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Principal Embedded Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

With projects focused on embedded systems, mobile apps, robotics, engineers at Full Spectrum love ... Principal System Engineer At Full Spectrum, our Systems Engineering team is the core differentiator ...

With projects focused on embedded systems, mobile apps, robotics, engineers at Full Spectrum love ... Principal System Engineer: At Full Spectrum , our Systems Engineering team is the core ...

With projects focused on embedded systems, mobile apps, robotics, engineers at Full Spectrum love ... Principal System Engineer: At Full Spectrum , our Systems Engineering team is the core ...

With projects focused on embedded systems, mobile apps, robotics, engineers at Full Spectrum love ... Principal System Engineer: At Full Spectrum , our Systems Engineering team is the core ...

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Principal Embedded Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$124.1K

$167.3K

$193.2K

How much do principal embedded engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal embedded engineer in Chicago, IL is $167,254.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $155,600.00 and $181,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Space Systems Embedded Software Engineers - Level 3 or 4 (TS/SCI)

Rolling Meadows, IL

Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 547 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.

At Northrop Grumman Space Systems, you will engineer the enduring icons of modern space exploration and global security, from manufacturing the vital Solid Rocket Boosters for NASA's Artemis missions and the engineering behind the James Webb Space Telescope, to pioneering on-orbit logistics with our uncrewed Cygnus cargo spacecraft and Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV), alongside developing next-generation national defense constellations and strategic missile systems.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems (NGSS), Rolling Meadows, ILis seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer for itsSoftware & Controls Departmentto be responsible for full-cycle product development of new software subsystems and defense electronics as well as customization of current systems to support customer needs.

As a Space Systems Embedded Software Engineers - Level 3 or 4 (TS/SCI), you will be driving requirements analysis and system architecture, design, coding, test, and verification using state-of-the-art tools and techniques. These products and systems power the next generation of products. Our products are integrated with our customers' machines and systems, and many of the applications are highly customized and unique. We are interested in highly motivated candidates with embedded software design experience with a focus on software interactions with safety-critical real-time systems, digital signal processing, and secure software solutions.

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. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to maintenance at the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Principal Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3:Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering or another STEM discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of related experience; OR Master's degree in the fields listed above with 3 years of related experience; OR PhD with 1 year of related experience

  • Sr. Principal Embedded Software Engineer - Level 4:Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering or another STEM discipline from an accredited university and 9 years of related experience; OR Master's degree in the fields listed above with 7 years of related experience; OR PhD with 5 years of related experience

  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance with SCI at time of application,[US citizenship required]

  • Experience developing embedded software in C/C++

  • Working knowledge of RTOS (RTLinux, VxWorks, Integrity) concepts and operation

  • Experience with scripting languages such as: Python, JavaScript, Perl, Unix/DOS shell scripts

  • Experience and ability to review work products and provide meaningful feedback

  • Experience developing in a hybrid Linux/Windows environment

  • Working knowledge of electronic test equipment (Oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, etc)

  • Working knowledge of Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience developing applications for Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms and architectures

  • Experience developing drivers and BSPs for custom hardware platforms

  • Experience with Linux Embedded real-time OS development (Yocto)

  • Experience leading and defining software development and architecting activities

  • Experience with day-to-day technical leadership (CAM, IPT lead, etc)

  • Experience with System on a Chip (AMD, Xilinx, Altera) software/FPGA integration

  • Experience in embedded C++ optimization

  • Experience implementing and/or defining digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms

  • Working knowledge of RF systems (link budgets, antennas, RF front end HW, etc)

  • Experience with hands-on hardware testing, debugging, and board bring-up

  • Experience with GNU Radio and/or Redhawk SDR development

#SpaceEngJobs
#SpaceSoftwareJobs

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00The 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

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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