1

Principal Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts

The Embedded Software Engineer (PMTS) provides technical expertise and leadership for the development of complex, real-time embedded software applications in resource constrained computing ...

The Embedded Software Engineer (PMTS) provides technical expertise and leadership for the development of complex, real-time embedded software applications in resource constrained computing ...

The Embedded Software Engineer (PMTS) provides technical expertise and leadership for the development of complex, real-time embedded software applications in resource constrained computing ...

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Marlborough, MA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This is your opportunity to join the Receiver/ Exciter & Processing Architecture (REPA) Department as a Principal Embedded Software Engineer. The department's primary goal is to design, develop, and ...

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Marlborough, MA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This is your opportunity to join the Receiver/ Exciter & Processing Architecture (REPA) Department as a Principal Embedded Software Engineer. The department's primary goal is to design, develop, and ...

Experience 10+ years experience in Software Engineering or related field. Additional Expertise in embedded systems, multi-core operating systems, modifying or writing kernel code, machine code, and C ...

Experience 10+ years experience in Software Engineering or related field. Additional Expertise in embedded systems, multi-core operating systems, modifying or writing kernel code, machine code, and C ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

As an Embedded Software Engineer at MORSE, you will be developing software to support Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) R&D programs. In this role, you will be involved with all aspects of the ...

Showing results 21-40

Principal Embedded Software Engineer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$131.6K

$177.3K

$204.8K

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

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal embedded software engineer in Massachusetts is $177,317.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $164,900.00 and $192,200.00 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 job categories do people searching Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Massachusetts look for?

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

Infographic showing various Principal Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Massachusetts 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 $177,317 per year, or $85.2 per hour.

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Third Pole, Inc.

Waltham, MA

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

The Principal Software Engineer provides expertise in the design, development, characterization, and testing of complex software/firmware used to drive and manage complex electromechanical medical devices. In this role you will interface with a strong multidisciplinary team across the full product development life cycle including requirements, risk, implementation and testing activities. This position is full-time onsite in Waltham, MA.

Responsibilities:

  • Collaboratively work with Systems Engineering to translate system level requirements into product architectures making tradeoff decisions regarding hardware and software partitioning
  • Uses modeling, hardware-in-the-loop simulation and actual devices to develop, debug and test complex systems to meet required performance
  • Develop software subsystem architectures aligned to product level requirements and architectures including software requirements definitions and sub-system designs
  • Design and develop software/firmware utilizing C and C++ on embedded real time operating systems (RTOS) following company and industry requirements and best practices
  • Performs advanced risk analyses using FMEA and fault tree methods. Works with other engineering disciplines to develop, implement, and verify solutions
  • Perform software verification including code reviews, writing unit test cases, and running static analysis
  • Document system design inputs and outputs using the Third Pole's design control and document management system
  • Evaluates product performance on an on-going basis and initiates and evaluates required changes to the designs to improve and optimize performance
  • Solve complex software issues by analyzing critical factors and recommending corrective or alternative actions
  • Ensures adherence to company quality system, product specifications, industry standards, and quality and regulatory procedures and requirements
  • Maintains accurate documentation of concepts, designs, drawings, and processes through lab notebooks or other methods

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Software or Electrical Engineering. Master's degree preferred.
  • 10+ years Software Engineering experience in the design and development of complex, real time software driven electromechanical Class II medical devices in C and C++; Class III experience preferred
  • Detailed knowledge of key regulatory requirements included ISO 13485, ISO 14971, ISO 62304 as well as FDA QSR 21 CFR Part 820
  • Recent microcontroller experience
  • Experience with electronic design control and document management systems preferred
  • Ability to work independently with high competency and little guidance.
  • Must be a creative problem solver that can think outside of the box to develop novel solutions to complex problems
  • Must be able to work in a fast paced, high energy, collaborative team that possesses a strong sense of urgency
  • Strong design control and documentation skills
  • Strong analytical and leadership skills

Third Pole logo

About Third Pole

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Waltham, MA, US

Year founded

2014