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Contract Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in California

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 ...

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 ...

Apple

Embedded Systems Video Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $277K/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 ...

Ukund Inc

Embedded Software Engineer || W2

Foster City, CA · On-site

$153K - $201K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in office W2 ,1099 only The Autonomy Hardware Systems V&V team is seeking a contract Embedded Software Engineer to develop embedded ...

Apple

Embedded Systems Video Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $277K/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 ...

Ayr Energy

Sr. Embedded Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$150K - $220K/yr

About the role As a senior embedded systems engineer, you will bring automotive-grade embedded engineering discipline to a greenfield product environment, owning firmware from architecture through ...

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Contract Embedded Systems Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract embedded systems engineer?

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 is a contract embedded systems engineer?

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
Infographic showing various Contract Embedded Systems Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Embedded Systems Software Engineer

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,061 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Tactical Recon & Strike team at Anduril develops aerial small drones (Group 1-3) and all equipment to test, deploy and operate. The team is responsible for taking products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt and Altius from concepts to operational systems. We work in close coordination with specialist teams to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for software engineers, hardware engineers, roboticists, and front-end mobile developers who are excited about creating a powerful robotics platform that can be tasked and viewed in real-time through a variety of interfaces.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a Embedded Systems Software Engineer with experience developing low-level software/firmware for embedded systems products to join our team. In this role, you will develop and deliver features to the firmware layer which underpins the operations of all Tactical Recon & Strike products.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Develop robust, high-confidence software/firmware for microcontrollers, create reusable device drivers, and integrate system-level features.
  • Enable rapid development iteration by quickly debugging and troubleshooting hardware issues that span the electrical, firmware, and software boundaries.
  • Work cross-functionally with Electrical, Software, and Product Design teams to ensure program success, from prototype design through to customer deployment.
  • Collaborate with Test Engineering to streamline the high-yield production and manufacture of hardware products.
  • Support product field testing to quantify customer value and identify firmware feature opportunities with high program impact.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 5+ years of experience developing software/firmware for embedded systems.
  • BS in CS/CE/EE or equivalent industry experience.
  • Experience integrating microcontrollers with analog and digital sensors and developing firmware application logic in bare-metal or RTOS environments.
  • Strong C coding ability and familiarity with the language standard.
  • Solid understanding and application of software development best practices, software/hardware debugging approaches, and board bringup methodology.
  • Familiarity with common IC bus protocols such as I2C, SPI, USB, CAN, RS232, RS485, Ethernet, etc.
  • Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • MS in CS/CE/EE or equivalent industry experience.
  • Experience with the implementation details of one or more microcontroller cores (ARM, AVR, MSP430, PIC, etc.)
  • Firmware/hardware debugging skills with JTAG, SWD, Oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
  • Exhibit a growth mindset, and always be looking for opportunities to learn more about the technologies and tools you use.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

Social media

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