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Principal Embedded Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Principal Embedded Software Engineer information

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$120.5K

$162.4K

$187.5K

How much do principal embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal embedded software engineer in the United States is $162,359.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $151,000.00 and $176,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectPrincipal Embedded Software EngineerEmbedded Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related; extensive experienceBachelor's in relevant field; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in R&D teams, system architecture, and designDevelopment, coding, testing embedded systems
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, automotive, aerospace, industrial automationSimilar industries, often as a team member
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsEntry to mid-level job distinctions

The Principal Embedded Software Engineer typically holds a senior leadership role with extensive experience, focusing on system architecture and strategic development. In contrast, an Embedded Software Engineer is more involved in coding and testing at an entry or mid-level. Both roles are vital in embedded systems development but differ in scope, responsibility, and experience requirements.

What does a Principal Embedded Software Engineer do?

A Principal Embedded Software Engineer is a senior-level professional who designs, develops, and oversees software that runs on embedded systems, such as microcontrollers and specialized hardware devices. They are responsible for leading software architecture decisions, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring the reliability and efficiency of the embedded software. Their work often involves close collaboration with hardware engineers and cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions. Principal Embedded Software Engineers also play a key role in setting technical standards and driving innovation within their organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Embedded Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Embedded Software Engineer, you need advanced expertise in embedded systems programming, real-time operating systems, and a strong background in computer engineering or related fields, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with technical tools like C/C++, embedded Linux, microcontroller development environments, and certifications such as Certified Embedded Systems Engineer are typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities are essential soft skills to guide teams and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders. These skills and qualities are crucial for successfully architecting complex embedded solutions and driving innovation in product development.

How does a Principal Embedded Software Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

As a Principal Embedded Software Engineer, you will frequently work alongside hardware engineers, system architects, and product managers to ensure seamless integration of software and hardware components. You may lead technical discussions, provide guidance on system constraints, and participate in design reviews to align on specifications and timelines. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, as you'll be responsible for translating product requirements into reliable embedded solutions while mentoring junior engineers and ensuring best practices across the team.
More about Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs? The top employers for Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal Embedded Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,359 per year, or $78.1 per hour.
Principal/Senior Principal Engineer Embedded Software Engineer

Principal/Senior Principal Engineer Embedded Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 355 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

113th of 534 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
As a Principal Embedded Software Engineer/Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation.
Northrop Grumman is looking to add to our talented team of Embedded Software Engineers. Our engineers are self-starters who are part of a team of software professionals developing world-class software to meet our customer's high expectations. The Embedded Software Engineer designs, develops, operates, and maintains software and firmware components and computing systems software to be applied to and integrated with engineering, scientific and manufacturing requirements. The individual shall apply the appropriate standards, processes, procedures, and tools throughout the system development life cycle to support the generation of engineering applications and products within the Multidomain Sensing, Targeting, and Survivability division. This includes interfacing with customers, suppliers, application users and other technical and support personnel. The ideal individual will have experience including the full software development life cycle, which includes requirements, design, coding, testing, and integration.
This position will be full-time, on-site at our Charlottesville, VA. location.
This position can be filled at the Principal Embedded Software or Senior Principal Embedded Software level based on requirements below.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Embedded Software Engineer:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or any related STEM degree with a minimum of 5+ years of relevant engineering experience; or 3+ years with a Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering; or 1+year with PhD.
• Experience with Object Oriented Programming in C/C++. Familiarity with Java a plus.
• Experience with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc.)
• Experience Developing Embedded Software running Linux or (VxWorks) Real Time Operating Systems
• Familiarity with Software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design)
• Familiarity in CI/CD Pipeline development (DevOps)
• Familiarity with software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile
• Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc)
• Familiarity with Modeling Tools ie: CAMEO, Rational
• US Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.
• Occasional travel required to support program and customer needs
Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or any related STEM degree with a minimum of 8+ years of engineering experience; or 6+ years with a Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering; or 4+years with PhD.
• Experience with Object Oriented Programming in C/C++. Familiarity with Java a plus.
• Experience with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc.)
• Experience Developing Embedded Software running Linux or (VxWorks) Real Time Operating Systems
• Familiarity with Software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design)
• Familiarity in CI/CD Pipeline development (DevOps)
• Familiarity with software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile
• Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc)
• Familiarity with Modeling Tools ie: CAMEO, Rational
• US Citizenship Required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.
• Occasional travel required to support program and customer needs
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with Software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile.
  • Experience with CI/CD Pipeline Development (Dev/Ops)
  • Experience testing, debugging, and integrating Embedded Software on target hardware.
  • Active Secret Clearance
  • Differentiating characteristics include demonstrated leadership and teamwork capability, interpersonal communication skills and activities.

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00
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