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Principal Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Schaumburg, IL

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Principal Embedded Software Engineer information

See Schaumburg, IL salary details

$118.3K

$159.4K

$184.1K

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

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal embedded software engineer in Schaumburg, IL is $159,431.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $148,300.00 and $172,800.00 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 are popular job titles related to Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Schaumburg, IL?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Schaumburg, IL are:

Infographic showing various Principal Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Schaumburg, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $159,431 per year, or $76.6 per hour.

Embedded Software/Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$132K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
As an Embedded Software Engineer/Principal Embedded Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation.
Northrop Grumman is looking to add to our talented team of Embedded Software Engineers. Our engineers are self-starters who are part of a team of software professionals developing world-class software to meet our customer's high expectations. The Embedded Software Engineer/Principal Embedded Software Engineer designs, develops, operates, and maintains software and firmware components and computing systems software to be applied to and integrated with engineering, scientific and manufacturing requirements. The individual shall apply the appropriate standards, processes, procedures, and tools throughout the system development life cycle to support the generation of engineering applications and products within the Business Unit. This includes interfacing with customers, suppliers, application users and other technical and support personnel. The ideal individual will have experience including the full software development life cycle, which includes requirements, design, coding, testing, and integration.
This position can be filled at the Software or Principal Software level based on specific requirements.
#MSRMTA
This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location.
Basic Qualifications for Embedded Software Engineer:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 2+ years of engineering experience, or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline or in lieu of degree, an additional 4 years of experience is required.
  • Object Oriented Programming in C++
  • Hands-on experience with Wind River Simics for developing, debugging, and maintaining virtual platforms and system-level models.
  • Deep understanding of computer architecture (ARM, x86, RISC-V).
  • Familiarity with software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design).
  • Experience developing embedded software running Linux or VxWorks operating systems.
  • Working knowledge of software integration and test principles and processes.
  • Experience in test automation scripting and languages (Python, Linux, automated software test tools such as Robot Framework, and Selenium).
  • Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc).
  • US Citizenship
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance prior to start.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Embedded Software Engineer:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 5+ years of engineering experience, or 3+ years with a Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline or in lieu of degree, an additional 4 years of experience is required.
  • Object Oriented Programming in C++
  • Hands-on experience with Wind River Simics for developing, debugging, and maintaining virtual platforms and system-level models.
  • Deep understanding of computer architecture (ARM, x86, RISC-V).
  • Familiarity with software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design).
  • Experience developing embedded software running Linux or VxWorks operating systems.
  • Working knowledge of software integration and test principles and processes.
  • Experience in test automation scripting and languages (Python, Linux, automated software test tools such as Robot Framework, and Selenium).
  • Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc).
  • US Citizenship
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance prior to start.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with Object Oriented Programming in C++17.
  • Experience bringing up operating systems (VxWorks, GreenHills Integrity, Yocto Linux) and debugging BIOS, UEFI, or device drivers on virtual hardware targets.
  • Experience with complex systems that utilize Parallel Processing, Multi-Threading, Distributed Processing, Multi-Core, System-on-Chip, and Secure Processing.
  • Experience using Git, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing frameworks, and containerized software development environments.
  • Experience working with rootless Podman container environments.
  • Differentiating characteristics include demonstrated leadership and teamwork capability, interpersonal communication skills and activities.
  • Be able to work independently and in a team environment and have excellent oral/written communication skills.

Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939