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Contract Firmware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Senior Firmware Engineer, Vehicle

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

Rowe Price -- and with over $1 billion in signed contracts across commercial and US government ... engineering teams. * Demonstrated ability to debug complex hardware/firmware issues. Nice to haves

K2 Space

Senior Firmware Engineer, Vehicle

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

Rowe Price - and with over $1 billion in signed contracts across commercial and US government ... engineering teams. * Demonstrated ability to debug complex hardware/firmware issues. Nice to haves

Qualcomm

#Software Engineer - WLAN

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Write production-quality C/C++ firmware daily; this is not a coordination or review-only role ... MCP server toolchains: cscope MCP for symbol navigation; swi-hw-sw MCP for SWI contract ...

Transcend Softech LLC

Sr Embedded Platform Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

Irvine CA (Onsite) Long Term Contract with Full-Time option Key Skills: * Embedded C/C++, Bare ... Firmware Debugging, Oscilloscope, Logic Analyzer * TI C2000, NXP, STM32, Aurix * CAN, SPI, Ethernet ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsContract Firmware Engineer JobsContract Firmware Engineer Jobs in California

Contract Firmware Engineer information

See California salary details

$74K

$165.2K

$202.3K

How much do contract firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract firmware engineer in California is $165,245.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,100.00 and $202,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract firmware engineer?

A Contract Firmware Engineer is a professional who develops and tests low-level software that interacts with hardware components, typically on a temporary or project-specific basis. They work with embedded systems, microcontrollers, and device drivers to ensure proper functionality. Contract roles often involve short-term assignments for specific projects or product development cycles. These engineers collaborate with hardware teams, troubleshoot firmware issues, and optimize code for performance and efficiency.

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

To thrive as a Contract Firmware Engineer, you need strong experience in embedded systems design, proficiency with C/C++ programming, and a solid understanding of hardware-software integration. Familiarity with tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, debuggers, and version control systems like Git is typically required, along with knowledge of popular microcontroller platforms. Excellent problem-solving skills, flexibility, and effective communication are highly valued in this contract-based role. These skills are essential for delivering high-quality firmware solutions on tight deadlines while collaborating with cross-functional teams in dynamic project environments.

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

Contract Firmware Engineers often encounter challenges such as rapidly adapting to new hardware platforms, understanding legacy codebases, and meeting tight project deadlines. To address these, it helps to review documentation thoroughly, leverage debugging and simulation tools, and communicate proactively with project stakeholders. Additionally, collaborating closely with hardware engineers and other team members can help resolve integration issues quickly. Staying organized and maintaining flexibility are key to successfully delivering firmware projects as a contractor.

Are contract firmware engineers in demand?

Contract firmware engineers are in high demand due to the growth of embedded systems, IoT devices, and hardware development. Companies seek professionals skilled in C, C++, and real-time operating systems to support product development and maintenance on flexible schedules. The demand is expected to remain strong as technology continues to advance.

How much does a contract firmware engineer get paid?

Contract firmware engineers typically earn between $50 and $100 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Senior or specialized engineers with expertise in embedded systems and real-time operating systems may command higher rates. Compensation can also vary based on contract duration and industry sector.

What are the most commonly searched types of Firmware Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Firmware Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Firmware Engineer jobs in California?

For Contract Firmware Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Firmware Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Firmware Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Firmware Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Firmware Engineer job openings:

Contract Firmware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Firmware Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,245 per year, or $79.4 per hour.

Part-Time Student Worker - Firmware Engineer (FW Thermal/Body)

Zoox

San Diego, CA • On-site

$30/hr

Contractor

Posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop diagnostics for autonomous vehicle software to ensure fault detection, reactions, and serviceability.

  • Design, develop, and test embedded software for vehicle body, thermal, lighting, and door functions.

  • Collaborate with system, software, hardware, and test engineers to define, implement, and validate diagnostic requirements.

Zoox rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

214th of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

About Zoox

Zoox is transforming mobility with fully autonomous, electric vehicles designed from the ground up for a driverless future. Our mission is to make transportation safer, more sustainable, and accessible to everyone. At Zoox, innovation, collaboration, and a bold vision for the future drive everything we do.

About Our Part Time Student Worker Program

Zoox’s program offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, mentorship from some of the industry’s brightest minds, and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to real projects. We seek part time student workers  who demonstrate strong academic performance, engagement beyond the classroom, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine interest in Zoox’s mission. 

Project Overview

Zoox is seeking a motivated Firmware Engineer student worker to join our team, focusing on diagnostic services for the thermal and body systems. This is an opportunity to own highly-visible, foundational projects where you will extend our existing diagnostic infrastructure. You will work on the full development cycle of robot firmware development.

 
In this role, you will:
  • Work on the development of diagnostics for autonomous vehicle software, ensuring robust fault detection, reactions, and serviceability
  • Design, develop, and test embedded software for body, thermal, lighting, and door functions of the Zoox vehicle
  • Contribute to all phases of the software development cycle including prototyping, requirements capture, design, implementation, and validation
  • Collaborate with system, software, hardware, and test engineers to define, implement, and validate diagnostic requirements
Qualifications:
  • Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or equivalent experience
  • Proficiency in modern C++ for firmware development
  • Experience with Python programming
  • Experience with embedded micro-controllers and/or microprocessors (ARM, PowerPC)
  • Basic knowledge of control systems for electromechanical systems
Bonus Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with C++ unit testing principles and framework such as gtest
  • Hands-on experience with hardware bring-up and system debugging
  • Understanding of sensors and actuators and automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN)
Program Requirements:
  • Currently pursuing a B.S. or M.S., in a relevant engineering field
  • Available for a 6 month project
  • Able to commit to at least 20 hours per week
  • Ability to commute on-site to one of our offices
  • Student Worker may not use proprietary Zoox information in university theses, publications, or share it outside
$30 per hour.
 
This is a contract position and employment for this position will be through a vendor contracted with Zoox. The hourly pay range is posted and you will be eligible for a benefits package as offered by the vendor.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

What Zoox employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Zoox

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Zoox is dedicated to creating the world's first fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the necessary ecosystem to make this technology accessible. Positioned at the crossroads of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox strives to deliver the future of mobility-as-a-service in urban settings. We seek exceptional individuals who share our enthusiasm and are eager to join a dynamic and results-driven team.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Foster City, CA, US

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