Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in California
Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, consumer electronics, automotive technology, and semiconductor design across a seniority range from entry-level firmware developers through principal systems architects. The largest hiring markets are San Jose, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where companies like Qualcomm, Northrop Grumman, and Apple maintain deep embedded engineering teams. The most in-demand specialties right now are real-time operating systems, hardware-software integration, and RISC-V and ARM architecture development. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 77+ Embedded Systems Engineer jobs











L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.
L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.
Job Title: Specialist, Software Engineer – Application Infrastructure & Embedded Systems
Job Number: 44944
Job Location: Yorba Linda, CA or Cape Canaveral, FL
Job Schedule: 4/10: Employees work 10 hour shifts 4 days a week
Job Description:
L3Harris Interstate Electronics Corporation is seeking a motivated Software Engineer to join our Range and Test Solutions software development team.
Essential Functions:
- Develop and integrate software for the flight test instrumentation and shipboard systems.
- Perform software development activities across the full software development life cycle (SDLC), from requirements through testing and deployment.
- Perform trade studies, root cause analysis, and other software technical investigations.
- Ability to travel up to 20% and work extended hours as needed.
Qualifications:
- Active US Secret security clearance.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field, with a minimum of 4 years of software development experience, or a Graduate degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.
- 3+ years of experience with system/software requirements management.
- 3+ years of experience in embedded or real-time software development, GUI design and development.
- 3+ years of experience in one or more of the following programming languages: C, C++, C#, Java, or Python.
- Familiarity with the DOORS requirements management software.
- Familiarity with static code analysis tools and reverse engineering tools.
- Familiarity with application and analysis of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) requirements for software and systems under development.
- Knowledge and application of Agile methodology and DEVOPS process for software development.
- Familiarity with UML in tandem with MBSE modeling.
- Knowledge and application of server virtualization and containerization technologies.
- Experience with IDE/OS/Development Frameworks:
- Qt Enterprise
- Linux (RHEL)
- Windows Desktop and Server OS
- Visual Studio/.NET
- Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
- Experience using Oracle RDMS, SQL Server, and/or SQL Lite database tools.
- Knowledge/familiarity with modern user interface technologies.
- Knowledge and application of Java/JRE/JDK/JavaFX/Tomcat server.
- Knowledge of client/server architectures, database application development, Windows and Linux server administration.
- Experience working within the integrated product team framework.
In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California is $97,000.00 - $180,000.00. The salary range for this role in Florida is $84,500 - $174,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
#LI-KA1
L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.
Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.
L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.
See All 77 Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsEmbedded Systems Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Embedded Systems Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research
- Technology & Software
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Staffing & Recruiting
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in embedded systems engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science required
- Proficiency in C and C++ for embedded and firmware development at the hardware level
- Experience with real-time operating systems such as FreeRTOS, VxWorks, or Zephyr
- Familiarity with hardware debugging tools including JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers
- Knowledge of communication protocols including CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, and Ethernet
- Experience with version control systems and embedded software development lifecycles
Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a embedded systems engineer in California?
Embedded systems engineering in California has no state-issued license, so the hiring path runs through education and demonstrated technical skills. Most California employers expect a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science from an accredited program. Candidates who build firmware or hardware projects, contribute to open-source embedded repositories, or complete a senior capstone involving microcontrollers stand out. Professional Engineer licensure through the California Board for Professional Engineers is valued in aerospace and defense contexts but is not universally required.
How much do embedded systems engineers make in California?
Embedded systems engineers in California earn a median of about $185,180 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $126,590 for the lowest 10% to over $281,210 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire embedded systems engineers in California?
Employers hiring embedded systems engineers in California right now include Zoox, Tesla, and Google, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, semiconductor foundries, and consumer electronics companies means embedded engineering hiring here is unusually broad across industries compared with most other states.
Which California cities have the most embedded systems engineer jobs?
San Jose, San Diego, and Foster City have the most embedded systems engineer openings in California. San Jose sits at the heart of Silicon Valley's semiconductor and consumer electronics ecosystem, San Diego is driven by Qualcomm and a dense cluster of defense and wireless companies, and Los Angeles draws volume from aerospace primes and automotive technology firms headquartered in the region.
Are there remote embedded systems engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely software-focused roles because embedded work often requires physical access to hardware, test benches, and lab equipment. About 45% of embedded systems engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and these tend to concentrate on firmware architecture, software bring-up, and design review work that can be done off-site without hands-on lab access.
How can I get hired as a embedded systems engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an associate or junior firmware engineer role at a mid-size California semiconductor or defense contractor, where new graduates are hired specifically to support senior engineers on board bring-up and driver development. Companies like Qualcomm and Northrop Grumman run structured new-grad programs for embedded and systems roles. Building a portfolio of microcontroller projects on platforms like STM32 or ESP32, earning an ARM Accredited Engineer credential, and targeting embedded test or hardware validation roles as lateral entry points all improve hiring odds without prior industry experience.
Where can I find and apply to embedded systems engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to embedded systems engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers actively hiring for the role. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly from the listing.
See All 77 Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs