ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in California

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

San Diego, CA

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our ...

Apple

Embedded Systems Video Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

... programming.Strong software design, problem-solving and debugging skills with a focus on efficient and reliable solutions.Experience in embedded real time multitasking software system.Strong ...

Apple

Embedded Systems Video Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

... programming.Strong software design, problem-solving and debugging skills with a focus on efficient and reliable solutions.Experience in embedded real time multitasking software system.Strong ...

Apple

Embedded Systems Video Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$126K - $190K/yr

... programming. Strong software design, problem-solving and debugging skills with a focus on efficient and reliable solutions. Experience in embedded real time multitasking software system. Strong ...

Apple

Embedded Systems Video Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$126K - $190K/yr

... programming. Strong software design, problem-solving and debugging skills with a focus on efficient and reliable solutions. Experience in embedded real time multitasking software system. Strong ...

Pop-Up Talent

Manager, Embedded Systems

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175K - $205K/yr

Manager, Embedded Systems San Francisco, CA 94110 Reporting directly to the Director, Mechanical Engineering, we are looking for a Manager of Embedded Systems (EE/FW) to lead the group responsible ...

Apple

Embedded Systems Video Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$139K - $258K/yr

... programming. Strong software design, problem-solving and debugging skills with a focus on efficient and reliable solutions. Experience in embedded real time multitasking software system. Strong ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Embedded Systems Engineer JobsContract Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in California

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 are popular job titles related to Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in California? For Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contract 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:
Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs near you
Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

STR

San Diego, CA • On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our national security. In this role, you will work at the intersection of computer systems and real-world physical systems, building the tools and models that emulate complex cyber-physical platforms to enable analysis, reverse engineering, and experimentation.

We believe every employee brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives that are essential to providing innovative solutions for our customers. You do not need to have experience with every technology listed to be successful in this role. Strong fundamentals, curiosity, and the ability to learn new tools and domains are highly valued.

What you will do: 

  • Work as part of a small, focused team to architect, develop, implement, and test modular software applications and tools for emulating cyber-physical systems.
  • Extend and customize existing emulation frameworks (e.g., QEMU) in C/C++ and Python to support new targets, peripherals, and capabilities.
  • Rehost unknown or sparsely documented firmware by analyzing binaries, identifying hardware dependencies, and adapting these to run correctly in emulated environments.
  • Develop emulator tooling and virtual device models to support reverse engineering and analysis of embedded systems across diverse architectures (e.g., ARM, PPC).
  • Develop digital models using virtualization tools (e.g., QEMU) and network them together to create integrated, end-to-end system simulations that closely approximate real hardware behavior.
  • Ensure model quality and correctness through unit-level and system-level testing, and by validating behavior against first principles, measured data, documentation, and hardware/software artifacts.
  • Communicate technical foundations of models and algorithms through reports and briefings

Who you are:

  • This position requires an Active Secret security clearance with eligibility for Top Secret (TS) clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government. 
  • Proficiency in C/C++ for systems-level or embedded software development
  • Proficiency in Python for tool development, automation, and integration
  • Familiarity with emulation and virtualization tools (e.g., QEMU or similar frameworks)
  • Strong understanding of computer architecture, emulation principles, and software engineering best practices (e.g., modular design, testing, code review)
  • Experience using collaborative source code management (e.g., Git)

Education:

  • BS in Computer Engineering, Computers Science, Electrical Engineering or related field

Nice to have:

  • Active Top Secret (TS) Security Clearance
  • Familiarity with network architecture and protocols, and experience integrating networked simulations
  • Experience with low-level software modifications (e.g., implants, firmware changes, binary patch development)
  • Experience at the software/hardware interface, including device drivers or real-time/embedded operating systems
  • Experience with reverse engineering and firmware rehosting for embedded systems, including analysis of instruction set architectures (e.g., ARM, PPC) and use of tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, or Binary Ninja
  • Experience implementing component models (e.g., sensors, actuators, dynamics, environmental factors) in Python and/or C/C++, and integrate them into system-level simulations and software processing chains
  • Experience working with hardware components and interfaces
  • Masters or PhD in related field

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $110,000 - $151,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

Apply