ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Principal Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado

CACI

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$129K - $170K/yr

Staff Embedded Software Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10% Type of ...

Quantinuum

Embedded Software Engineer - 965

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$135K - $181K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Advanced Embedded Software Engineer in our Broomfield, CO location. In this role, you will lead the development of embedded software for our Apollo quantum computer. The ideal ...

Raytheon

Principal Real-time Software Engineer

Denver, CO

$139K - $186K/yr

Our Principal Embedded Real-Time Software Developer/Integrator is a technical position that works in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment to architect, design, implement, test, debug, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Embedded Software Engineer JobsPrincipal Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Principal Embedded Software Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$126.7K

$170.7K

$197.2K

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

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal embedded software engineer in Colorado is $170,724.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $158,800.00 and $185,100.00 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 Colorado?

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

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

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

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

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

Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $170,724 per year, or $82.1 per hour.

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Denver, CO • On-site

Saicon Consultants Inc.
201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Saicon Consultants Inc.external

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Why This Role Matters

This position supports the development of advanced embedded and avionics software systems for next-generation military aircraft platforms. The work directly impacts mission readiness, operational capability, and the future modernization of aerospace and defense technologies.

This is a highly technical engineering role focused on embedded software development, real-time operating systems, avionics integration, hardware/software interaction, and safety-critical software environments. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on engineering depth and experience working within complex aerospace or defense programs.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to support mission-critical software development efforts within a military aviation environment. This individual will work across the software development lifecycle including architecture, development, integration, testing, troubleshooting, and deployment of embedded software solutions.

The engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams supporting avionics systems, embedded platforms, hardware integration labs, and flight software environments. This role requires a self-driven technical leader capable of operating independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative engineering organization.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop embedded software solutions using C++ within safety-critical and real-time environments
• Support software integration, testing, and troubleshooting across lab and hardware platforms
• Work within RTOS and embedded Linux environments supporting avionics systems
• Participate in hardware/software integration and system validation activities
• Contribute to embedded flight software development efforts
• Support simulation, integration, and verification activities including SIL/MIL/HIL testing
• Collaborate with engineering teams across software, systems, FPGA, and hardware disciplines
• Assist with technical documentation, design reviews, and engineering analysis
• Support mission-critical software deployments within aerospace and defense programs

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
• 8+ years of embedded software engineering experience
• Strong C++ development experience
• Experience working in RTOS environments such as VxWorks, Integrity, or MOSA.ic
• Embedded Linux development experience including Yocto and/or RHEL
• Experience with bare metal embedded environments
• Flight software or avionics systems experience
• Software integration and hardware lab testing experience
• Ability to work onsite full-time
• Active Secret Clearance required
• Ability to travel up to 10%

Preferred Qualifications

• FPGA software or hardware interaction experience
• Xilinx FPGA and Vivado experience
• Python development for tooling, automation, or simulation support
• Experience with SIL/MIL/HIL simulation environments
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) concepts and tools
• Experience with DO-178C safety-critical development processes
• Navigation, Guidance & Control experience
• Signal Processing implementation experience
• Atlassian tools experience including Jira, Confluence, and Bitbucket
• GitLab or modern version control workflow experience
• Strong technical communication and documentation skills
• Ideal Backgrounds
• Candidates with experience from aerospace, defense, avionics, military systems, or other highly regulated embedded environments are strongly preferred.

Target backgrounds may include:
• Lockheed Martin
• Raytheon / RTX
• Northrop Grumman
• Bell
• Boeing Defense
• Collins Aerospace
• L3Harris
• General Dynamics
• Client Aerospace
• BAE Systems
• Anduril
• Shield AI
• Lynx Software Technologies

What Makes This Opportunity Attractive

• Mission-critical aerospace and defense engineering work
• Advanced embedded and avionics technology environment
• Long-term program stability
• High-impact technical ownership
• Complex engineering challenges
• Strong compensation package
• Opportunity to support next-generation military aviation systems

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary plus bonus eligibility
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Professional development opportunities
• Career growth within advanced aerospace and defense programs
• Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected status

Apply