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Principal Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Embedded Software Engineer

CO · On-site

$135.60K - $178.40K/yr

The Embedded Software Engineer is responsible for the design, development, testing, and support of embedded software solutions for both existing and new products, including new hardware bring-up, low ...

Embedded Software Engineer Staff

Boulder, CO · On-site +1

$138.40K - $182.10K/yr

This position requires a strong foundation in computer science, software engineering, and embedded systems development. The selected candidate will be responsible for: Developing and maintaining ...

Embedded Software Engineer Sr

Boulder, CO · On-site +1

$130.50K - $171K/yr

This position requires a strong foundation in computer science, software engineering, and embedded systems development. The selected candidate will be responsible for: Developing and maintaining ...

If you like the sound of our Engineering team and want to hack on the software that powers our embedded products, this team is your home. SparkFun's Next Software Engineer SparkFun is looking to add ...

Embedded Software Engineer Staff

Boulder, CO · On-site

$113.90K - $200.91K/yr

This position requires a strong foundation in computer science, software engineering, and embedded systems development. The selected candidate will be responsible for: • Developing and maintaining ...

If you like the sound of our Engineering team and want to hack on the software that powers our embedded products, this team is your home. SparkFun's Next Software Engineer SparkFun is looking to add ...

If you like the sound of our Engineering team and want to hack on the software that powers our embedded products, this team is your home. SparkFun's Next Software Engineer SparkFun is looking to add ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 May 29, 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 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.

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 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.

Infographic showing various Principal Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Colorado as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 62% Physical, 15% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $170,724 per year, or $82.1 per hour.
Embedded Software Engineer - Level 2 or 3

Embedded Software Engineer - Level 2 or 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Boulder, CO • On-site

$114K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 336 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 511 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: 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.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Multi-Domain Operations, and Missile Defense Integration Business Unit (BU) has an exciting career opportunity for an Embedded Software Engineer - Level 2 or 3 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This job is in Boulder, CO - Boulder is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and only 25 miles from downtown Denver. Due to the nature of our work, full-time in-person work is required.

Position Overview:

Welcome to the Advanced Programs Team! We are working on an autonomous distributed tracking system - Join our high performing software team and come make history with us!

As an Embedded Software Engineer - Level 2 or Principal Embedded Software Engineer Level 3, you will be responsible for the design, development, documentation, testing, deployment, and debugging of software applications. This includes researching, identifying, and implementing solutions to complex, multi-disciplinary software problems.

Seeking candidates who find satisfaction in working on challenging and diverse assignments in collaborative settings across all levels.

This requisition may be filled at a higher level based on the qualifications listed below.

This requisition may be filled at either an Embedded Software Engineer - Level 2 or a Principal Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Embedded Software Engineer - Level 2: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 2 years of related experience or a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 0-2 years of experience.
  • Principal Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 5 years of related experience, or a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of experience, or a PhD. and 1 year of experience.
  • Modern C++ (v20 preferred)
  • Python
  • Linux
  • OOP Experience
  • Containerization Tool Experience (Kubernetes, OpenShift, Docker products, Podman, etc.)
  • Embedded Hardware and Software Exposure (Versal, Zynq, Ryzen, Xilinx, Blue Marble or Innoflight hardware and FreeRTOS, Zephyr or VxWorks software specific experience is a plus!)
  • Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% to support business needs (only if needed)
  • Applicants must have an active in-scope U.S. Government issued Secret security clearance at the time of application and is required to start; with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI (TS/SCI) security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Pipeline Dev Experience - CI/CD Experience (Jenkins, Gitlab etc.)
  • Agile Development Exposure
  • C++ Templating/Templating Concepts
Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00The 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

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