Embedded Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Embedded software engineers work at the intersection of hardware and software - writing firmware, real-time operating systems, and low-level drivers for devices ranging from medical equipment to autonomous vehicles. Because this niche requires specialized knowledge of memory-constrained environments and hardware protocols, the talent pool is smaller and employers are often more motivated to sponsor visas. Companies in semiconductors, automotive, aerospace, and IoT actively recruit embedded engineers internationally, and competition in the H-1B visa lottery can be lower for these hardware-adjacent roles. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At Intuitive, we are united behind our mission: we believe that minimally invasive care is life-enhancing care. Through ingenuity and intelligent technology, we expand the potential of physicians to heal without constraints.
As a pioneer and market leader in robotic-assisted surgery, we strive to foster an inclusive and diverse team, committed to making a difference. For more than 25 years, we have worked with hospitals and care teams around the world to help solve some of healthcare's hardest challenges and advance what is possible.
Intuitive has been built by the efforts of great people from diverse backgrounds. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere. We strive to foster an inclusive culture built around diversity of thought and mutual respect. We lead with inclusion and empower our team members to do their best work as their most authentic selves.
Passionate people who want to make a difference drive our culture. Our team members are grounded in integrity, have a strong capacity to learn, the energy to get things done, and bring diverse, real-world experiences to help us think in new ways. We actively invest in our team members to support their long-term growth so they can continue to advance our mission and achieve their highest potential.
Join a team committed to taking big leaps forward for a global community of healthcare professionals and their patients. Together, let's advance the world of minimally invasive care.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer in the Future Forward organization, you will work at the forefront of innovation, rapid prototyping, and new product development. You’ll collaborate with talented cross-functional teams—including engineers, clinicians, and product managers—to advance Intuitive’s robotic surgical platform, driving the entire product lifecycle from concept to launch.
In this role, you will design, develop, and integrate embedded and platform software across a complex robotic system, interfacing with hardware, firmware, control algorithms, vision pipelines, user interfaces, and test infrastructure, including fault-injection and diagnostic frameworks. You will contribute to the architecture, implementation, and system-level integration of advanced functionalities into complete surgical robotic platforms, supporting product release and validated human use. Your work will be critical to meeting delivery milestones while ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant operation for patients worldwide.
Success in this role requires excelling in an agile, small-team environment—transforming initial concepts into robust prototypes, methodically iterating designs, and consistently maintaining exceptional product quality with a patient-first mindset.
Essential Job Duties
- Design and develop robust embedded software to enable system infrastructure, including OS drivers, hardware interfaces, real-time data pipelines, inter-processor communication, error handling, and user/test applications.
- Collaborate cross-functionally throughout the product lifecycle with key stakeholders to address clinical needs and safety requirements.
- Translate early requirements into prototype implementations to evaluate, iterate, and advance novel robotic systems.
- Conduct rigorous unit testing to support system integration and ensure reliable, robust system operation.
- Contribute to hazard and failure mode analysis, defining appropriate mitigations.
- Refine and iterate designs, balancing technical requirements, feasibility, schedules, and resource constraints.
- Produce clear and compliant supporting documentation in alignment with Intuitive's development and quality guidelines.
- Ensure all designs meet rigorous quality and safety standards per the Intuitive Quality Management System.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of 8 years of experience in developing and supporting embedded systems; or 6 years with a Master’s degree; or 3 years with a PhD.
- Highly proficient in developing C/C++ embedded and real-time software for multi-core, multi-processor systems, especially on embedded Linux and QNX.
- Demonstrated experience with board bring-up, device driver development, and integration of new hardware components.
- Skilled in version control systems and collaborative development environments, supporting efficient, iterative improvement.
- Familiarity with a wide range of communication protocols—including TCP/IP, CAN, I2C, SPI—and serialization standards such as protobuf.
- Strong problem-solving skills and debugging capabilities for complex embedded software and electromechanical systems.
- In-depth understanding of failure mode and risk analysis, with a track record in safety-critical, product-focused designs.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction across all organizational levels.
- Demonstrates passion for innovation, continuous learning, and developing solutions that make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with robotics and embedded software for complex electro-mechanical systems.
- Knowledgeable in Python or Matlab for automation, diagnostics, and testing.
- Familiarity with FPGA development and interfaces.
- Familiarity with CUDA programming and memory management concepts.
- Cyber-security concepts such as secure boot, authentication and encryption.
- Hands-on engineering experience with proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Experience in all phases of the product development lifecycle including design, implementation, debug, verification, validation, and transfer to manufacturing.
- Experience designing software products in a regulated industry or for mission-critical applications; comfort with concepts of design input, design output, traceability, risk analysis, and mitigations.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.
Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.
MANDATORY NOTICES
U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer: In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.
Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).
For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.
Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.
This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on business need and/or on the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the candidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.
We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.
Base Compensation Range Region 1: $188,600 USD - $271,400 USD
Base Compensation Range Region 2: $160,300 USD - $230,700 USD
Shift: Day
Workplace Type: Onsite - This job is fully onsite.
LOCATION
Sunnyvale, CA, United States
Not Remote
Engineering
JOB211540
INTRODUCTION
At Intuitive, we are united behind our mission: we believe that minimally invasive care is life-enhancing care. Through ingenuity and intelligent technology, we expand the potential of physicians to heal without constraints.
As a pioneer and market leader in robotic-assisted surgery, we strive to foster an inclusive and diverse team, committed to making a difference. For more than 25 years, we have worked with hospitals and care teams around the world to help solve some of healthcare's hardest challenges and advance what is possible.
Intuitive has been built by the efforts of great people from diverse backgrounds. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere. We strive to foster an inclusive culture built around diversity of thought and mutual respect. We lead with inclusion and empower our team members to do their best work as their most authentic selves.
Passionate people who want to make a difference drive our culture. Our team members are grounded in integrity, have a strong capacity to learn, the energy to get things done, and bring diverse, real-world experiences to help us think in new ways. We actively invest in our team members to support their long-term growth so they can continue to advance our mission and achieve their highest potential.
Join a team committed to taking big leaps forward for a global community of healthcare professionals and their patients. Together, let's advance the world of minimally invasive care.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer in the Future Forward organization, you will work at the forefront of innovation, rapid prototyping, and new product development. You’ll collaborate with talented cross-functional teams—including engineers, clinicians, and product managers—to advance Intuitive’s robotic surgical platform, driving the entire product lifecycle from concept to launch.
In this role, you will design, develop, and integrate embedded and platform software across a complex robotic system, interfacing with hardware, firmware, control algorithms, vision pipelines, user interfaces, and test infrastructure, including fault-injection and diagnostic frameworks. You will contribute to the architecture, implementation, and system-level integration of advanced functionalities into complete surgical robotic platforms, supporting product release and validated human use. Your work will be critical to meeting delivery milestones while ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant operation for patients worldwide.
Success in this role requires excelling in an agile, small-team environment—transforming initial concepts into robust prototypes, methodically iterating designs, and consistently maintaining exceptional product quality with a patient-first mindset.
Essential Job Duties
- Design and develop robust embedded software to enable system infrastructure, including OS drivers, hardware interfaces, real-time data pipelines, inter-processor communication, error handling, and user/test applications.
- Collaborate cross-functionally throughout the product lifecycle with key stakeholders to address clinical needs and safety requirements.
- Translate early requirements into prototype implementations to evaluate, iterate, and advance novel robotic systems.
- Conduct rigorous unit testing to support system integration and ensure reliable, robust system operation.
- Contribute to hazard and failure mode analysis, defining appropriate mitigations.
- Refine and iterate designs, balancing technical requirements, feasibility, schedules, and resource constraints.
- Produce clear and compliant supporting documentation in alignment with Intuitive's development and quality guidelines.
- Ensure all designs meet rigorous quality and safety standards per the Intuitive Quality Management System.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of 8 years of experience in developing and supporting embedded systems; or 6 years with a Master’s degree; or 3 years with a PhD.
- Highly proficient in developing C/C++ embedded and real-time software for multi-core, multi-processor systems, especially on embedded Linux and QNX.
- Demonstrated experience with board bring-up, device driver development, and integration of new hardware components.
- Skilled in version control systems and collaborative development environments, supporting efficient, iterative improvement.
- Familiarity with a wide range of communication protocols—including TCP/IP, CAN, I2C, SPI—and serialization standards such as protobuf.
- Strong problem-solving skills and debugging capabilities for complex embedded software and electromechanical systems.
- In-depth understanding of failure mode and risk analysis, with a track record in safety-critical, product-focused designs.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction across all organizational levels.
- Demonstrates passion for innovation, continuous learning, and developing solutions that make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with robotics and embedded software for complex electro-mechanical systems.
- Knowledgeable in Python or Matlab for automation, diagnostics, and testing.
- Familiarity with FPGA development and interfaces.
- Familiarity with CUDA programming and memory management concepts.
- Cyber-security concepts such as secure boot, authentication and encryption.
- Hands-on engineering experience with proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Experience in all phases of the product development lifecycle including design, implementation, debug, verification, validation, and transfer to manufacturing.
- Experience designing software products in a regulated industry or for mission-critical applications; comfort with concepts of design input, design output, traceability, risk analysis, and mitigations.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.
Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.
MANDATORY NOTICES
U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer: In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.
Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).
For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.
Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.
This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on business need and/or on the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the candidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.
We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.
Base Compensation Range Region 1: $188,600 USD - $271,400 USD
Base Compensation Range Region 2: $160,300 USD - $230,700 USD
Shift: Day
Workplace Type: Onsite - This job is fully onsite.
LOCATION
Sunnyvale, CA, United States
Not Remote
Engineering
JOB211540
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Embedded Jobs
Focus on commercial embedded roles, not defense
Many aerospace and defense embedded positions require security clearance limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Target commercial sectors like automotive (Tesla, Rivian), semiconductor (Qualcomm, NVIDIA, AMD), and medical devices (Medtronic, Abbott).
Leverage your niche skill set
RTOS programming, firmware development, C/C++ for constrained systems, and FPGA design are highly specialized. Fewer candidates means less competition for roles - and employers are more motivated to sponsor when talent is scarce.
Choose the right SOC code for your role
Embedded roles can file under SOC 15-1252 (Software Developers) for firmware-heavy work or 17-2061 (Computer Hardware Engineers) for hardware-focused positions. The right classification depends on your actual job duties, so discuss this with your employer's attorney.
Use a STEM degree to maximize OPT
Electrical engineering, computer engineering, and CS degrees all qualify for STEM OPT, giving you up to 3 years of work authorization. Embedded systems employers value continuity - use that time to become the go-to person for your product line.
Look at automotive and autonomous vehicle companies
Tesla, Rivian, Waymo, and Cruise need embedded engineers for vehicle systems, sensor integration, and real-time computing. These companies have active H-1B sponsorship programs and are competing for a limited talent pool.
Consider semiconductor companies for strong sponsorship pipelines
Intel, Qualcomm, NVIDIA, and AMD sponsor large numbers of engineers with specialized hardware and firmware expertise. Semiconductor companies often support green card processing early because embedded talent is difficult to replace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrical engineering degree for embedded software roles, or will a computer science degree work?
Either degree is typically accepted for embedded software engineering H-1B visa petitions. Both fields are directly relevant, and USCIS generally recognizes that embedded systems work draws from both disciplines. A computer engineering degree is also a strong match. The key is that your employer's job description lists the accepted degree fields and your degree appears among them. Practical experience with microcontrollers, RTOS, and hardware interfaces further supports the petition regardless of your specific degree.
How to find Embedded jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Embedded jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus on tech companies, automotive manufacturers, aerospace firms, and IoT startups that frequently hire embedded engineers. Target H-1B and TN visa opportunities in the U.S., or Skilled Worker visas in the UK, as these are common for embedded software and hardware development roles.
Which industries offer the best visa sponsorship opportunities for embedded software engineers?
The semiconductor industry (Qualcomm, Intel, NVIDIA, Broadcom, Texas Instruments) is the largest and most experienced sponsor. The automotive sector is a growing sponsor, especially for ADAS and EV-related firmware roles at companies like Tesla, Rivian, and GM. Medical device companies (Medtronic, Abbott, Boston Scientific) sponsor for FDA-regulated firmware development. Consumer electronics and IoT companies, including Apple, Amazon (Lab126), and Google (Nest/Pixel), round out the landscape.
Does the embedded engineer talent shortage actually help with sponsorship?
Yes. The combination of low-level programming, hardware knowledge, and real-time systems expertise is genuinely scarce, and employers in hardware-adjacent industries recognize this. Companies in semiconductors, automotive, and medical devices are often more willing to invest in visa sponsorship for embedded engineers because the domestic talent pool is smaller than for general software roles. This scarcity also helps during the green card process, as employers can more easily demonstrate that qualified U.S. workers are unavailable.
Can embedded engineers work in defense or aerospace on a visa?
Many aerospace and defense companies sponsor embedded engineers, but some programs require security clearances that are generally limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon have both classified and unclassified projects, and visa holders can work on unclassified commercial programs. Before accepting a position, confirm which specific projects you would be assigned to and whether they require clearance. Commercial aerospace and satellite companies generally have fewer restrictions.
What programming languages and tools matter most for embedded visa petitions?
C and C++ are the foundation of embedded systems work and should be prominently listed. Experience with real-time operating systems (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, VxWorks), hardware debugging tools (JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers), and embedded Linux strengthens the petition by demonstrating specialized expertise distinct from general software development. Familiarity with communication protocols like SPI, I2C, UART, and CAN is also valued. The more specific the technical requirements in the petition, the clearer the specialty occupation case.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Embedded jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage", the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level. For example, a embedded in California will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search Page.