Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Minnesota
Principal Software Engineer jobs in Minnesota are in strong demand, concentrated in enterprise technology, financial services, healthcare IT, and defense and aerospace systems, with openings at senior and staff-level for architects and technical leads alike. The Twin Cities metro anchors most hiring, with Rochester and Duluth adding meaningful volume, and employers such as Best Buy, UnitedHealth Group, and Medtronic maintaining consistent demand for principal-level engineers. The most sought-after specialties include cloud platform engineering, distributed systems architecture, and embedded or safety-critical software. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 11+ Principal Software Engineer jobs
At Emerson, we help the world run safer and smarter. As a global leader in automation, our Analytical Instruments organization develops advanced technologies and solutions that safeguard industries and keep critical systems running.
Join our Liquid Analysis team in Shakopee, MN, as a Principal Embedded Software Engineer, where you'll focus primarily on new product development while also supporting sustaining engineering for process analytical equipment that protects water quality, supports life sciences, strengthens industrial safety, and serves industries worldwide.
If solving complex engineering problems with software excites you, this is an opportunity to help shape the architecture and technical foundation for an important new generation of product — become part of a team that’s growing, learning, and focused on delivering results!
IN THIS ROLE, YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL:
- Lead the architecture, design, and development of embedded software for new products and major product enhancements.
- Solve complex embedded software and hardware/software integration challenges, staying hands-on with development, debugging, and system integration.
- Lead complex software efforts from concept through completion, breaking down technical work, coordinating execution, managing dependencies and risks, and helping the team deliver results.
- Provide approachable, collaborative technical leadership and mentoring, helping engineers solve difficult problems and grow their capabilities.
- Partner with engineering leadership and global, cross-functional teams to build alignment, make sound technical decisions, and move complex work forward.
- Drive disciplined engineering practices aligned with our SDLA and IEC 62443-4-1, including requirements, design, cybersecurity, implementation, testing, reviews, documentation, and release.
- Define and improve software architectures, interfaces, development approaches, and testability across products and platforms.
- Lead meaningful technical and peer reviews that improve software quality and engineering outcomes. Explore and apply new technologies, tools, and approaches that advance our products and software engineering capabilities.
WHO YOU ARE: You take on the challenge of unfamiliar tasks. You deal constructively with problems that do not have clear solutions or outcomes. You grow from hardships and negative experiences You partner with others to get work done. You admit mistakes and gain insight from experiences.
FOR THIS ROLE, YOU WILL NEED:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
- 8 years of embedded software development
- Demonstrated technical leadership of complex embedded software development, including architecture, design, work breakdown, and mentoring. Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now and in the future Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1 (including those with OPT or CPT), H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS THAT SET YOU APART :
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field; ABET-accredited engineering degree preferred
- Deep knowledge of real-time, multi-threaded embedded systems and microcontroller-based products
- Strong proficiency in C/C++, with expertise in modular embedded software architecture, object-oriented design, design patterns, and UML
- Hands-on experience with embedded Ethernet and TCP/IP networking, including industrial Ethernet protocols and stacks such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, and PROFINET
- Working knowledge of embedded communication interfaces and industrial protocols such as CAN, SPI, UART/SCI, I²C, HART, Modbus, and PROFIBUS
- Demonstrated success solving complex embedded software and system-level technical problems
- Experience with secure software development lifecycle practices; familiarity with IEC 62443-4-1 or similar product cybersecurity standards preferred
- Ability to clearly communicate complex technical designs, decisions, and tradeoffs
- Experience applying AI-assisted engineering tools and approaches to improve software development, testing, debugging, and engineering productivity
- Demonstrated experience leading complex software efforts, including architecture and design decisions, technical planning and work breakdown, coordinating work across engineers, and mentoring others.
Our compensation philosophy is simple: we pay a competitive base salary, within the local market in which we operate, and reward performance during our annual merit review process. The salary range for this role is $150,000-$200,000 annually, commensurate with the skills, talent, capabilities, and experience each candidate brings to a role.
