Embedded Systems Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
California is one of the most active states for embedded systems engineer visa sponsorship, driven by aerospace and defense contractors in Los Angeles, semiconductor firms in Silicon Valley, and automotive tech companies in the Bay Area. Major employers include Qualcomm, Apple, NVIDIA, Northrop Grumman, and Broadcom, making California a top destination for international embedded systems engineers.
Find Embedded Systems Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 790+ Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in California with Visa Sponsorship










See all 790+ Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in California with Visa Sponsorship
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in California with Visa Sponsorship.
Get Access To All Jobs
JOB TITLE: Embedded Software Engineer
LOCATION: Foster City, CA (Onsite)
PAY RANGE: $87 - $97/hr.
DURATION: 6 Months
TOP 3 SKILLS:
- Strong C++ development skills focused on low-latency, high-performance code in user (and ideally kernel) space, with extensive Linux development experience including networking and system-level programming.
- Proficiency with Python and test automation (e.g., Pytest), plus Git, build systems (e.g., Bazel), and unit testing frameworks (e.g., GTest).
- Hands-on experience building hardware/software integration test frameworks using embedded interfaces (Ethernet, I2C, SPI, CAN).
Job Description:
The Autonomy Hardware Systems V&V team is seeking a contract Embedded Software Engineer to develop embedded software and tooling for safety-critical automated test infrastructure. You'll be working cross-functionally to develop sensor emulators and test frameworks.
Responsibilities:
- Architect, implement, and maintain production-quality C++ applications for embedded Linux, with a focus on low-latency, high-performance user- and kernel-space solutions.
- Design Python-based automation frameworks and tooling to streamline test execution, integration, and performance validation.
- Build and expand hardware/software sensor emulators, and maintain and extend existing test assets and validation frameworks.
- Integrate embedded software with FPGA-based and ECU hardware over interfaces such as Ethernet, I2C, SPI, and CAN.
- Test and troubleshoot hardware and software issues, executing end-to-end verification strategies to ensure product quality and reliability.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
- Strong C++ development skills focused on low-latency, high-performance code in user (and ideally kernel) space.
- Extensive Linux development experience, including networking and system-level programming.
- Proficiency with Python and test automation (e.g., Pytest), plus Git, build systems (e.g., Bazel), and unit testing frameworks (e.g., GTest).
- Hands-on experience building hardware/software integration test frameworks using embedded interfaces (Ethernet, I2C, SPI, CAN).
Bonus Qualifications:
- Linux kernel development and device driver implementation, including embedded software for ARM cores using Xilinx SDK and MPSoC platforms.
- Experience with Yocto or Petalinux, and familiarity with FPGA development, SystemVerilog, and HDL verification.
- Experience with high-speed protocols (PCIe, MIPI CSI-2), Precision Time Protocol (PTP / IEEE 1588), and Automotive Ethernet.
- Ability to read and analyze electronic schematics, with knowledge of PCB design and manufacturing workflows.
BENEFITS SUMMARY:
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate or annual salary only, unless otherwise stated. In addition to base compensation, full-time roles are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Commuter and 401K benefits with company matching.
IND123
Embedded Systems Engineer Job Roles in California
See all 790+ Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in California
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in CaliforniaEmbedded Systems Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for embedded systems engineers in California?
California has a strong concentration of employers with established visa sponsorship programs for embedded systems engineers. Qualcomm in San Diego regularly sponsors H-1B visa petitions for firmware and hardware engineers. Apple, NVIDIA, and Broadcom in the Bay Area hire embedded engineers across silicon, drivers, and firmware teams. Northrop Grumman and Raytheon in Southern California also sponsor for defense-adjacent embedded roles, though security clearance requirements can complicate eligibility for some visa holders.
Which visa types are most common for embedded systems engineer roles in California?
The H-1B is the most common visa for embedded systems engineers in California, as the role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related field. Australians may pursue the E-3 visa as an alternative. Engineers already in the U.S. on F-1 OPT, including the 24-month STEM OPT extension, are frequently hired by California employers before transitioning to H-1B sponsorship.
Which cities in California have the most embedded systems engineer sponsorship jobs?
San Jose and the broader Bay Area lead in embedded systems engineer sponsorship jobs, anchored by semiconductor and consumer electronics companies. San Diego is a significant hub due to Qualcomm's large embedded and firmware engineering footprint, alongside telecom and wireless firms. Los Angeles and the South Bay attract embedded engineers through aerospace and defense contractors. Irvine and Santa Clara also have meaningful concentrations tied to networking hardware and chip design companies.
How to find embedded systems engineer visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international engineers seeking visa sponsorship roles in the U.S., including embedded systems engineer positions in California. You can filter by state and role to surface employers who have an active history of sponsoring work visas for embedded engineers. This is more targeted than general job searches because Migrate Mate focuses on sponsorship-willing employers, which is the critical filter for international candidates in a specialized field like embedded systems.
Are there any California-specific considerations for embedded systems engineers seeking visa sponsorship?
California's concentration of defense and aerospace employers introduces a notable consideration: many embedded systems roles at contractors like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon require access to classified information, which generally excludes non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents. Engineers should confirm whether a target role has security clearance requirements before applying. University pipelines from UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, and Stanford supply a large share of embedded talent, making California employers experienced with F-1 OPT and STEM extension hiring.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored embedded systems engineer jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.