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Principal Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Rochester, MI · On-site

$121K - $159K/yr

S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Electronics Engineering with 5+ years of software development experience using C and assembly software for embedded controllers ...

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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 23, 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 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.

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.

Embedded Software Engineer

Pi Square Technologies LLC

Detroit, MI • On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Embedded Software Engineer
Job Summary
We are seeking experienced Embedded Software Engineers to join our automotive engineering team in the Detroit Metro area. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in embedded C development, AUTOSAR architecture, automotive communication protocols, safety-critical systems, and low-level software debugging for next-generation vehicle and ADAS platforms.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electronics & Communication Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in embedded software development.
Mandatory Skills
  • Embedded software development using C.
  • Experience across all software layers, from low-level device drivers to application software.
  • Strong debugging and performance optimization experience in complex embedded systems.
  • Development and debugging of CAN-FD communication.
  • Experience with AUTOSAR toolchains (DaVinci preferred) for BSW, SWC, RTE design and diagnostic file generation.
  • Knowledge of ISO 26262 and ASPICE for safety-critical automotive applications.
  • Experience with UDS (ISO-14229) diagnostics.
  • Hands-on experience with Lauterbach debugging tools.
  • Experience working with ADAS SoCs and ADAS technologies.
  • Python scripting.
  • Boot-time and runtime profiling & optimization.
  • Memory driver development (Internal/External Flash, Emulated Flash).
  • Knowledge of wear leveling, garbage collection, page swap, redundant storage, and recovery strategies.
  • Linux and/or QNX environments.
  • Unit testing tools such as GTest and Parasoft.
  • Bazel build environment.
  • Inter-processor communication protocols: SPI, IPC, PCIe, SDIO, UART.
  • Ethernet driver development/debugging.
  • Cybersecurity concepts, secure boot, and chain-of-trust.
  • Experience with JIRA and JAMA.
  • Agile development methodologies.
  • Embedded software development using C++.
  • FreeRTOS/SafeRTOS.
  • Manufacturing software support.
  • DMA, shared memory, and multicore BSW concepts.
  • Development of BIST and runtime safety check drivers based on microcontroller safety manuals.
Preferred Experience
  • Automotive ECU software development.
  • ADAS, Autonomous Driving, and Safety Systems.
  • Real-Time Embedded Systems.
  • Automotive diagnostics and communication protocols.