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Principal Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Coherent Aerospace & Defense, Emerging Laser Subsystems Business Unit is seeking an embedded software engineer to contribute to the development of advanced laser systems for defense applications.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Boulder, CO

$128.60K - $168.50K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY Within Infleqtion's Computing Product Group (CPG), the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to own and deliver highperformance embedded and ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$128.60K - $168.50K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY Within Infleqtion's Computing Product Group (CPG), the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to own and deliver high‑performance embedded and ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Louisville, CO · On-site

$129.60K - $169.80K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY Within Infleqtion's Computing Product Group (CPG), the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to own and deliver high‑performance embedded and ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Louisville, CO · On-site

$129.60K - $169.80K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY Within Infleqtion's Computing Product Group (CPG), the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to own and deliver high-performance embedded and ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Louisville, CO · On-site

$129.60K - $169.80K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY Within Infleqtion's Computing Product Group (CPG), the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to own and deliver highperformance embedded and ...

Youll work closely with hardware, software, and manufacturing, which means you need to communicate ... Engineering is strongly preferred. In embedded firmware, the fundamentals matter. That background ...

As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer at Ursa Major, you will design, develop, and maintain the software powering our engines, vehicles, and avionics systems. You will be part of a small, high ...

ORA_HYBRID Description SAIC seeks a highly experienced and energetic Principal Software Engineer to ... Experience with real-time embedded software for ground-based radar. * Experience leading agile ...

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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 30, 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.
Lead Embedded Software Engineer

Lead Embedded Software Engineer

II-VI Aerospace & Defense

Longmont, CO • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Coherent Aerospace & Defense, Emerging Laser Subsystems Business Unit is seeking an embedded software engineer to contribute to the development of advanced laser systems for defense applications.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Software Architecture and Design: Works as a member of a cross-disciplinary team of systems engineers, optical engineers, electrical engineers, and FPGA engineers to conceptualize a system solution that meets customer requirements. Responsible for designing, developing, and documenting software for assigned projects. Creates design documentation including Software Requirements Documents, block diagrams, Software Design Documents, and Interface Control Documents. May serve as the lead software engineer on assigned projects.
  • Software Development and Test: Develops software (primarily embedded) to meet the requirements of the system under development. Writes software test plans and tests software at various levels of integration (unit tests, tests on target architecture, test with target electronics). Writes software scripts and tools to support software development and system test.
  • System Integration and Test Support: Develops Software Test Plans and supports integration and test activities from initial board-level bring-up through final system test.
  • Technical Expertise: Extensive knowledge and expertise in embedded systems and software development. Makes accurate detailed work plans for moderately complex systems/projects; may take lead role in planning and executing tasks; able to work many complex tasks simultaneously; able to plan resource requirements for task completion. Regularly works independently with minimal supervision to achieve goals and objectives. Able to complete routine work without considerable direction; receives general instructions on new assignments.

Education & Experience
Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 5 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years experience; or equivalent expeirence.
Skills
  • Must have significant demonstrated experience in designing and developing software solutions in embedded systems. Must have deep understanding of tradeoffs involved in hardware/software functional partitioning.
  • Must have a strong understanding of embedded processor platforms and be familiar with microcontrollers, FPGAs and system-on-chip devices. Experience with AMD/Xilinx platforms is preferred.
  • Must have significant past experience developing software in C and C++, and a strong background in object-oriented programming. Must have strong debugging and troubleshooting skills. Experience developing in one or more of the following are also highly desirable: C#, Python, LabVIEW.
  • Must have significant experience developing software for real-time operating systems (RTOS) and/or embedded Linux
  • Must have strong understanding of embedded hardware devices, chip-to-chip interfaces, and networking protocols.
  • Must have demonstrated experience working with cross-disciplinary engineering teams to develop and test highly-functional integrated systems.
  • Experience working with laser systems is desired but not required. Past experience on high-reliability systems for defense and/or space is desired but not required.
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain a US Government security clearance if one is required to perform the job responsibilities.

Working Conditions
Primarily an engineering design function with office working conditions.
Physical Requirements
Primarily an engineering design function with few physical requirements.
Safety Requirements
All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and II-VI Corporate EHS standards. This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities.
Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently. They will ensure that risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Coherent Aerospace & Defense is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8. U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State."
About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.
About the Team
II-VI Aerospace & Defense is a high technology company, offering careers in offices and campuses in California, Colorado, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. We work with emerging technology in areas of atmospheric sensing and imaging, adaptive optics, optical communications, coherent beam combining, and numerical performance analysis of atmospheric optics systems. II-VI A&D has recently been awarded several new government contracts and we are offering opportunities to leverage your technical experience and interpersonal skills for something more than a simple paycheck. If this sounds like the type of environment you are seeking at this point in your career, and if your background meets these qualifications, please apply. We will offer a competitive salary and benefits. Since II-VI A&D is a rapidly expanding organization, it means that significant opportunities exists for career advancement and professional development.