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Contract Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in California

Embedded Software Engineer

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$174K - $261K/yr

What you'll do This is a role for a Embedded Software Engineer within Secure Netowrk Systems (SNS) - Viasat Government who is eager to contribute to a small, fast-paced team. You will develop ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA ยท On-site

$153K - $201K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated Embedded Software Engineer to join our team within the RAPID division. In this role, you will take end-to-end technical ownership of embedded software that powers ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$145K - $218K/yr

What you'll do This is a role for a Embedded Software Engineer within Secure Netowrk Systems (SNS) - Viasat Government who is eager to contribute to a small, fast-paced team. You will develop ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$174K - $261K/yr

What you'll do This is a role for a Embedded Software Engineer within Secure Netowrk Systems (SNS) - Viasat Government who is eager to contribute to a small, fast-paced team. You will develop ...

In this role, the Embedded Software Engineer will build high-performance software to meet extreme system requirements. They will be responsible for designing and implementing components to support ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$174K - $261K/yr

What you'll do This is a role for a Embedded Software Engineer who is eager to contribute to a small, fast-paced team. You will develop software to support encrypted communications systems including ...

In this role, the Embedded Software Engineer will build high-performance software to meet extreme system requirements. They will be responsible for designing and implementing components to support ...

In this role, the Embedded Software Engineer will build high-performance software to meet extreme system requirements. They will be responsible for designing and implementing components to support ...

In this role, the Embedded Software Engineer will build high-performance software to meet extreme system requirements. They will be responsible for designing and implementing components to support ...

In this role, the Embedded Software Engineer will build high-performance software to meet extreme system requirements. They will be responsible for designing and implementing components to support ...

Embedded Software Engineer

San Diego, CA

$139K - $183K/yr

In this role, the Embedded Software Engineer will build high-performance software to meet extreme system requirements. They will be responsible for designing and implementing components to support ...

Embedded Software Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

In this role, the Embedded Software Engineer will build high-performance software to meet extreme system requirements. They will be responsible for designing and implementing components to support ...

In this role, the Embedded Software Engineer will build high-performance software to meet extreme system requirements. They will be responsible for designing and implementing components to support ...

Embedded Software Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA ยท On-site

$141K - $186K/yr

This involves programming near hardware-software interfaces, developing or modifying embedded device drivers on Linux and other embedded kernels, implementing signal processing algorithms ...

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Showing results 1-20

Contract Embedded Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$69.1K

$151.4K

$171.7K

How much do contract embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract embedded software engineer in California is $151,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,800.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical day-to-day responsibilities for a Contract Embedded Software Engineer?

As a Contract Embedded Software Engineer, your daily tasks often include writing and debugging embedded code, integrating software solutions with hardware components, and working closely with hardware engineers to meet project requirements. You'll participate in code reviews, documentation, and sometimes testing or troubleshooting hardware-software interactions. Communication with project managers and cross-functional teams is also common to ensure project milestones and deadlines are met. This variety allows you to apply your technical expertise while gaining experience across different industries and applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Contract Embedded Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Embedded Software Engineer, you need strong skills in C/C++ programming, embedded systems development, debugging, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), hardware interfaces, and tools like oscilloscopes or JTAG debuggers is often required, and certifications such as Certified Embedded Systems Engineer can be beneficial. Excellent problem-solving, adaptability, and communication skills help you collaborate on diverse projects and meet tight contract deadlines. These abilities are crucial for delivering reliable, high-quality embedded software solutions in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.

What is a Contract Embedded Software Engineer job?

A Contract Embedded Software Engineer is a professional hired on a temporary or project basis to design, develop, and optimize software for embedded systems. These engineers work with microcontrollers, processors, and real-time operating systems (RTOS) to create software that operates hardware devices efficiently. They often specialize in industries like automotive, medical devices, aerospace, or consumer electronics. Contract roles can vary in duration and scope, offering flexibility and opportunities to work on diverse projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contract Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Contract Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Embedded Software Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 27% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,375 per year, or $72.8 per hour.
Embedded Software Engineer

Embedded Software Engineer

Viasat, Inc.

Carlsbad, CA โ€ข On-site

$174K - $261K/yr

Other

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Viasat rating

3.4

Company rating: 3.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 76 rated telecommunications companies


Job description

About us
One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We're looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.
What you'll do
This is a role for a Embedded Software Engineer within Secure Netowrk Systems (SNS) - Viasat Government who is eager to contribute to a small, fast-paced team. You will develop software to support encrypted communications systems including Layer 2 and Layer 3 In-line Network Encryptors, embedded cryptographic devices, and emerging cryptographic solutions. You will interface and collaborate with system, test, and hardware engineers as new capabilities are developed and transitioned into service.
The day-to-day
  • Design and implementation with embedded software in C/C++ and Rust
  • Linux OS use, for an embedded environment
  • TCP/IP and common network configuration
  • Object-oriented software development
  • Agile Scrum development
  • Ability to plan, track and report on progress
  • CI/CD software development
  • Good oral and written communications skills
  • Linux kernel driver development/modifications
  • Familiarity with to bare metal embedded device drivers
  • Microprocessors and embedded processors (NIOS, ARM, RISC-V, etc.)
  • Networking protocols (e.g. IPSec, MACsec, TLS, etc.)
  • Python development
  • Standalone embedded applications
  • Participating in multi-disciplinary teams

What you'll need
  • At least 5 years of design and implementation experience with embedded software in C/C++
  • At least 1 year Linux OS use, ideally for an embedded environment
  • Familiarity with Linux kernel driver development/modifications
  • Rust experience is preferred
  • Design and implementation experience with embedded software in C/C++
  • Basic understanding of TCP/IP and common network configuration
  • Object-oriented software development experience
  • Agile Scrum development experience
  • Ability to plan, track, and report on progress
  • CI/CD software
  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Bachelor's degree in computer engineering or a related field
  • ship and an active SECRET or TOP SECRET security clearance
  • Ability to travel up to 10%

What will help you on the job
  • Familiarity with to bare metal embedded device drivers
  • Experience with microprocessors and embedded processors (NIOS, ARM, RISC-V, etc.)
  • Experience with RESTConf interface design and implementation
  • Experience with Emulation Environments
  • Experience with networking protocols (e.g. IPSec, MACsec, TLS, etc.)
  • Experience with Python
  • Familiarity with to standalone embedded applications
  • Experience participating in multi-disciplinary teams

Salary range
$140,500.00 - $221,500.00 / annually.For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $174,000.00- $261,000.00/ annually
At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at
EEO Statement
Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.

ViaSat logo

About ViaSat

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate.

Industry

Telecommunications

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carlsbad, CA, US

Year founded

1986