ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Principal Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI

ITW Avery Weigh-Tronix

Embedded Software Engineer

MI · On-site

$118K - $156K/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 ...

fng

Embedded Software Engineer

Allen Park, MI

$119K - $157K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer in Allen Park, MI. Flex-N-Gate This successful candidate will translate customer and product requirements to software architecture specifications, develop the embedded ...

fng

Embedded Software Engineer

Allen Park, MI · On-site

$119K - $157K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer in Allen Park, MI. Flex-N-Gate This successful candidate will translate customer and product requirements to software architecture specifications, develop the embedded ...

fng

Embedded Software Engineer

Allen Park, MI

$119K - $157K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer in Allen Park, MI. Flex-N-Gate This successful candidate will translate customer and product requirements to software architecture specifications, develop the embedded ...

Flex-N-Gate

Embedded Software Engineer

Allen Park, MI · On-site

$119K - $157K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer in Allen Park, MI. Flex-N-Gate This successful candidate will translate customer and product requirements to software architecture specifications, develop the embedded ...

General Motors

Embedded Software Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

As an Embedded Software Engineer on the Universal Flash Orchestrator Team, you will develop the vehicle-side software which enables all systems on the vehicle to be updated quickly and safely via ...

General Motors

Embedded Software Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

As an Embedded Software Engineer on the Universal Flash Orchestrator Team, you will develop the vehicle-side software which enables all systems on the vehicle to be updated quickly and safely via ...

Stefanini

Embedded Software Engineer

Allen Park, MI · On-site

$119K - $157K/yr

Stefanini is looking for an Embedded Software Engineer (Allen Park, MI) For quick apply, please reach out to Navneet Pathak at / We are seeking candidate who will involve designing, developing ...

Brooksource

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Novi, MI · On-site

$60 - $70/hr

Senior Embedded Software Engineer Location: Novi, Mi (On-site) Contract to Hire Rate: $60-70 About the Role: We are seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to support the development of Battery ...

Astemo

Embedded Software Engineer

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site

$129K - $170K/yr

Engineering Position Overview and Objective Astemo's Advanced Engineering team is hiring an Engineer II to develop embedded software for next-generation AD/ADAS ECUs. This is a flexible role that ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Embedded Software Engineer JobsPrincipal Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI

Principal Embedded Software Engineer information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$119.3K

$160.7K

$185.6K

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

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal embedded software engineer in Detroit, MI is $160,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $149,500.00 and $174,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI?

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

What job categories do people searching Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI are:

Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 74% Full Time, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,730 per year, or $77.3 per hour.

PRINCIPAL EMBEDDED SOFTWARE & CONTROLS ENGINEER

CrossFire Group

New Hudson, MI • On-site

$104K - $173K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

PRINCIPAL EMBEDDED SOFTWARE & CONTROLS ENGINEER

Location: New Hudson, MI | Onsite
Direct Hire
Salary: $104,000 - $173,000, depending on experience
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Travel: Approximately 10%, primarily within the Great Lakes region

Become the Technical Expert Behind Advanced Motion Control Systems

Our Client is seeking a highly experienced Principal Embedded Software & Controls Engineer to serve as a technical subject matter expert in advanced motion controls, embedded systems, and state-space control methods.

This is a senior, hands-on technical role supporting the design, development, implementation, and validation of embedded control systems for advanced defense applications. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in modern control theory and can not only solve highly complex engineering challenges, but also teach, mentor, and grow controls capabilities across engineering teams.

You will support the full development lifecycle, from modeling and algorithm development through embedded deployment, hardware integration, vehicle testing, and field commissioning.

