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Principal Embedded Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Principal Software Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$137K - $184K/yr

Lead technology decisions for embedded platforms, operating systems, development tools, software ... Experience serving as a technical lead, principal engineer, or mentor to small engineering teams.

Principal Software Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$136K - $182K/yr

Lead technology decisions for embedded platforms, operating systems, development tools, software ... Experience serving as a technical lead, principal engineer, or mentor to small engineering teams.

Principal Software Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$200K - $275K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer will design, develop, integrate, test, and maintain enterprise ... Interface with embedded devices, vendor-provided SDKs, and device drivers to implement custom ...

Principal FSW Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site

$135K - $181K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking a Principal Flight Software Engineer with deep expertise in ... The ideal candidate brings hands-on embedded experience, a focus on process improvement, and the ...

Principal Software Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$200K - $275K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer will design, develop, integrate, test, and maintain enterprise ... Interface with embedded devices, vendor-provided SDKs, and device drivers to implement custom ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer Zetier is seeking Principal CNO Software Engineers to develop ... Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) * Reverse engineering experience ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Washington are hiring for Principal Embedded Engineer jobs?

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

Embedded Flight Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4 (AHT)

Linthicum, MD • On-site

Northrop Grumman
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

$129K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: None 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. *Please be aware that this job description may apply to multiple positions, including both funded and contingent roles.

Contingent roles are dependent on program award(s), associated funding, and the candidate obtaining and maintaining the required clearances and program access within a reasonable period of time.* Northrop Grumman's Space Sector is seeking an Embedded Flight Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4 to join our team in Linthicum, MD. The software engineer will design, develop, integrate, and test software that manages a Space payload unit, ensuring compliance with established requirements. Selected individuals will work on an agile development team, primarily using C++, Linux and/or Python

This role will support Payload and Ground Software Engineering Eastern Region in Linthicum, MD. This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

In this job, you will: The individual will work through all phases of the software development cycle including design, development, integration, and test. The selected individual will conduct peer reviews of software-related products, software designs, and additional technical documents, as well as participation in cross-functional scrum team. Successful candidates are expected to be able to understand system requirements, how they apply to system design, and be able to implement and debug software to accomplish defined completion criteria.

Individuals must be self-starters and able to efficiently operate in a team environment. Existing engineering and system specialists will be made available to assist with any activities associated with executing primary tasking. However, the selected individuals will be expected to prioritize and make recommendations to Technical Leads, as required, to implement tasking assigned.

If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team. This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company. This position can be filled at either a Level 3 (Principal) or Level 4 (Sr Principal).

Basic Qualifications for Level 3 (Principal): Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or another STEM discipline with a minimum of 5 years of software development experience working on embedded real-time systems - OR - Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or another STEM discipline with 3 years of software development experience working on embedded real-time systems - OR PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or another STEM discipline with 1 year of software development experience working on embedded real-time systems. Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access

Approval must be obtained within a reasonable timeframe, as determined by the company, to meet business needs. Not required to start, US Citizenship required. Experience developing Object Oriented code using C++ Ability to debug your own code, as well as trace and understand existing code Experience integrating developed software applications, to include usage of tools and logs to examine data to verify correct operation and identify problem areas Experience and ability to review work products and provide meaningful feedback Experience in embedded software development, cross-compiling with GCC Experience developing in a Linux environment Experience with using software configuration management tools Basic Qualifications for Level 4 (Sr Principal): Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or another STEM discipline with a minimum of 8 years of software development experience working on embedded real-time systems - OR - Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or another STEM discipline with 6 years of software development experience working on embedded real-time systems - OR PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or another STEM discipline with 4 years of software development experience working on embedded real-time systems.

Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access. Approval must be obtained within a reasonable timeframe, as determined by the company, to meet business needs.Not required to start, US Citizenship required

Experience developing Object Oriented code using C++ Ability to debug your own code, as well as trace and understand existing code Experience integrating developed software applications, to include usage of tools and logs to examine data to verify correct operation and identify problem areas Experience and ability to review work products and provide meaningful feedback Experience in embedded software development, cross-compiling with GCC Experience developing in a Linux environment Experience with using software configuration management tools Preferred Qualifications: Active TS/SCI Clearance Experience as a member of an Agile Scrum team Experience with developing software in Python Experience in embedded C++ optimizations Experience debugging with GDB Experience with the Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket) Experience with software control of digital logic / FPGAs / firmware Hands-on hardware integration and testing experience Ability to debug complex integrated applications or test setup issues *Please be aware that this job description may apply to multiple positions, including both funded and contingent roles. Contingent roles are dependent on program award(s), associated funding, and the candidate obtaining and maintaining the required clearances and program access within a reasonable period of time.* Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector. Click the link below: https://www.northropgrumman.com/space Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site. Northrop Grumman Total Rewards #SpaceEngJobs #SpaceSoftwareJobs #BaltimoreSpace Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00 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