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.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 786+ Embedded Software Engineer jobs
INTRODUCTION
NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology—and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you'll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.
The Autonomous Vehicles Platform Team is looking for Senior Software Engineers and Architects to develop and bring NVIDIA's automotive platform out to the world! You will participate in a focused effort define productive ground-breaking solutions that will redefine the world of transportation and the growing field of self-driving cars. You will work with hardworking and dedicated multi-functional engineering development teams across various vehicle subsystems to integrate their work into our autonomous driving DRIVE SW platform, while achieving or exceeding all meaningful NVIDIA and automotive standards & guidelines. You'll find the work is exciting, fun, and very meaningful. Proven strong software design and development experience is a must.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What You'll Be Doing
- Software design, development and bring-up of next generation autonomous vehicle hardware platforms and sensors such as cameras, radars, lidars, etc.
- Collaborate with software, hardware and systems engineering teams to support bring up of new hardware, debug and resolve in-vehicle system issues, ensuring that NVIDIA HW and SW solutions are correctly integrated and working on autonomous development vehicles.
- Regularly engage with customer teams directly to customize, integrate and productize DRIVE platforms.
- Drive the reliability of the software platform which includes RADAR, LiDAR, Camera sensor processing and fusion.
- Analyze complex technical issues across software and hardware domains and independently drive issue analysis and resolution across multiple teams.
- Work in an environment which involves Hypervisor, Linux, QNX RTOS.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- BS or MS degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or relevant field (or equivalent experience).
- 5+ years of relevant experience working on software design and development.
- Excellent communication and organization skills, with a logical approach to problem solving, good time-management and task-prioritization.
- Excellent C/C++/Python programming skills.
- Experience with embedded system involving Linux/RTOS with exposure to bring-up and debugging of ARM-based SoC target hardware boards.
- Strong debugging skills from application to kernel level and comfortable working across SW/HW domains.
- Device driver knowledge is a major plus.
- Master of software debugging tools: software debuggers, analyzers, trace loggers.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior experience with Autonomous Vehicles or Robotic systems.
- Familiarity with POSIX, QNX RTOS and associated development and debugging tools.
- Prior experience working with CAN bus, Radar, Lidar is a plus.
COMPENSATION
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 152,000 USD - 241,500 USD for Level 3, and 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits. Applications for this job will be accepted at least until April 20, 2026. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes. NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
JR2016466
INTRODUCTION
NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology—and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you'll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.
The Autonomous Vehicles Platform Team is looking for Senior Software Engineers and Architects to develop and bring NVIDIA's automotive platform out to the world! You will participate in a focused effort define productive ground-breaking solutions that will redefine the world of transportation and the growing field of self-driving cars. You will work with hardworking and dedicated multi-functional engineering development teams across various vehicle subsystems to integrate their work into our autonomous driving DRIVE SW platform, while achieving or exceeding all meaningful NVIDIA and automotive standards & guidelines. You'll find the work is exciting, fun, and very meaningful. Proven strong software design and development experience is a must.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What You'll Be Doing
- Software design, development and bring-up of next generation autonomous vehicle hardware platforms and sensors such as cameras, radars, lidars, etc.
- Collaborate with software, hardware and systems engineering teams to support bring up of new hardware, debug and resolve in-vehicle system issues, ensuring that NVIDIA HW and SW solutions are correctly integrated and working on autonomous development vehicles.
- Regularly engage with customer teams directly to customize, integrate and productize DRIVE platforms.
- Drive the reliability of the software platform which includes RADAR, LiDAR, Camera sensor processing and fusion.
- Analyze complex technical issues across software and hardware domains and independently drive issue analysis and resolution across multiple teams.
- Work in an environment which involves Hypervisor, Linux, QNX RTOS.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- BS or MS degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or relevant field (or equivalent experience).
- 5+ years of relevant experience working on software design and development.
- Excellent communication and organization skills, with a logical approach to problem solving, good time-management and task-prioritization.
- Excellent C/C++/Python programming skills.
- Experience with embedded system involving Linux/RTOS with exposure to bring-up and debugging of ARM-based SoC target hardware boards.
- Strong debugging skills from application to kernel level and comfortable working across SW/HW domains.
- Device driver knowledge is a major plus.
- Master of software debugging tools: software debuggers, analyzers, trace loggers.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior experience with Autonomous Vehicles or Robotic systems.
- Familiarity with POSIX, QNX RTOS and associated development and debugging tools.
- Prior experience working with CAN bus, Radar, Lidar is a plus.
COMPENSATION
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 152,000 USD - 241,500 USD for Level 3, and 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits. Applications for this job will be accepted at least until April 20, 2026. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes. NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
JR2016466
See All 786+ Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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
- Apple86
- NVIDIA55
- Qualcomm55
- Amazon31
- Google29
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software261
- Electronics & Hardware247
- Automotive59
- Consulting & Professional Services47
- Science & Research46
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 Apple, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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?
Santa Clara, San Jose, and Sunnyvale 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 11% of embedded software engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 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 786+ Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs