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

As of Jul 2, 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, and why are they important?

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,359 per year, or $78.1 per hour.
Principal or Sr. Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Signal Processing)

Principal or Sr. Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Signal Processing)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Annapolis, MD

$135K - $203K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 346 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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 looking for a Principal or Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer with the desire to learn new technologies and develop software for cutting edge Undersea Payloads. The embedded software engineer will design, develop, integrate, and test software that manages an embedded, undersea payload unit ensuring compliance to established requirements. Selected individuals will work on an agile development team, primarily using C++, Linux and/or Python. This role will support the MSTS Business Unit in Annapolis, MD.

The individual will work through all phases of the software development cycle including design, development, integration, and test. The selected individual will conduct reviews of software-related products, software designs, and additional technical documents.

The responsibilities include active participation in cross-functional scrum teams, design reviews, and other reviews, as required. Also, developing new digital signal processing software. The selected individual will actively participate in technical, peer-reviews to ensure system/software requirements are being met from an end-to-end system point of view. Individuals must be self-starters and able to efficiently operate in a team environment. Existing engineering and system specialists will be made available to assist with any activities associated with executing primary tasking. However, the selected individuals will be expected to prioritize and make recommendations to Technical Leads, as required, to implement tasking assigned.

This position can be filled at a Principal or Senior Principal level.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Embedded Software Engineer:

Bachelor of Science (B.S) degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or an equivalent STEM related discipline with 5+ years software development experience working on embedded real-time systems or 3+ years with a master's degree, 0 years with a PhD

Experience in developing in C++ and Python

Experience in embedded software development

Experience developing in a Linux and/or Windows environment

Demonstrated experience as a technical lead

Experience with some form of signal data processing

US Citizen with active Top Secret clearance with ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI.

Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer:

Bachelor of Science (B.S) degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or an equivalent STEM related discipline with 8+ years of software development experience working on embedded real-time systems or 6+ years with a master's degree or 3+ years with a PhD

Experience in developing in C++ and Python

Experience in embedded software development

Experience developing in a Linux and/or Windows environment

Demonstrated experience as a technical lead

Experience with some form of signal data processing

US Citizen with active Top Secret clearance with ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with the Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket)

Experience in embedded C++ optimizations

Experience in JavaScript

Experience in Web GUI development, Qt, CUDA/ArrayFire coding, and Docker/k8s

Hands on hardware integration and testing experience

Ability to debug complex integrated applications or test setup issues

Active TS/SCI

NGFeaturedJobs

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00The 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

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