Firmware Jobs in California
Firmware jobs in California are in high demand across the state's dominant defense electronics, semiconductor, and consumer technology sectors, with openings at every level from entry-level embedded systems engineers to senior firmware architects. The heaviest hiring concentrates in the San Jose and San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where established employers like Qualcomm, Apple, and Broadcom maintain major engineering operations. The most sought-after specialties include embedded C/C++ development, real-time operating systems, and hardware-software integration for wireless and IoT products. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of the company is to ship humanoid robots with human level intelligence. Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure is headquartered in San Jose, CA. We are looking for a Firmware Engineer Intern to join us during Fall 2026.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, implement and test firmware in C or C++ for critical components such as motor controllers, battery management systems and sensing hardware
- Develop Python tools to support test automation or hardware calibration
- Contribute to the development of our Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) infrastructure
- Support hardware/software integration in the lab
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Undergraduate student (Senior) or recent graduate in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related field
- Minimum 10 weeks internship, 1 to 2 terms preferred
- Fluent in C, C++, and Python
- Experience implementing low level software on bare-metal systems and RTOS
- Good knowledge of computer architecture
- Deep understanding of communication buses and protocols like Ethernet, Ethercat, Serial, CAN or USB
- Comfortable using lab instruments (oscilloscope, logic analyzer) and in-circuit debugging tools
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with motor controllers or battery management systems
- Experience implementing CI/CD infrastructures
- Familiar with Agile and Test driven development
COMPENSATION
The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $40 - $45/hr. The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.
INTRODUCTION
Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of the company is to ship humanoid robots with human level intelligence. Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure is headquartered in San Jose, CA. We are looking for a Firmware Engineer Intern to join us during Fall 2026.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, implement and test firmware in C or C++ for critical components such as motor controllers, battery management systems and sensing hardware
- Develop Python tools to support test automation or hardware calibration
- Contribute to the development of our Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) infrastructure
- Support hardware/software integration in the lab
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Undergraduate student (Senior) or recent graduate in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related field
- Minimum 10 weeks internship, 1 to 2 terms preferred
- Fluent in C, C++, and Python
- Experience implementing low level software on bare-metal systems and RTOS
- Good knowledge of computer architecture
- Deep understanding of communication buses and protocols like Ethernet, Ethercat, Serial, CAN or USB
- Comfortable using lab instruments (oscilloscope, logic analyzer) and in-circuit debugging tools
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with motor controllers or battery management systems
- Experience implementing CI/CD infrastructures
- Familiar with Agile and Test driven development
COMPENSATION
The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $40 - $45/hr. The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.
See All 262+ Firmware Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Firmware JobsFirmware Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Firmware Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Apple30
- NVIDIA23
- Qualcomm19
- Google11
- Astera Labs8
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware89
- Technology & Software84
- Manufacturing14
- Law & Legal Services13
- Medical Devices13
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in firmware jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science required
- Proficiency in embedded C or C++ for bare-metal and RTOS environments
- Experience with hardware debugging tools such as JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers
- Familiarity with communication protocols including I2C, SPI, UART, and CAN
- Ability to read and interpret schematics and hardware design documentation
- Experience with version control systems such as Git in a collaborative engineering environment
Firmware Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a firmware engineer in California?
Most firmware roles in California require a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field, and no state-issued license applies to this occupation. California employers typically prioritize hands-on experience with embedded systems, so building a portfolio through personal projects, open-source contributions, or university lab work strengthens your candidacy considerably. Many candidates also complete internships at Bay Area or San Diego hardware companies before transitioning into full-time roles.
Which companies hire firmware engineers in California?
Employers hiring firmware engineers in California right now include Apple, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's dense concentration of semiconductor designers, defense contractors, and consumer electronics manufacturers means the employer base is unusually broad compared with most other states.
Which California cities have the most firmware jobs?
Santa Clara, San Jose, and San Diego have the most firmware openings in California right now. The Bay Area leads because of its dense cluster of semiconductor and consumer electronics headquarters, while San Diego draws heavily from defense electronics and wireless chip companies, and Los Angeles generates demand through its growing aerospace and connected-device manufacturing base.
Are there remote firmware jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Firmware work is inherently hands-on, requiring access to physical hardware, test equipment, and lab environments, so most roles in California are on-site or at most hybrid. About 12% of firmware openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions typically cover tasks like code review, documentation, or simulation work that does not require bench access.
How can I get hired as a firmware engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an internship or new-graduate program at a California hardware company, where employers like Qualcomm, Broadcom, and Applied Micro run structured rotations specifically for candidates without professional experience. Targeting associate embedded software engineer or hardware bring-up technician roles at mid-size San Diego or Bay Area companies is also effective, since those positions accept candidates who demonstrate strong university project work or open-source embedded contributions in lieu of industry experience.
Where can I find and apply to firmware jobs in California?
You can find and apply to firmware jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across embedded systems, RTOS, and hardware-software integration roles. Search the listings for positions that match your experience level and specialty, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 262+ Firmware Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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