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 788+ Embedded Systems Engineer jobs
INTRODUCTION
The hardware team at ISEE is seeking a detail oriented senior lead embedded systems engineer to both lead and execute embedded software development. This role has critical responsibilities in safety critical software development as well as bridging the gap between hardware and higher level software systems.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Role responsibilities include:
- Development, verification and maintenance of embedded software for autonomous vehicle ECUs, sensors, actuators and safety systems
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor/Master Degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science
- Experience with embedded development in automotive or robotics domains
- Proficiency in embedded C
- Passionate about self-driving vehicles and robotics
- Excellent communication skills
- Experience with safety critical system design
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of experience
- Experience with Automotive CAN J1939
- Experience with Nvidia Jetson Orin or Nvidia Drive platforms
- Experience with Matlab/Simulink ecosystem
- Familiarity with functional safety, e.g. ISO 26262
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
INTRODUCTION
The hardware team at ISEE is seeking a detail oriented senior lead embedded systems engineer to both lead and execute embedded software development. This role has critical responsibilities in safety critical software development as well as bridging the gap between hardware and higher level software systems.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Role responsibilities include:
- Development, verification and maintenance of embedded software for autonomous vehicle ECUs, sensors, actuators and safety systems
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor/Master Degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science
- Experience with embedded development in automotive or robotics domains
- Proficiency in embedded C
- Passionate about self-driving vehicles and robotics
- Excellent communication skills
- Experience with safety critical system design
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of experience
- Experience with Automotive CAN J1939
- Experience with Nvidia Jetson Orin or Nvidia Drive platforms
- Experience with Matlab/Simulink ecosystem
- Familiarity with functional safety, e.g. ISO 26262
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
See All 788+ 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
- Apple86
- NVIDIA55
- Qualcomm55
- Amazon31
- Google29
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software264
- Electronics & Hardware247
- Automotive59
- Consulting & Professional Services46
- Science & Research45
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 Apple, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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?
Santa Clara, San Jose, and Sunnyvale 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 11% of embedded systems engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 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 788+ Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs