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Principal Embedded Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bexorg

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

New Haven, CT · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Principal Embedded Software Engineer Fluidic Controls & Instrumentation BrainEx Platform Bexorg, Inc.On-site, New Haven, CTAbout Bexorg Bexorg is on a mission to move medicine forward by developing ...

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal embedded software engineer in the United States is $162,359.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $151,000.00 and $176,000.00 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.
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Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Embedded Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,359 per year, or $78.1 per hour.

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Leonardo DRS

Melbourne, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Leonardo DRS rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

117th of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job ID: 114737 
Location: Melbourne FL 
Schedule: 9/80 

The Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business within DRS has locations in Dallas and Austin, TX, Melbourne, FL, and Cypress, CA.  EOIS develops, manufactures, and supports infrared and electro-optical solutions for soldiers, ground vehicles and airborne platforms.  We offer an exciting and challenging work environment, a competitive salary and benefits package, and a business culture that rewards performance. 

 Employing the world's brightest. Supporting the world's bravest.

Job Summary

The Principal Embedded Software Engineer serves as a technical leader responsible for defining software architecture, leading execution of complex embedded software projects, and driving technical decisions across multiple disciplines. This role combines deep hands-on technical expertise with project leadership responsibilities. The individual is expected to function as an individual contributor while also leading small software teams, coordinating technical execution, assigning work, monitoring progress, managing technical risks, and communicating project status to engineering and program leadership. The Principal Engineer is recognized as a subject matter expert and is responsible for ensuring successful technical execution of critical business and customer programs.

Job Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

  • Define software architectures for complex embedded systems and mission-critical products.
  • Lead technical strategy, design reviews, and architectural decisions.
  • Serve as the technical authority for software development activities.
  • Drive technical solutions involving processors, FPGAs, sensors, imaging systems, networking, and embedded platforms.
  • Evaluate technologies, tools, frameworks, and development approaches.
  • Lead root-cause investigations for complex system-level issues.

Project Leadership

  • Lead small software development teams while remaining an active contributor.
  • Translate program objectives into executable software development plans.
  • Break down project work into tasks and assign responsibilities across team members.
  • Track execution against schedules, milestones, and technical deliverables.
  • Identify, communicate, and mitigate technical and program risks.
  • Coordinate software activities across systems, hardware, FPGA, verification, manufacturing, and program teams.
  • Provide regular project status, risks, and recovery plans to engineering management and program leadership.
  • Support staffing, workload balancing, and technical mentoring activities.

Individual Contributor Responsibilities

  • Develop, integrate, debug, and verify embedded software.
  • Perform code reviews and maintain software quality standards.
  • Support customer demonstrations, field activities, integration events, and technical reviews.
  • Contribute directly to critical project deliverables when needed.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical discipline.
  • Minimum 8 years of embedded software development experience.
  • Expert-level proficiency in C and C++.
  • Strong Python development experience.
  • Extensive experience with Bare-Metal, FreeRTOS, and Embedded Linux environments.
  • Extensive experience with AMD/Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC and/or MicroBlaze platforms.
  • Strong understanding of embedded software architecture, real-time systems, and hardware/software co-design.
  • Experience developing complex device drivers and middleware components.
  • Experience leading software development efforts through the full product lifecycle.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead small engineering teams while remaining a hands-on contributor.
  • Experience developing project schedules, assigning technical work, and tracking execution.
  • Experience presenting technical status, risks, and recommendations to management and stakeholders.
  • Strong technical decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience leading embedded software efforts for defense, aerospace, medical, or safety-critical products.
  • Experience with EO/IR imaging systems, video processing, sensor integration, and high-speed interfaces.
  • Experience with Ethernet, TCP/IP, lwIP, networking protocols, and distributed embedded systems.
  • Experience with requirements-based development and formal verification methodologies.
  • Experience supporting proposal activities, technical planning, and technology roadmaps.
  • Experience serving as a technical lead, team lead, or project lead on multi-disciplinary engineering 

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. 
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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