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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Showing 5 of 232+ Firmware jobs
Summary
VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company – to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.
Duties & Responsibilities:
We are seeking an experienced Sr. Firmware Engineer to join our team at Viavi Solutions Inc. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, development, and debugging of embedded firmware for our innovative network test and measurement products.
Job Responsibilities
- Analyzes, designs, programs, debugs and modifies software.
- Troubleshoots code for firmware (IC embedded code) applications.
- Work often involves analog and digital hardware and software operating systems.
- Position requires knowledge and exposure to hardware design.
- Typically programs in machine language, assembly language and high-level languages (e.g., C, C++).
- Design, develop, and maintain high-quality firmware for embedded systems, including microcontrollers and FPGAs.
- Lead the architecture and implementation of new firmware features and functionalities, from concept to production.
- Collaborate with hardware engineers, software engineers, and product management to define specifications and ensure seamless integration.
- Perform thorough debugging, testing, and validation of firmware to ensure reliability, performance, and adherence to requirements.
- Develop and execute unit tests, integration tests, and system tests for firmware components.
- Participate in code reviews to maintain code quality and share knowledge within the team.
- Write comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and release notes.
- Support existing products, troubleshoot field issues, and implement bug fixes as needed.
- Stay current with emerging technologies and industry best practices in embedded systems and firmware development.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in embedded firmware development.
- Expert proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems.
- Strong experience with various microcontrollers (e.g., ARM Cortex-M/R/A, PIC, AVR) and their peripheral interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, USB, Ethernet, CAN).
- Demonstrated experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as FreeRTOS, VxWorks, or similar.
- Familiarity with hardware-software co-design and debugging tools (e.g., oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, in-circuit debuggers).
- Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git).
- Solid understanding of communication protocols and networking concepts (e.g., TCP/IP, Ethernet).
- Ability to read and interpret hardware schematics and datasheets.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python) for automation and testing is a plus.
- Knowledge of FPGA development (VHDL/Verilog) is a plus.
Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:
If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.
VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer – minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.
Job Posting Pay Range:
96,600 to 179,400
Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.
Summary
VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company – to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.
Duties & Responsibilities:
We are seeking an experienced Sr. Firmware Engineer to join our team at Viavi Solutions Inc. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, development, and debugging of embedded firmware for our innovative network test and measurement products.
Job Responsibilities
- Analyzes, designs, programs, debugs and modifies software.
- Troubleshoots code for firmware (IC embedded code) applications.
- Work often involves analog and digital hardware and software operating systems.
- Position requires knowledge and exposure to hardware design.
- Typically programs in machine language, assembly language and high-level languages (e.g., C, C++).
- Design, develop, and maintain high-quality firmware for embedded systems, including microcontrollers and FPGAs.
- Lead the architecture and implementation of new firmware features and functionalities, from concept to production.
- Collaborate with hardware engineers, software engineers, and product management to define specifications and ensure seamless integration.
- Perform thorough debugging, testing, and validation of firmware to ensure reliability, performance, and adherence to requirements.
- Develop and execute unit tests, integration tests, and system tests for firmware components.
- Participate in code reviews to maintain code quality and share knowledge within the team.
- Write comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and release notes.
- Support existing products, troubleshoot field issues, and implement bug fixes as needed.
- Stay current with emerging technologies and industry best practices in embedded systems and firmware development.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in embedded firmware development.
- Expert proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems.
- Strong experience with various microcontrollers (e.g., ARM Cortex-M/R/A, PIC, AVR) and their peripheral interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, USB, Ethernet, CAN).
- Demonstrated experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as FreeRTOS, VxWorks, or similar.
- Familiarity with hardware-software co-design and debugging tools (e.g., oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, in-circuit debuggers).
- Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git).
- Solid understanding of communication protocols and networking concepts (e.g., TCP/IP, Ethernet).
- Ability to read and interpret hardware schematics and datasheets.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python) for automation and testing is a plus.
- Knowledge of FPGA development (VHDL/Verilog) is a plus.
Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:
If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.
VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer – minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.
Job Posting Pay Range:
96,600 to 179,400
Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.
See All 232+ 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
- Tesla23
- Apple17
- Anduril12
- Qualcomm12
- NVIDIA6
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware24
- Technology & Software21
- Manufacturing7
- Science & Research6
- Telecommunications5
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 Tesla, Apple, and Anduril, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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?
Palo Alto, San Francisco, and Santa Clara 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 38% of firmware openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 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 232+ Firmware Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Firmware Jobs