We recognize that for our organization to support a diverse workforce, we must focus on employee wellbeing. We know that to do your best work, you must have flexible, competitive benefit plans to meet you and your family’s physical, mental, financial, and social needs. We provide a market-leading 401(k) and profit-sharing plan, a variety of medical insurance plans, with dental and vision coverage, family formation benefits in addition to paid parental leave (maternal and paternal), Employee Assistance Program, tuition reimbursement, employee resource groups, recognition, and much more. Our culture prioritizes work-life balance and offers flexible time off plans, inclusive of vacation, holiday, and sick leave. Our goal is to offer a strong benefits foundation while allowing employees the flexibility to choose options that best suit their needs.
At Emerson, we are committed to fostering a culture where every employee is valued and respected for their unique experiences and perspectives. We believe a diverse and inclusive work environment contributes to the rich exchange of ideas and diversity of thoughts, that inspires innovation and brings the best solutions to our customers.
This philosophy is fundamental to living our company’s values and our responsibility to leave the world in a better place. Learn more about our Culture & Values and about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Emerson .
Our training programs and initiatives focus on end-to-end development, from onboarding through senior leadership. We provide a wide range of development opportunities, including face-to-face and virtual training, mentorship and coaching, project management, and on-the-job training.
#LI-BA1
#LI-HYBRID
WHY EMERSON
Our Commitment to Our People
At Emerson, we are motivated by a spirit of collaboration that helps our diverse, multicultural teams across the world drive innovation that makes the world healthier, safer, smarter, and more sustainable. And we want you to join us in our bold aspiration.
We have built an engaged community of inquisitive, dedicated people who thrive knowing they are welcomed, trusted, celebrated, and empowered to solve the world’s most complex problems — for our customers, our communities, and the planet. You’ll contribute to this vital work while further developing your skills through our award-winning employee development programs. We are a proud corporate citizen in every city where we operate and are committed to our people, our communities, and the world at large. We take this responsibility seriously and strive to make a positive impact through every endeavor.
At Emerson, you’ll see firsthand that our people are at the center of everything we do. So, let’s go. Let’s think differently. Learn, collaborate, and grow. Seek opportunity. Push boundaries. Be empowered to make things better. Speed up to break through. Let’s go, together.
Work Authorization
Emerson will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1(including those with OPT or CPT) , H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.
Accessibility Assistance or Accommodation
If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, please contact: idisability.administrator@emerson.com .
ABOUT EMERSON
Emerson is a global leader in automation technology and software. Through our deep domain expertise and legacy of flawless execution, Emerson helps customers in critical industries like life sciences, energy, power and renewables, chemical and advanced factory automation operate more sustainably while improving productivity, energy security and reliability.
With global operations and a comprehensive portfolio of software and technology, we are helping companies implement digital transformation to measurably improve their operations, conserve valuable resources and enhance their safety.
We offer equitable opportunities, celebrate diversity, and embrace challenges with confidence that, together, we can make an impact across a broad spectrum of countries and industries. Whether you’re an established professional looking for a career change, an undergraduate student exploring possibilities, or a recent graduate with an advanced degree, you’ll find your chance to make a difference with Emerson. Join our team – let’s go!
No calls or agencies please.
At Emerson, we help the world run safer and smarter. As a global leader in automation, our Analytical Instruments organization develops advanced technologies and solutions that safeguard industries and keep critical systems running.
Join our Liquid Analysis team in Shakopee, MN, as a Principal Embedded Software Engineer, where you'll focus primarily on new product development while also supporting sustaining engineering for process analytical equipment that protects water quality, supports life sciences, strengthens industrial safety, and serves industries worldwide.
If solving complex engineering problems with software excites you, this is an opportunity to help shape the architecture and technical foundation for an important new generation of product — become part of a team that’s growing, learning, and focused on delivering results!
IN THIS ROLE, YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL:
- Lead the architecture, design, and development of embedded software for new products and major product enhancements.
- Solve complex embedded software and hardware/software integration challenges, staying hands-on with development, debugging, and system integration.
- Lead complex software efforts from concept through completion, breaking down technical work, coordinating execution, managing dependencies and risks, and helping the team deliver results.
- Provide approachable, collaborative technical leadership and mentoring, helping engineers solve difficult problems and grow their capabilities.
- Partner with engineering leadership and global, cross-functional teams to build alignment, make sound technical decisions, and move complex work forward.
- Drive disciplined engineering practices aligned with our SDLA and IEC 62443-4-1, including requirements, design, cybersecurity, implementation, testing, reviews, documentation, and release.
- Define and improve software architectures, interfaces, development approaches, and testability across products and platforms.
- Lead meaningful technical and peer reviews that improve software quality and engineering outcomes. Explore and apply new technologies, tools, and approaches that advance our products and software engineering capabilities.
WHO YOU ARE: You take on the challenge of unfamiliar tasks. You deal constructively with problems that do not have clear solutions or outcomes. You grow from hardships and negative experiences You partner with others to get work done. You admit mistakes and gain insight from experiences.
FOR THIS ROLE, YOU WILL NEED:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
- 8 years of embedded software development
- Demonstrated technical leadership of complex embedded software development, including architecture, design, work breakdown, and mentoring. Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now and in the future Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1 (including those with OPT or CPT), H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS THAT SET YOU APART :
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field; ABET-accredited engineering degree preferred
- Deep knowledge of real-time, multi-threaded embedded systems and microcontroller-based products
- Strong proficiency in C/C++, with expertise in modular embedded software architecture, object-oriented design, design patterns, and UML
- Hands-on experience with embedded Ethernet and TCP/IP networking, including industrial Ethernet protocols and stacks such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, and PROFINET
- Working knowledge of embedded communication interfaces and industrial protocols such as CAN, SPI, UART/SCI, I²C, HART, Modbus, and PROFIBUS
- Demonstrated success solving complex embedded software and system-level technical problems
- Experience with secure software development lifecycle practices; familiarity with IEC 62443-4-1 or similar product cybersecurity standards preferred
- Ability to clearly communicate complex technical designs, decisions, and tradeoffs
- Experience applying AI-assisted engineering tools and approaches to improve software development, testing, debugging, and engineering productivity
- Demonstrated experience leading complex software efforts, including architecture and design decisions, technical planning and work breakdown, coordinating work across engineers, and mentoring others.
Our compensation philosophy is simple: we pay a competitive base salary, within the local market in which we operate, and reward performance during our annual merit review process. The salary range for this role is $150,000-$200,000 annually, commensurate with the skills, talent, capabilities, and experience each candidate brings to a role.
We recognize that for our organization to support a diverse workforce, we must focus on employee wellbeing. We know that to do your best work, you must have flexible, competitive benefit plans to meet you and your family’s physical, mental, financial, and social needs. We provide a market-leading 401(k) and profit-sharing plan, a variety of medical insurance plans, with dental and vision coverage, family formation benefits in addition to paid parental leave (maternal and paternal), Employee Assistance Program, tuition reimbursement, employee resource groups, recognition, and much more. Our culture prioritizes work-life balance and offers flexible time off plans, inclusive of vacation, holiday, and sick leave. Our goal is to offer a strong benefits foundation while allowing employees the flexibility to choose options that best suit their needs.
At Emerson, we are committed to fostering a culture where every employee is valued and respected for their unique experiences and perspectives. We believe a diverse and inclusive work environment contributes to the rich exchange of ideas and diversity of thoughts, that inspires innovation and brings the best solutions to our customers.
This philosophy is fundamental to living our company’s values and our responsibility to leave the world in a better place. Learn more about our Culture & Values and about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Emerson .
Our training programs and initiatives focus on end-to-end development, from onboarding through senior leadership. We provide a wide range of development opportunities, including face-to-face and virtual training, mentorship and coaching, project management, and on-the-job training.
#LI-BA1
#LI-HYBRID
WHY EMERSON
Our Commitment to Our People
At Emerson, we are motivated by a spirit of collaboration that helps our diverse, multicultural teams across the world drive innovation that makes the world healthier, safer, smarter, and more sustainable. And we want you to join us in our bold aspiration.
We have built an engaged community of inquisitive, dedicated people who thrive knowing they are welcomed, trusted, celebrated, and empowered to solve the world’s most complex problems — for our customers, our communities, and the planet. You’ll contribute to this vital work while further developing your skills through our award-winning employee development programs. We are a proud corporate citizen in every city where we operate and are committed to our people, our communities, and the world at large. We take this responsibility seriously and strive to make a positive impact through every endeavor.
