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

As of Aug 12, 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?

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.
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Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Embedded Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,359 per year, or $78.1 per hour.

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

SIG Sauer

Tualatin, OR • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Sig Sauer rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description

Principal Embedded Software Engineer
SIG SAUER, Inc. is a leading provider and manufacturer of firearms, electro-optics, ammunition, airguns, suppressors, remote controlled weapons stations, and training. For over 250 years SIG SAUER, Inc. has evolved, and thrived, by blending American ingenuity, German engineering, and Swiss precision. Today, SIG SAUER is synonymous with industry-leading quality and innovation which has made it the brand of choice amongst the U.S. Military, the global defense community, law enforcement, competitive shooters, hunters, and responsible citizens. Additionally, SIG SAUER is the premier provider of elite firearms instruction and tactical training at the SIG SAUER Academy. Headquartered in Newington, New Hampshire, SIG SAUER has over 3,400 employees across sixteen U.S. locations in three states, and four additional global facilities. SIG SAUER is certified a Great Place to Work™. For more information about the company and product line visit: www.sigsauer.com
Position Summary: The Principal Embedded Software Engineer is responsible for developing complex software system designs for new products as well as design improvements to legacy products. They will exercise sound engineering judgement, present analysis summaries which support design decisions, mentor and coach R&D staff. The Principal Embedded Software Engineer is a subject matter expert who leads large-scale embedded system design, sets technical direction, and influences strategy across projects or teams. They are recognized for deep technical insight, they architect complex systems, establish best practices, cross-discipline coordination, and long-term planning. The Principal Embedded Software Engineer works both independently and in a team environment with Software Engineers, Design Engineers, NPI Managers, and Test Technicians. They frequently initiate collaboration with all departments company wide.
FLSA: Exempt
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Define and drive the architectural vision for software components, ensuring scalability, performance, and maintainability. Lead design reviews and establish best practices to develop innovative solutions that align with long-term product and business objectives.
  • Define and optimize software development processes at an organizational level, driving efficiency and innovation. Establish best practices, ensure adherence to industry standards, and mentor teams to elevate overall software.
  • Lead R&D projects in a team setting to meet project cost targets, budget requirements and delivery dates.
  • Approve verification test plans, check the accuracy of test results, and draw logical conclusions. Responsible for R&D projects meeting validation test criteria.
  • Define and drive the organization's release strategy, ensuring scalability, security, and efficiency. Establish best practices for versioning, deployment automation, and cross-team collaboration to streamline the release cycle.
  • Design advanced software solutions for manufactured systems, focusing on optimization, scalability, and system architecture. Lead development and ensure best practices for reliability and efficiency.
  • Drive continuous improvement in technical information such as software design documentation, architecture diagrams, code standards, technical specifications, and test procedures to evaluate, support, and enhance product design and development processes, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and innovating at the appropriate competency level.
  • Provide expert technical assistance across the company, collaborating with both internal teams and external vendors to resolve complex software issues, drive technical solutions, and ensure alignment with project goals and timelines.
  • Analyze software architecture at a higher level, evaluating how different modules or components integrate, scale, and interact within the system. Ensure that the overall design is robust, maintainable, and scalable, and align with long-term business and technical goals.
  • Provide technical leadership within the SIG NPI (New Product Introduction) process.
  • Design and schematic drawing checker for other software engineers in R&D.
  • Mentor and guide technicians and software engineers at all levels, fostering technical growth and promoting best practices in software design and development.
  • Travel as business needs dictate; some international travel is required.
  • Engage in and actively volunteer for Continuous Improvement projects/tasks.
  • Participate in and sustain 5S Standards.
  • Must follow all required Safety and ISO procedures.
  • Miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Education/Experience & Skills:
  • Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, and 10+ years of previous experience as a Software Engineer required.
  • Deep expertise in embedded systems architecture, real-time software development, and low-level hardware/software integration. Proficient in designing scalable and maintainable software solutions, optimizing system performance, and leading technical reviews. Advanced knowledge of communication protocols, debugging tools, and development environments such as VS Code, along with mastery of Git for version control, collaboration, driving technical innovation, and influence of software development strategies across projects.
  • Debug and Trace - Advanced knowledge of embedded communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART), debugging tools (JTAG, SWD, TRACE). Able to write Python scripts for integration testing.
  • Build Systems - Proficient with CMake, GCC and C/C++ linting tools such as clang-tidy, clang-format, PC-LINT or equivalent. Experienced in setting up and maintaining development environments such as VS Code or Clion.
  • CI/CD and Test - Ability to create and maintain CI/CD platforms. Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing experience preferred. Familiar with unit testing platforms such as Unity, CPPUTest, ZTest or equivalent.
  • Hardware/EE - Capable to read schematics and perform board bring up. Must be skilled with oscilloscopes, dmms, and logic analyzers. Able to work with hardware and mechanical team to optimize firmware/hardware cooperation and system design.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, as well as Project and Visio.
  • Must be able to clearly, concisely, and accurately convey ideas and information to others, both verbally and in written form.
  • Classwork and practical software engineering design experience.
  • Ability to interpret technical instructions in schematic, mathematical or diagram form.
  • Define and drive the strategy for evaluating third-party tools and external development partnerships, guiding teams in the creation of scalable, high-performance software solutions that align with the organization's long-term vision and objectives, while ensuring cost-effectiveness and budget adherence.
  • Ability to define and resolve problems by collecting and analyzing data, establishing facts, drawing valid conclusions, and executing solutions.
  • Ability to write and review reports and procedures, and effectively present information to team members and executive management.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a logical and organized manner.
  • Ability to lead and direct Engineers at all levels.
  • Strong Linux skills including embedded Linux application layer development, threading and technical competence with the command line preferred.
  • Docker experience for the purpose build, debug, test, and automation preferred.
  • Bluetooth Low Energy expertise and in-depth knowledge of the stack, protocol layers and limitations preferred.
  • Low power design experience optimizing run/sleep duty factors, hardware offloading techniques, and proper component selection preferred.
  • Modern C++ for embedded systems preferred.
  • Zephyr experience and proficiency with the device tree preferred.
  • Experience using and maintaining firearms is preferred.

Working Conditions:
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer using a keyboard and mouse performing repetitive tasks.
  • Ability to open file cabinets, reach with hands and arms, bend, and twist, lift and move files.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Must wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where required.
  • Must comply with all work exposure EH&S training requirements and adhere to SIG SAUER Inc. Security Mandates.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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