TOP QUALIFICATIONS
  • Senior-level experience implementing motion control systems and state estimators using state-space methods
  • Deep knowledge of classical and modern control theory
  • Ability to serve as a subject matter expert and technical mentor
  • Experience developing and deploying controls onto real embedded systems
  • Strong MATLAB, Simulink, and embedded C/C++ experience
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Advanced Controls Development
  • Design and implement control algorithms using classical and modern control techniques.
  • Develop advanced motion control strategies and state estimators.
  • Perform stability, robustness, and system performance analysis.
  • Design and tune multi-loop and multi-axis control architectures.
  • Deploy control algorithms using Simulink and embedded C/C++ environments.
  • Develop and validate controls through SIL, HIL, bench, and vehicle testing.
  • Support calibration, system commissioning, and field troubleshooting.
Modeling & Simulation
  • Develop state-space and frequency-domain models of electromechanical, hydraulic, and vehicle systems.
  • Apply physical modeling and system identification techniques.
  • Develop and validate state estimators.
  • Correlate simulation models with physical test data.
  • Identify system performance metrics and specifications.
  • Use simulation models to develop and refine advanced control strategies.
Technical Leadership
  • Serve as a technical authority for motion control and advanced control theory.
  • Mentor engineers in modern controls development techniques.
  • Help build deeper controls expertise across engineering teams.
  • Provide guidance on complex system-level engineering challenges.
  • Participate in design reviews and technical decision-making.
Hardware & System Integration
  • Support the selection and integration of electronic components and controllers.
  • Identify controller hardware based on I/O and computational requirements.
  • Communicate system requirements to mechanical and electrical engineering teams.
  • Troubleshoot complex system, controls, and electrical issues.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
  • Master's degree or PhD in Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline
  • 8+ years of engineering experience
  • Significant hands-on embedded controls development experience
  • Advanced experience with motion control and state-space techniques
DESIRED TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE
Experience with several of the following is highly desirable:
  • MATLAB
  • Simulink
  • Stateflow
  • State-space modeling
  • State estimation
  • Kalman filtering
  • LQR/LQG
  • Model Predictive Control
  • MIMO system design
  • Robust control
  • PID
  • Lead-lag compensation
  • Loop shaping
  • Root locus design
  • Feedforward control
  • Cascaded control architectures
  • Numerical optimization
  • Parameter fitting and control tuning
Additional tools and technologies may include:
  • Simulink/Stateflow Coder
  • MotoHawk
  • Raptor
  • OpenECU
  • dSPACE
  • Embedded C/C++
  • Microcontrollers
  • Linux
  • RTOS platforms
  • SIL and HIL testing
  • CAN
  • LIN
  • J1939
  • XCP/CCP
  • Ethernet
  • TCP/IP
  • UDP
  • EtherCAT
  • DDS
  • TSN
DEFENSE & VEHICLE EXPERIENCE
Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly valued:
  • Defense systems
  • Combat vehicle engineering
  • Weapon systems
  • Fire control systems
  • Turrets and ammunition handling systems
  • Actuator and motion control
  • Motors and valves
  • By-wire systems
  • Electric and hybrid vehicles
  • Vehicle-level simulation
  • Hardware/software integration
Knowledge of standards such as MIL-STD-498, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-882E, DO-178C, and DO-254 is also beneficial.

POSITION DETAILS
This is a fully onsite role in New Hudson, Michigan. Remote work is not available.
The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional additional hours may be required to support project deadlines.
Approximately 10% travel is expected, primarily within the Great Lakes region.
This position supports programs subject to U.S. export-control and government security requirements. Candidates must meet applicable eligibility requirements and be able to satisfy requirements associated with obtaining a U.S. Government security clearance.

INTERVIEW PROCESS
  1. HR phone screen
  2. Microsoft Teams interview with the hiring manager
  3. Onsite panel interview
If you are a senior controls engineer who wants to remain deeply technical while becoming the go-to expert for advanced motion control and state-space systems, we encourage you to apply.

#IND1
#ZR

Company Description

Using the best business practices obtained from many years of experience in Business, Law, and Recruiting and Staffing, the Founders at CrossFire Group (“CrossFire”) started in downtown Royal Oak, MI more than a decade ago. With backgrounds in Information Technology (IT) and the Legal Industry, CrossFire began placing by IT and Legal Professionals in contract and direct-hire positions throughout the Midwest.

Since our founding, CrossFire has grown into a full-service Human Capital Solutions Organization. We are proud of now providing full services beyond recruiting and staffing. Our portfolio of services includes HR supply chain management, human resources consulting, and many customized Human Resource related services.