Embedded Jobs in San Diego, CA
Embedded jobs in San Diego are in strong demand, with opportunities concentrated in Sorrento Valley, Miramar, and Kearny Mesa across defense electronics, wireless communications, and autonomous systems. Employers actively hiring include Qualcomm, Northrop Grumman, and Apple. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 454+ Embedded jobs
Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software EngineeringGeneral Summary:
As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to enable next-generation experiences and drives digital transformation to help create a smarter, connected future for all. As a Qualcomm Software Engineer, you will design, develop, create, modify, and validate embedded and cloud edge software, applications, and/or specialized utility programs that launch cutting-edge, world class products that meet and exceed customer needs. Qualcomm Software Engineers collaborate with systems, hardware, architecture, test engineers, and other teams to design system-level software solutions and obtain information on performance requirements and interfaces.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
- 3+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
General Summary:
Qualcomm’s Automotive Platform Systems team designs and delivers reference platforms used for post-silicon validation, software development, and high-volume production test of Qualcomm Automotive chipsets. These highly integrated reference designs incorporate our high‑performance SoCs and a wide range of digital and analog peripherals required to showcase our performance in use cases for both Snapdragon Cockpit In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) and Snapdragon Ride Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) applications.
The APS Software team is composed of embedded software engineers with deep expertise in low‑level device drivers, firmware, and hardware/software interfaces. The team develops bare‑metal software and validation firmware used to bring up, test, and validate Qualcomm reference platforms. Work is performed in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment that directly supports hardware design validation, factory test enablement, and early platform bring‑up across multiple global sites.
This role requires strong technical depth in low‑level embedded software development and close collaboration with hardware, silicon, and systems teams. The ideal candidate is a self‑motivated problem solver who can work both independently and as part of a globally distributed team.
Technical Skills and Experience:
- Strong expertise in device driver and bare‑metal software development, including register‑level programming, GPIO configuration, and hardware bring‑up.
- Working knowledge of hardware interfaces and protocols including SPI, USB, I2C/I3C, I2S, PCIe, UART, RAM, UFS, DP, MIPI CSI/DSI, CAN, and Ethernet.
- Extensive experience with debug and bring‑up tools such as Lauterbach Trace32 and JTAG‑based debuggers.
- Experience with common Automotive peripherals such as ASIL-D Microcontrollers, CAN Transceivers, Camera/Display SerDes, PCIe Switches, Ethernet Swtiches and PHYs.
- Hands‑on experience using lab equipment including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, and bench power supplies.
- Deep understanding of ARM and/or RISC‑V processor architectures.
- Experience using software revision control systems such as Perforce.
- Ability to interpret datasheets, hardware design documents, schematics, and CCA drawings.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to collaborate effectively with international teams.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain bare‑metal firmware and low‑level device drivers to enable bring‑up and validation of Qualcomm Automotive reference platforms.
- Perform early hardware bring‑up and debug of new boards and chipsets, identifying issues across hardware, firmware, and system boundaries.
- Implement and extend test firmware used for platform validation, manufacturing test, and factory enablement.
- Collaborate closely with hardware design, silicon, systems, and validation teams to define requirements and resolve hardware/software integration issues.
- Analyze failures using schematics, register traces, logic analyzer data, and lab instrumentation, and drive issues to resolution.
- Support multiple platforms and hardware variants, adapting software to different configurations and use cases.
- Contribute to code reviews, documentation, and best practices for low‑level embedded software development.
- Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on embedded software, debugging techniques, and platform bring‑up.
- Participate in cross‑site and cross‑functional reviews, providing clear technical communication and status updates.
- Research and develop new test methods and capabilities.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. - 3+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in embedded systems development, device drivers, or firmware development.
- 10+ years of programming experience using languages such as C, C++, Python, Assembly, or similar.
- 10+ years of hands‑on experience with engineering lab tools such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and JTAG debuggers.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here . Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies : Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits :
$169,800.00 - $254,600.00The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer – and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link .
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers .
Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software EngineeringGeneral Summary:
As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to enable next-generation experiences and drives digital transformation to help create a smarter, connected future for all. As a Qualcomm Software Engineer, you will design, develop, create, modify, and validate embedded and cloud edge software, applications, and/or specialized utility programs that launch cutting-edge, world class products that meet and exceed customer needs. Qualcomm Software Engineers collaborate with systems, hardware, architecture, test engineers, and other teams to design system-level software solutions and obtain information on performance requirements and interfaces.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
- 3+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
General Summary:
Qualcomm’s Automotive Platform Systems team designs and delivers reference platforms used for post-silicon validation, software development, and high-volume production test of Qualcomm Automotive chipsets. These highly integrated reference designs incorporate our high‑performance SoCs and a wide range of digital and analog peripherals required to showcase our performance in use cases for both Snapdragon Cockpit In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) and Snapdragon Ride Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) applications.
