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Assembly Language Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior DSP/Firmware Engineer

San Diego, CA

$126K - $167K/yr

Embedded C & Assembly language programming for real-time embedded systems; control peripherals (inc. ADCs, PWMs, DACs); and 6 yr comm protocols (e.g., SPI, I2C & CAN). Apply at Refer to code SM.

Preferred Qualifications Proven excellence in FW development using C and assembly language with ARM CPUs. Solid understanding of MCUs and ISR. Solid understanding of computer architecture. Experience ...

Preferred Qualifications Proven excellence in FW development using C and assembly language with ARM CPUs. Solid understanding of MCUs and ISR. Solid understanding of computer architecture. Experience ...

Preferred Qualifications Proven excellence in FW development using C and assembly language with ARM CPUs. Solid understanding of MCUs and ISR. Solid understanding of computer architecture. Experience ...

Preferred Qualifications Proven excellence in FW development using C and assembly language with ARM CPUs. Solid understanding of MCUs and ISR. Solid understanding of computer architecture. Experience ...

May have responsibility for the programming of assembly language, machine language and high level languages, including but not limited to C and C++. Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to ...

May have responsibility for the programming of assembly language, machine language and high level languages, including but not limited to C and C++. Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to ...

Founded 1996 Experience in 0x86 architecture and assembly language, C-language and GNU binary tools Experience in 0x86 based Linux KVM is a must. Specifically VTx, VTd, PCIe, SR-IOV technologies ...

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Assembly Language information

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How much do assembly language jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for assembly language in California is $16.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is assembly language still in demand?

Assembly language is still used in specialized fields such as embedded systems, firmware development, and performance-critical applications. While high-level languages are more common for general software development, expertise in assembly remains valuable for low-level programming, reverse engineering, and hardware interaction roles.

Is assembly language a good career?

Assembly language is a specialized skill used in low-level programming, embedded systems, and hardware development. Careers in this area often require knowledge of computer architecture and can involve working on performance-critical or device-specific software, with job opportunities available in industries such as electronics, aerospace, and defense.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assembly language programmer?

To thrive as an Assembly Language Programmer, you need a solid understanding of computer architecture, low-level programming, and proficiency in assembly syntax, often supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with development tools such as assemblers, debuggers, emulators, and specific hardware platforms is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and persistence are standout soft skills for this meticulous and challenging work. These skills ensure efficient, optimized, and reliable software development at the hardware level, which is crucial for embedded systems and performance-critical applications.

What is the difference between Assembly Language vs Embedded Systems Programmer?

AspectAssembly LanguageEmbedded Systems Programmer
Required CredentialsBasic knowledge of computer architecture, no formal certification requiredKnowledge of programming languages, sometimes certifications in embedded systems or C/C++
Work EnvironmentLow-level programming, hardware interaction, often in labs or manufacturingDeveloping software for embedded devices like IoT, automotive, or appliances
Industry UsageUsed in firmware development, hardware design, and device driversUsed in consumer electronics, automotive, medical devices, and industrial automation

Assembly Language involves low-level programming directly interacting with hardware, while Embedded Systems Programmers develop software for embedded devices, often using higher-level languages like C. Both roles require understanding of hardware, but Embedded Systems Programmers typically work with a broader set of tools and languages to create functional products.

What are common challenges faced by assembly language programmers when working with modern hardware?

Assembly Language programmers often encounter challenges such as adapting to the intricacies of different processor architectures and managing low-level hardware interactions. Modern hardware can introduce complexities like pipelining, multi-core processing, and memory management, which require a deep understanding of architecture-specific instructions and performance optimization techniques. Additionally, debugging and maintaining Assembly code can be more time-consuming compared to high-level languages, emphasizing the need for meticulous attention to detail and thorough documentation. Collaboration with hardware engineers and software developers is often necessary to ensure seamless integration and performance.

What is assembly language?

Assembly language is a low-level programming language that is closely related to machine code. It uses symbolic code and mnemonics to represent machine-level instructions, allowing programmers to write instructions that a computer's CPU can execute directly. Assembly language is specific to a computer architecture and is typically used for tasks that require direct hardware manipulation, high performance, or access to special processor instructions. While it's more challenging to learn and use than high-level languages, it offers greater control over system resources.

What jobs require assembly language?

Jobs that require assembly language include embedded systems programmer, firmware engineer, device driver developer, and low-level software engineer. These roles often involve programming close to hardware, optimizing performance, and working with microcontrollers or specialized processors, requiring knowledge of assembly language and related tools.

What job categories do people searching Assembly Language jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Assembly Language jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Assembly Language jobs?

Cities in California with the most Assembly Language job openings:

Infographic showing various Assembly Language job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,710 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Senior DSP/Firmware Engineer

Ametek

San Diego, CA

$126K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


AMETEK rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 157 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Senior DSP/Firmware Engineer

 

AMETEK Programmable Power, San Diego, CA: Conceptualize, design, develop firmware for DSP-based digital control systems used in programmable AC & DC power products. Implement digital control algorithms, perform design analysis (e.g., gain/phase plots) & document results. Create & execute test plans to validate performance & develop bootloaders for DSPs & microcontrollers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams for seamless integration with hardware & system-level design. Min. Rqmts: Bach/equiv in Electrical/Electronics Eng'g + 8 yr developing power control for power supply applications (inc. DC-DC converters, PFC systems & grid-tied inverters); power electronics converter topologies (inc. AC-DC, DC-DC, DC-AC systems); Embedded C & Assembly language programming for real-time embedded systems; control peripherals (inc. ADCs, PWMs, DACs); and 6 yr comm protocols (e.g., SPI, I2C & CAN). Apply at https://www.ametek.com/careers. Refer to code SM.


Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V


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