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Principal Embedded Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Software Engineer II

Westford, MA · On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

To learn more about our Principal Embedded Software Engineer opportunity, keep reading! Johnson Controls is searching for a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to be located at the R&D facility in ...

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Principal Embedded Software Engineer information

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$162.4K

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

As of Jul 23, 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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What cities are hiring for Principal Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
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Infographic showing various Principal Embedded Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,359 per year, or $78.1 per hour.
Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Silvus Technologies

Irvine, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

THE OPPORTUNITY

Silvus is seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer, who will report to the Director of Software Engineering on our Software Engineering team. The successful individual in this role will participate in the development of Silvus' MANET radios and advanced research projects.   This is an opportunity to work on all aspects of the system including device drivers, networking functions and services, encryption, and security features.

This position is fully onsite, Monday through Friday, at Silvus Technologies' Engineering and R&D Office in Irvine, CA, near the vibrant Irvine Spectrum.

The following is a list of at least some of the current essential job functions of the position. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time at its discretion.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead the architectural design and development of highly efficient low-latency embedded firmware on ARM-based SoCs (e.g., UltraScale+), and optimizing Linux-based networking stacks for wireless applications.
  • Implementation of the software portion of MAC (Medium Access Control) and mobile ad-hoc networking routing protocols.
  • Network management software and web interface implementation.
  • Implementation of different security protocols and encryption algorithms.
  • Audio streaming and push-to-talk voice application implementation.
  • Analyzing and improving product security and robustness to meet certain regulatory requirements such as NIST FIPS 140-3 and NIAP Common Criteria.
  • Implementation of testing software for product performance and reliability testing.
  • Device driver and board support package development and maintenance for both ARM and RISC-V based systems.
  • Linux system customization and scripting.
  • Perform other related duties of which the above are representative.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or relevant engineering fields.
  • 8+ years of relevant embedded system software development experience.
  • Demonstrated hands-on and lead expertise designing and developing embedded firmware using embedded Linux on ARM processors, for networking, signal processing and/or wireless applications
  • Expertise in C programming and experience in Linux kernel driver development.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen due to clients under U.S. government contracts.
  • All employment is contingent upon the successful clearance of a background check and drug test.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Knowledge of and experience with different security protocols and encryption algorithms such as suite of CNSA algorithms.
  • Demonstrated experience with socket programming and various Internet/Ethernet protocols.
  • Understanding of MAC and Networking layer of a communication system.
  • Experience in AMD UltraScale+ MPSoC and Microchip Polarfire SoC BSP support package development.
  • Deep understanding of Internet Protocol Security (IPsec), network protocols, data authentication and encryption.
  • Linux Interrupt Service Routine development.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Office environment.
  • Occasional exposure to heat, cold, and allergens while performing tests or demonstrations in the field.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to do the following:
    • Lift equipment up to 20 lbs. for the set-up of demonstrations and testing.
    • Perform bending and reaching movements to place items on lower and higher shelves.
    • Kneeling or squatting to access lower shelves.
    • Walking/Moving in the labs.