1

Contract Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in California

Toyon is looking for a talented and passionate Embedded Systems Engineer to join our growing Aerospace Systems team. In this role, you will play a key part in the design, development, and testing of ...

About the Job Umbra is seeking an Embedded Systems Engineer with a strong firmware background to support development of mission-critical satellite systems. This role focuses on bare-metal embedded ...

About the Job Umbra is seeking an Embedded Systems Engineer with a strong firmware background to support development of mission-critical satellite systems. This role focuses on bare-metal embedded ...

Senior Embedded Systems Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$145K - $235K/yr

Toyon is looking for a talented and passionate Senior Embedded Systems Engineer to join our growing Aerospace Systems team. In this role, you will play a lead role in the design, development, and ...

About this position We are looking for a hands-on Senior Embedded Systems Engineer to join our team. You will work in the domain where software meets hardware, from troubleshooting hardware during ...

Overview As a Staff Embedded Systems Engineer at Copper, you'll help build the firmware that powers our energy-storage-enabled appliances. You'll work across device firmware, connectivity, and cloud ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract Embedded Systems Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Embedded Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Embedded Systems Engineer, you generally need a solid background in computer engineering or electrical engineering, with expertise in C/C++ programming, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and hardware-software integration. Familiarity with tools like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, version control systems (such as Git), and protocols like SPI, I2C, or UART is typically required, along with certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Engineer (CESE) being advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with diverse teams and clients. These skills and qualifications are essential to deliver reliable, efficient embedded solutions on time while meeting client specifications in a dynamic contract environment.

What are Contract Embedded Systems Engineers?

Contract Embedded Systems Engineers are professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to design, develop, and maintain embedded systems—specialized computing systems that perform dedicated functions within larger mechanical or electrical systems. Unlike permanent employees, contract engineers typically work for a set period or until a specific project is completed, offering flexibility to both engineers and employers. They may work on projects involving hardware and software integration, firmware development, real-time operating systems, and troubleshooting embedded devices. Their skills are often sought in industries like automotive, consumer electronics, medical devices, and industrial automation.

What are some common challenges faced by contract embedded systems engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Contract embedded systems engineers often encounter challenges such as rapidly adapting to new codebases, working within tight project timelines, and ensuring seamless integration with existing hardware and software. Success in this role often requires strong communication with both in-house and external teams to clarify requirements and resolve issues quickly. Proactively documenting your work, asking clarifying questions early, and leveraging version control systems can help manage these challenges and deliver reliable solutions on schedule.

What is the difference between Contract Embedded Systems Engineer vs Contract Firmware Engineer?

AspectContract Embedded Systems EngineerContract Firmware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related; often certifications in embedded systemsBachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering; certifications in embedded or firmware development
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing embedded hardware/software in labs or on-siteDeveloping and debugging firmware primarily in software environments
Employer & Industry UsageElectronics, aerospace, automotive, industrial automationConsumer electronics, IoT devices, robotics, embedded systems

Contract Embedded Systems Engineers focus on designing and integrating hardware and software for embedded systems, often working with both hardware and firmware. Contract Firmware Engineers specialize in developing low-level software that runs directly on embedded hardware. While both roles require embedded systems knowledge, the embedded systems engineer has a broader scope including hardware design, whereas firmware engineers concentrate on software development within embedded environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Contract Embedded Systems Engineer job openings:

Embedded Systems Engineer

Toyon

Goleta, CA

$100K - $200K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Description

US Citizenship is Required. Ability to qualify for a US Department of Defense security clearance required. Candidate must be SAP and SCI program eligible.


This position is in-person.


Toyon is looking for a talented and passionate Embedded Systems Engineer to join our growing Aerospace Systems team. In this role, you will play a key part in the design, development, and testing of embedded systems for our next-generation aerospace systems. You will be a key contributor to the development lifecycle, from concept to implementation, ensuring our systems meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance.


Responsibilities:

  • Design and develop embedded firmware for flight control systems, navigation systems, and other avionics subsystems
  • Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code in C and C++
  • Design and implement hardware interfaces for sensors, actuators, and other peripherals
  • Conduct unit testing, integration testing, and system-level testing of embedded software
  • Participate in technical reviews and collaborate with other engineers to ensure overall system integration
  • Prepare technical documentation, including requirements specifications, design documents, and test plans

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
  • Proven ability to write clean, well-documented, and sustainable code
  • Strong experience in C and C++ programming
  • Experience with scripting languages (e.g. Python) for automation tasks
  • Excellent understanding of digital logic design principles
  • Experience with hardware design and interfacing
  • Understanding of digital communications via UART, SPI, CAN, etc.
  • Knowledge of software version control principles
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance with SAP and SCI program eligibility

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of experience in embedded systems development in industry
  • Experience with debugging complex embedded systems using hardware debugging tools
  • Experience writing HDL for FPGAs
  • Knowledge of aerospace engineering subdisciplines: GN&C, propulsion, aerodynamics, astrodynamics, structures
  • Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
  • Previous usage of git in collaborative environments
  • Analog and digital circuit and PCB design for aerospace applications
  • Passionate about solving real world problems quickly
  • Has designed, built, and delivered useful software to users multiple times
  • Willing to take risks and own the accountability for managing those risks
  • Existing TS Clearance

WE OFFER AN EXCEPTIONAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGE!

  • Competitive Industry Pay
  • 100% Employer-Paid Medical Insurance Premium
  • HSA with Employer Contributions
  • Dental and Vision Coverage Options
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation and Sick leave
  • Company Funded 401(k) and Profit Sharing Plans
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Life and Disability Insurance  
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Discretionary Bonus Eligibility

The annual pay range for the Embedded Systems Engineer position is $100,000 to $200,000.


The posted pay range values provide the candidate with guidance on annual base compensation for the position, at a full time level of effort, exclusive of overtime, bonus, and benefits-related compensation, over a range of qualifications that may fit hiring objectives. Toyon Research Corporation will consider the individual candidate's education, work experience, applicable knowledge, skills and training, among other factors, when preparing an offer of employment. 


Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability and Veterans   


Applicant Privacy Notice 


Learn more about our company in our latest video, We are Toyon. 


The application window for this posting will remain open until the position is filled.   


Ref #2649-H