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Contract Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Fieldpiece Instruments

Embedded Software Engineer

Orange, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $184K/yr

Hands-on engineer who enjoys solving product and system-level problems. * Comfortable operating in ... Develop and maintain embedded software and firmware for microcontroller-based products (ARM Cortex ...

Cypress HCM

Control Systems Engineer

Irvine, CA

$200K - $250K/yr

Apply control engineering, scientific, mathematical, signal processing, and human physiology ... Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++ for embedded systems. Real-time implementation and ...

Infostride

Senior Embedded Platform Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$133K - $174K/yr

This role works closely with embedded systems, motor control, BMS, and vehicle control software engineers to ensure the platform layer is reliable, reusable, and deterministic. Key Responsibilities ...

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Contract Embedded Systems Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$65.2K

$143.2K

$200.3K

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

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract embedded systems engineer in Riverside, CA is $143,213.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,300.00 and $170,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 popular job titles related to Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? For Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Contract Embedded Systems Engineer job openings:
Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs near you

Senior Embedded Systems Software Engineer

Neon Aerospace

Irvine, CA • On-site

$133K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Aerospace is at a turning point - costs are rising, supply chains are strained, and old ways of building can't keep up. At Neon Aero, we're breaking that mold. We move fast, think big, and combine start-up agility with aerospace expertise to design, build, and scale aircraft in ways the industry has never seen. Our team leverages automation, AI-driven tools, and a fully connected digital backbone to accelerate innovation and reduce barriers to production.
Here, you won't just take a job - you'll help reinvent how the world flies. If you're ready to solve complex problems, push technology further, and work alongside some of the brightest minds in aerospace, this is your chance to make a real impact.
We're seeking a Senior Embedded Systems Software Engineer with strong systems intuition and a passion for building robust, safety-critical control software. This role sits at the intersection of embedded platform software, and system-level control logic owning the supervisory control layers that coordinate actuators, motor drives, and flight-level systems.
You will architect and implement system control logic, state machines, sequencing, diagnostics, and communication interfaces that ensure safe, deterministic operation across complex aerospace systems. While this role interfaces closely with actuator control, BMS, and vehicle control software, its primary focus is system behavior, integration, and correctness...not fast inner-loop control.
Key Responsibilities
System Control Architecture & Logic
  • Design and own system-level control architecture spanning actuator control, power sequencing, and operational state management.
  • Develop supervisory logic, state machines, and mode management that coordinate lower-level motor control, embedded platform software, and hardware subsystems.
  • Define and implement safe power-up, power-down, input processing, fault response, and degraded operating modes consistent with system safety assessments and aerospace certification requirements.
Embedded Software Development
  • Develop and maintain embedded software in C/C++ or MATLAB/Simulink on real-time microcontroller platforms (e.g., TI C2000, NXP, or comparable safety-oriented MCUs).
  • Architect scalable and maintainable software frameworks supporting control execution, communication, diagnostics, and monitoring.
  • Work across BSPs, middleware, and application layers to ensure deterministic behavior and system robustness.
System Interfaces & Communication
  • Define, implement, and document system interfaces between controllers, subsystems, and external equipment.
  • Author and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for communication protocols such as CAN (including safety-oriented profiles), ARINC 825, and other aerospace or automotive buses.
  • Ensure reliable data exchange, arbitration, and fault handling across system boundaries.
Model-Based Design & Validation
  • Use MATLAB/Simulink to develop and validate system-level control logic, sequencing, and coordination strategies.
  • Support model-based design workflows spanning MIL, SIL, and HIL environments.
  • Leverage simulation and lab data to validate system behavior across nominal, corner-case, and fault scenarios.
Integration, Test & Bring-Up
  • Lead system-level integration activities across motor control, BMS, sensors, and vehicle control software.
  • Support hardware bring-up, HIL testing, and lab validation, diagnosing issues that span software, hardware, and system interactions.
  • Develop test strategies, automation hooks, and data analysis workflows to ensure repeatable verification.
Safety, Process & Lifecycle Support
  • Support development of safety-critical embedded software by following disciplined software development processes.
  • Contribute to requirements definition, traceability, verification planning, and certification readiness activities aligned with standards such as DO-178C, ARP4754/4761, or equivalent safety frameworks.
  • Maintain configuration control and long-term maintainability of system software artifacts.
Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience developing embedded control software for complex real-time systems
  • Strong proficiency in embedded C/C++ and real-time software architecture
  • Experience designing system-level control logic, state machines, and sequencing
  • Hands-on experience with communication protocols such as CAN (and derivatives), SPI, Ethernet, or ARINC (825/664)
  • Experience with model-based design tools (MATLAB/Simulink) and SIL/HIL testing
  • Proven ability to integrate and debug software across hardware, firmware, and system boundaries
  • Strong analytical skills and system-level problem-solving ability
Preferred / Bonus Experience
  • Experience with TI C2000, NXP, or similar real-time control microcontrollers
  • Prior work on safety-critical or regulated systems (aerospace, automotive, industrial)
  • Exposure to certification-oriented development processes (DO-178C, ARP4754/4761, ISO 26262 concepts)
  • Experience defining software architectures and development processes for growing teams
  • Background spanning motor control, BMS, or vehicle control systems
  • Experience supporting production launch, field issues, and system-level validation
Why This Role Matters
This role defines how complex control systems behave as a whole. Your work ensures that motors, actuators, power, and climate systems operate coherently, safely, and predictably under all conditions. You'll have deep technical ownership and influence system architecture decisions. Play a key role in bringing flight-ready control systems from concept to deployment.
This is the expected compensation range for this role. Final compensation will be based on role scope, experience, skills, internal equity and location. This role may also be eligible for bonus/equity/benefits, if applicable.
$150,000-$175,000 USD
Neon Aero, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
All final candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening as a condition of employment.
At this time, Neon Aero and its divisions are not accepting unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies.

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