the following areas:
  • Embedded Linux

  • FreeRTOS, VxWorks, QNX, ThreadX, or similar RTOS platforms

  • Device driver development

  • Board Support Packages (BSP)

  • Bootloaders and secure boot

  • Networking and communications protocols

  • Multi-threaded and concurrent programming

  • Cybersecurity and secure software development

  • Software architecture and design patterns

  • Functional safety standards (IEC 61508, ISO 26262, IEC 62304, etc.)

  • Software verification and validation

Leadership Expectations
  • Recognized technical authority within the organization.

  • Influences engineering strategy and technology roadmaps.

  • Guides architectural decisions across multiple product lines.

  • Mentors engineers and develops technical talent.

  • Drives engineering best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Builds strong partnerships across software, hardware, systems, quality, and product management teams.

Success Metrics
  • Delivery of high-quality, reliable embedded software solutions.

  • Successful implementation of scalable software architectures.

  • Reduction in software defects and technical debt.

  • Improved engineering productivity and development efficiency.

  • Growth and development of engineering talent.

  • Achievement of project, product, and business objectives.

SALARY RANGE: $117,000 - $196,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at https://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us
Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.

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About Johnson Controls

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Johnson Controls is a world leader in smart buildings, creating safe, healthy and sustainable spaces. For nearly 140 years, we’ve made buildings better and now we’re transforming them again with our award-winning digital technologies and services. We’re using artificial intelligence and data driven solutions to give you deeper insight into your building’s health, sustainability and performance. It’s changing the way we design, operate and maintain indoor environments and driving to a new era of autonomous buildings. We deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, hotels, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive suite of connected solutions. Johnson Controls offers the world’s largest portfolio of building technology, software and services. Supported by a team of more than 100,000 dedicated employees working across 150 countries, we’re helping customers achieve their sustainability goals and power their mission.

Industry

Machinery manufacturing, water transportation, public safety statistics centers and offices and manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US

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