Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in California
Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand concentrated in aerospace and defense, automotive systems, consumer electronics, and semiconductor design at levels from entry-level firmware developer through principal engineer. The largest hiring metros are San Jose, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where employers like Qualcomm, Broadcom, and Northrop Grumman maintain deep engineering operations. The most sought-after specialties include RTOS development, automotive embedded systems, and low-level firmware for wireless communication chips. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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SUMMARY
Do you love crafting elegant solutions to highly sophisticated challenges? As part of our Silicon Technologies group, you’ll help design and manufacture our next-generation, high-performance, power-efficient processor, system-on-chip (SoC). You’ll ensure Apple products and services can seamlessly and efficiently handle the tasks that make them beloved by millions. Joining this group means you’ll be responsible for crafting and building the technology that fuels Apple’s devices. Together, we will enable our customers to do all the things they love with their devices! At Apple, we go beyond the industry norm and demonstrate creativity in problem solving, ability to think dynamically and outside of standard convention, and adapt quickly to new technical areas. We promote innovation and new technology. The people who work here have reinvented and defined entire industries with the Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision, Apple TV, AirPods, HomePod and a multitude of groundbreaking Accessories. We have done the same with services, including iTunes, the App Store, Apple Music, and Apple Pay. The same passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices — strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it. You should join us to help deliver the next amazing Apple product! Joining Apple as an Embedded Software Engineer for SoC Factory Support, you will craft and implement embedded software for System on a Chip (SoC) bring up and test. You will write software for Apple silicon in a production boot loader environment. You will work closely with the Product Engineering teams to bring up new silicon on device and ensure the SoC quality when manufactured.
DESCRIPTION
- Design and implementation of firmware for SoC bring up, validation, and test.
- Identify, analyze and root-cause SoC failures in the factory.
- Enhance and maintain the development and debug environments, tools and methodologies.
- Support of functional test environment for device characterization, failure analysis, and mass production.
- Generate post-silicon directed diagnostic and stress test cases and debugging failure cases using multiple HW and low level SW platforms.
- Use of soft skills and data driven approach to effectively collaborate and participate in multi-team discussions and decision-making.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related field.
- Minimum of 3+ years of software development/validation experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Embedded software experience, including debugging and characterization
- Experience with embedded C programming
- Experience on SoC silicon bring up/power up
- Experience with problem solving and delivery of high volume and high quality SW
- Experience debugging boot loader is a plus
- Experience using laboratory equipment (e.g., logic analyzer, digital oscilloscope) is a plus
- Strong communication skills
COMPENSATION
- Base pay range for this role is between $150,400 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
Apple believes accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
See All 331+ Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in California
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Find JobsEmbedded Software Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Embedded Software Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Amazon21

- Tesla16

- Northrop Grumman15

- Qualcomm12

- Apple9

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software19
- Manufacturing8
- Electronics & Hardware8
- Science & Research6
- Aerospace & Defense5
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in embedded software engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science required
- Proficiency in C or C++ for low-level embedded and firmware development
- Experience with real-time operating systems such as FreeRTOS, VxWorks, or QNX
- Familiarity with hardware debugging tools including JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers
- Knowledge of communication protocols including UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, or Ethernet
- Experience with version control systems and embedded software development lifecycle practices
Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an embedded software engineer in California?
Embedded software engineering in California does not require a state-issued license, but most employers expect a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science. California's concentration of aerospace contractors, semiconductor companies, and automotive tech firms means hands-on experience with firmware, RTOS, or hardware-software integration is weighted heavily in hiring. Building a portfolio of embedded projects and targeting associate or junior engineer roles at mid-size California defense or chip companies is the most direct path into the field.
How much do embedded software engineers make in California?
Embedded software engineers in California earn a median of about $174,410 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $105,060 for the lowest 10% to over $272,670 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire embedded software engineers in California?
Employers hiring embedded software engineers in California right now include Amazon, Tesla, and Northrop Grumman, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's aerospace corridor in Southern California and its semiconductor cluster in Silicon Valley mean both defense primes and fabless chip companies are consistently active in this market.
Which California cities have the most embedded software engineer jobs?
San Diego, Sunnyvale, and Los Angeles have the most embedded software engineer openings in California. San Jose anchors demand through its dense concentration of semiconductor and wireless hardware companies, while San Diego's strong defense and telecom sectors drive steady hiring, and Los Angeles draws engineers into aerospace, automotive tech, and consumer electronics firms headquartered across the metro.
Are there remote embedded software engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely software-focused roles because embedded work often requires hands-on access to hardware, lab equipment, and prototype boards. About 37% of embedded software engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to involve higher-level firmware architecture, code review, or software integration work that can be done away from the bench.
How can I get hired as an embedded software engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to associate embedded engineer or firmware engineer roles at mid-size California defense contractors and semiconductor companies, many of which hire new graduates directly from California engineering programs. Companies like Qualcomm and Broadcom run structured new-graduate hiring cycles, and aerospace contractors in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas routinely bring in junior engineers from Cal Poly, UC San Diego, and UC Davis. Lateral moves from electrical engineering technician or hardware test engineer roles are common, and a portfolio of personal embedded projects or FPGA work gives candidates a clear edge.
Where can I find and apply to embedded software engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to embedded software engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to the California market. Search the listings for roles that match your experience and specialty, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 331+ Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in California
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