At Emerson, you’ll see firsthand that our people are at the center of everything we do. So, let’s go. Let’s think differently. Learn, collaborate, and grow. Seek opportunity. Push boundaries. Be empowered to make things better. Speed up to break through. Let’s go, together.
Work Authorization
Emerson will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1(including those with OPT or CPT) , H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.
Accessibility Assistance or Accommodation
If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, please contact: idisability.administrator@emerson.com .
ABOUT EMERSON
Emerson is a global leader in automation technology and software. Through our deep domain expertise and legacy of flawless execution, Emerson helps customers in critical industries like life sciences, energy, power and renewables, chemical and advanced factory automation operate more sustainably while improving productivity, energy security and reliability.
With global operations and a comprehensive portfolio of software and technology, we are helping companies implement digital transformation to measurably improve their operations, conserve valuable resources and enhance their safety.
We offer equitable opportunities, celebrate diversity, and embrace challenges with confidence that, together, we can make an impact across a broad spectrum of countries and industries. Whether you’re an established professional looking for a career change, an undergraduate student exploring possibilities, or a recent graduate with an advanced degree, you’ll find your chance to make a difference with Emerson. Join our team – let’s go!
No calls or agencies please.
See All 11 Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsPrincipal Software Engineer Jobs by City in Minnesota
Where Minnesota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Principal Software Engineer Job Market in Minnesota
A snapshot from current Minnesota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Medical Devices
- Electronics & Hardware
What Minnesota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal software engineer jobs across Minnesota.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field
- Ten or more years of software engineering experience including senior or staff-level roles
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical direction and mentor engineering teams across large organizations
- Deep expertise in distributed systems, cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure, or embedded software
- Experience driving system design, architecture reviews, and cross-functional technical decisions
- Strong communication skills for partnering with product management, engineering leadership, and stakeholders
Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a principal software engineer in Minnesota?
Becoming a principal software engineer in Minnesota does not require a state-issued license, but employers consistently expect a bachelor's degree in computer science or software engineering and extensive hands-on experience building and leading complex systems. Most principal engineers reach the role after progressing through mid-level and senior engineering positions, accumulating depth in a specific technical domain and demonstrating the ability to set technical direction for teams and products.
How much do principal software engineers make in Minnesota?
Principal software engineers in Minnesota earn a median of about $130,050 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $79,900 for the lowest 10% to over $169,810 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire principal software engineers in Minnesota?
Companies currently hiring principal software engineers in Minnesota include Shutterfly, Senseonics, Incorporated, and Chewy, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Minnesota's concentration of large healthcare, financial services, and retail technology headquarters means demand for principal engineers is consistent and spread across multiple high-growth sectors.
Which Minnesota cities have the most principal software engineer jobs?
Minneapolis, Eden Prairie, and Medina have the most principal software engineer openings in Minnesota. The Twin Cities metro drives the majority of listings, anchored by the regional headquarters of major employers in healthcare technology, financial services, and enterprise retail IT, while Rochester's concentration of medical technology and health systems employers supports demand in that market.
Are there remote principal software engineer jobs in Minnesota?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 100% of principal software engineer openings tied to Minnesota are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how deeply the role can be performed from anywhere with a strong internet connection. Architecture, system design, and technical leadership work is especially well-suited to distributed settings, making this one of the more remote-accessible senior engineering roles.
How can I get hired as a principal software engineer in Minnesota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is landing an associate or mid-level software engineering role first. Large Minnesota employers like UnitedHealth Group, Medtronic, and Target run new-graduate and rotational engineering programs that build the foundational experience principal roles require. Moving into a senior engineer or technical lead position from a staff or backend developer role is the most common lateral step, and building a portfolio demonstrating system design and architecture decisions gives candidates a meaningful edge when applying.
Where can I find and apply to principal software engineer jobs in Minnesota?
You can find and apply to principal software engineer jobs in Minnesota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings in the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level, technical specialty, and preferred location or remote arrangement, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 11 Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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