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Principal Embedded Software Engineer information

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$118.9K

$160.2K

$185K

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

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal embedded software engineer in California is $160,233.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $149,000.00 and $173,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 are popular job titles related to Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California?

For Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs in CA?

For Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Embedded Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,233 per year, or $77 per hour.

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Decisive Point
Investment Clubs and Venture Capital Companies • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Decisive Pointexternal

$200.50 - $314.48/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Principal Embedded Software Engineer Define and implement architecture for fault‑tolerant embedded I&C software across multiple subsystems

Location: El Segundo, California, United States

Compensation: $200,500 - 314,475 USD / year

Job Tags: Software

About The Role

Radiant is seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to set the technical direction for embedded software across instrumentation and control (I&C) systems. You will define architecture, establish engineering standards, and personally drive the development of mission‑critical, highly performant embedded systems that interface with sensors and actuators at the heart of a first‑of‑its‑kind reactor design. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguous early‑stage environments, can make high‑consequence technical decisions with incomplete information, and leaves a lasting organizational imprint through the systems and culture they build. You will have the opportunity to shape the embedded software foundation of the first commercialized portable nuclear microreactor, technology that will redefine how the world accesses clean, reliable power.

Responsibilities and Duties
  • Define and own the embedded software architecture for I&C systems, establishing patterns and standards that scale across the full program lifecycle.
  • Lead design and development of reliable, fault‑tolerant embedded software for production hardware operating in demanding environments.
  • Develop and bring up new drivers for I&C hardware across a range of sensing and actuation subsystems.
  • Serve as the senior technical voice in design reviews, setting the bar for rigor, surfacing systemic risks, and driving decisions that span multiple subsystems and teams.
  • Own the full engineering lifecycle, from architecture through test, build, and field implementation, and set expectations for how the team executes that lifecycle.
  • Establish robust hardware and software testing frameworks, validation methodology, and documentation standards that meet rigorous safety requirements.
  • Mentor and grow embedded engineers across the team; model technical excellence and engineering judgment.
  • Partner with electrical, controls, and hardware engineering leadership to align on cross‑disciplinary interfaces and constraints.
Required Qualifications and Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field.
  • 8+ years of industry experience in embedded software, including significant ownership of system‑level architecture decisions.
  • Demonstrated experience driving architecture across complex, multi‑subsystem embedded programs, not just feature ownership.
  • Hands‑on experience with an RTOS (Zephyr, NuttX, ThreadX, etc.), including low‑level bring‑up and porting.
  • Deep proficiency in embedded C/C++.
  • Track record of influencing technical direction beyond your immediate team, through documentation, standards, or cross‑functional alignment.
  • Strong communicator capable of driving consensus across engineering, program, and leadership stakeholders.
Desired Qualifications and Skills
  • Experience with Zephyr RTOS at an architectural or maintainer level.
  • Experience working with Simulink Autocode C++ export in a production context.
  • Experience with CMake in large, multi‑target embedded builds.
  • Proficiency in reading and interpreting hardware schematics; ability to debug at the hardware/software boundary.
  • Experience in safety‑critical or high‑reliability domains (aerospace, defense, medical, nuclear, or industrial).
Additional Requirements
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to accomplish our mission.
  • Must work 100% onsite at El Segundo HQ.
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