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Principal Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Texas

Principal/Staff Software Engineer

Richardson, TX · On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

As a Principal Embedded Software Engineer, you will play a critical role in designing and implementing firmware for advanced optical transport systems. Acting as the bridge between hardware and ...

As a Principal Embedded Software Engineer, you will play a critical role in designing and implementing firmware for advanced optical transport systems. Acting as the bridge between hardware and ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Location: Austin, Texas (USA) Annual Salary: $120,000 - $175,000 per annum Company overview & Job Title: A leading engineering company located in Austin, Texas (USA) who ...

Embedded Software Engineer Location: Grand Prairie, TX 75052 Rate: $80 to $96.00 an hour with partial benefits - W2 Hourly Contract Only Clearance: DoD Secret Clearance ***No C2C, we can NOT work ...

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Principal Embedded Software Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$112.3K

$151.3K

$174.7K

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 Texas is $151,263.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,700.00 and $164,000.00 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 Texas look for?

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

Infographic showing various Principal Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,263 per year, or $72.7 per hour.

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

CesiumAstro

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
 
At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.  

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Embedded Software Engineer II to join our software team. 

In this posiiton, you will be the organization's technical authority for embedded software engineering, responsible for defining embedded software architectures, advancing engineering methodologies, and solving the organization's most complex software and hardware integration challenges. This role shapes the technical direction of multiple products and programs while driving the development of next-generation embedded software technologies.

Working cross-functionally with software, electrical, systems, hardware, quality, and test engineering teams, this role advises leadership, customers, and engineering organizations while advancing technical excellence and organizational capability.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Establish embedded software architectures, software frameworks, engineering standards, and development methodologies supporting current and future products.
  • Contribute to the development of next-generation embedded software technologies, firmware frameworks, real-time applications, device drivers, middleware, and software platforms.
  • Oversee the organization's most complex embedded software engineering initiatives, developing innovative software solutions that satisfy product, customer, performance, safety, and system requirements.
  • Direct highly complex software verification, validation, debugging, integration, and system performance activities across multidisciplinary development programs.
  • Evaluate software test results, hardware interfaces, system behavior, performance metrics, and engineering observations to develop innovative solutions for complex software and hardware integration challenges.
  • Guide implementation of software improvements, defect resolutions, engineering changes, and corrective actions that strengthen software reliability, maintainability, performance, and product quality.
  • Advise leadership, engineering teams, customers, and program teams on embedded software architectures, engineering methodologies, emerging technologies, and technical direction.
  • Lead architecture reviews, customer engagements, technical investigations, multidisciplinary engineering initiatives, and critical program assessments.
  • Mentor senior engineers while promoting advanced embedded software engineering practices and supporting technical capability across the engineering organization.
  • Advance embedded software engineering through innovative software architectures, development methodologies, coding practices, and emerging technologies.
  • Review embedded software engineering methodologies, engineering processes, and industry advancements to identify opportunities that strengthen organizational capability.
  • Drive initiatives that improve software quality, reliability, maintainability, engineering efficiency, product performance, and technical excellence.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master of Science (MS) degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
  • Minimum of 15 years of experience in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related engineering field.
  • Mastery of embedded software principles, firmware development, SDLC, software architecture, and embedded system design.
  • Expertise in C/C++, Python, version control, debugging tools, embedded IDEs, software optimization, and low-level software development.
  • Experience in embedded systems design with preemptive, multitasking real-time operating systems (experience with real-time Linux is desirable).
  •  Comprehensive knowledge of RTOS, microcontrollers, hardware interfaces, communication protocols, peripheral integration, and embedded computing architectures.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
  • Extensive knowledge of software product development, software verification, coding standards, configuration management, continuous integration, release management, and engineering standards.
  • Advanced understanding of hardware integration, system-level debugging, software performance optimization, product lifecycle management, and emerging embedded software technologies.
  • Familiarity with software configuration management tools, defect tracking tools, and peer review.
  • Excellent knowledge of real-time system coding techniques, IP protocols, interfaces, and hardware subsystems.
  • Excellent understanding of multi-threaded applications and resource management.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
  • Experience with products for aerospace applications.
  • Adequate knowledge of reading electronics schematics and component data sheets.
  • Experience with ARM processors and fully-featured microcontrollers.
  • Experience in design and development of a Software Development Kit (SDK).
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.  Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.  
 
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
 
Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.