The APS Software team is composed of embedded software engineers with deep expertise in low‑level device drivers, firmware, and hardware/software interfaces. The team develops bare‑metal software and validation firmware used to bring up, test, and validate Qualcomm reference platforms. Work is performed in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment that directly supports hardware design validation, factory test enablement, and early platform bring‑up across multiple global sites.
This role requires strong technical depth in low‑level embedded software development and close collaboration with hardware, silicon, and systems teams. The ideal candidate is a self‑motivated problem solver who can work both independently and as part of a globally distributed team.
Technical Skills and Experience:
- Strong expertise in device driver and bare‑metal software development, including register‑level programming, GPIO configuration, and hardware bring‑up.
- Working knowledge of hardware interfaces and protocols including SPI, USB, I2C/I3C, I2S, PCIe, UART, RAM, UFS, DP, MIPI CSI/DSI, CAN, and Ethernet.
- Extensive experience with debug and bring‑up tools such as Lauterbach Trace32 and JTAG‑based debuggers.
- Experience with common Automotive peripherals such as ASIL-D Microcontrollers, CAN Transceivers, Camera/Display SerDes, PCIe Switches, Ethernet Swtiches and PHYs.
- Hands‑on experience using lab equipment including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, and bench power supplies.
- Deep understanding of ARM and/or RISC‑V processor architectures.
- Experience using software revision control systems such as Perforce.
- Ability to interpret datasheets, hardware design documents, schematics, and CCA drawings.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to collaborate effectively with international teams.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain bare‑metal firmware and low‑level device drivers to enable bring‑up and validation of Qualcomm Automotive reference platforms.
- Perform early hardware bring‑up and debug of new boards and chipsets, identifying issues across hardware, firmware, and system boundaries.
- Implement and extend test firmware used for platform validation, manufacturing test, and factory enablement.
- Collaborate closely with hardware design, silicon, systems, and validation teams to define requirements and resolve hardware/software integration issues.
- Analyze failures using schematics, register traces, logic analyzer data, and lab instrumentation, and drive issues to resolution.
- Support multiple platforms and hardware variants, adapting software to different configurations and use cases.
- Contribute to code reviews, documentation, and best practices for low‑level embedded software development.
- Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on embedded software, debugging techniques, and platform bring‑up.
- Participate in cross‑site and cross‑functional reviews, providing clear technical communication and status updates.
- Research and develop new test methods and capabilities.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. - 3+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in embedded systems development, device drivers, or firmware development.
- 10+ years of programming experience using languages such as C, C++, Python, Assembly, or similar.
- 10+ years of hands‑on experience with engineering lab tools such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and JTAG debuggers.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here . Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies : Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits :
$169,800.00 - $254,600.00The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer – and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link .
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers .
See All 454+ Embedded Jobs in San Diego
Find roles in San Diego that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Embedded JobsEmbedded Job Market in San Diego
Who's Hiring
- Qualcomm97
- Northrop Grumman89
- Apple32
- Amazon32
- A2e Technologies24
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware32
- Technology & Software24
- Science & Research16
- Telecommunications16
- Retail8
Embedded Jobs in San Diego: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an embedded job in San Diego?
San Diego's embedded market centers on defense and aerospace contractors, wireless hardware companies, and autonomous vehicle firms, with hiring concentrated in Sorrento Valley, Miramar, and the Kearny Mesa corridor. Candidates with experience in real-time operating systems, FPGA development, or RF hardware stand out locally. Targeting defense-adjacent contractors and mid-size wireless firms gives you the strongest pipeline into active openings.
Which companies hire embeddeds in San Diego?
Companies currently hiring embeddeds in San Diego include Qualcomm, Northrop Grumman, and Apple, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. San Diego's hiring base leans heavily toward defense primes, telecom hardware companies, and medtech device manufacturers with embedded software needs.
Are there remote embedded jobs in San Diego?
Yes, though embedded roles tied to physical hardware are mostly on-site by nature, while firmware architecture, driver development, and embedded software testing can sometimes be done remotely. About 17% of embedded openings tied to San Diego are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with hybrid arrangements most common at larger wireless and medtech employers. Fully remote options tend to appear in software-heavy embedded roles rather than lab or hardware-dependent positions.
How can I get an embedded job in San Diego with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in San Diego is through defense subcontractors and mid-size hardware startups in Kearny Mesa and Sorrento Valley, which regularly hire junior embedded engineers for board bring-up and testing support. Internships with local medtech device companies or telecom hardware firms also translate into full-time offers. Building a portfolio with bare-metal microcontroller projects and contributing to open-source firmware repositories gives San Diego hiring managers a concrete reason to advance your application.
Which industries hire the most embeddeds in San Diego?
San Diego embedded roles concentrate in Electronics & Hardware, Technology & Software, and Science & Research, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. San Diego's concentration of Navy and Marine Corps facilities, major wireless infrastructure companies, and a growing medtech cluster makes those sectors the primary drivers of local embedded hiring.
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