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Director Embedded Software Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TetraMem Inc

Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Responsibilities: • Design, develop, and optimize embedded software for real-time and AI-driven ... direct emails, LinkedIn messages, or unsolicited submissions to employees, may not be reviewed or ...

Array Labs

Embedded Software Engineer

Redwood City, CA

$161K - $211K/yr

Learns new concepts rapidly, completely, and in a self-directed manner * High levels of self ... Embedded software debugging experience including clock-level issues, bridges, delays, interrupts ...

Array Labs

Embedded Software Engineer

Redwood City, CA

$161K - $211K/yr

Learns new concepts rapidly, completely, and in a self-directed manner * High levels of self ... Embedded software debugging experience including clock-level issues, bridges, delays, interrupts ...

Array Labs

Embedded Software Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$161K - $211K/yr

Learns new concepts rapidly, completely, and in a self-directed manner * High levels of self ... Embedded software debugging experience including clock-level issues, bridges, delays, interrupts ...

Peoplentech LLC

Sr. Embedded SW Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

Join our team as a Senior Embedded Software Engineer! We are looking for a highly motivated, experienced and self-directed Embedded Software Engineer to join our team in developing cutting edge ...

Peoplentech LLC

Sr. Embedded SW Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

Join our team as a Senior Embedded Software Engineer! We are looking for a highly motivated, experienced and self-directed Embedded Software Engineer to join our team in developing cutting edge ...

Embtel, Inc.

Embedded software engineer

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$158K - $208K/yr

As a direct contributor write embedded software in C and other languages. * Develop Software Requirements Specifications and Design Documents. * Work with Sustaining Engineering Group providing ...

Belcan

Embedded Software Engineer

Simi Valley, CA

$105K - $110K/yr

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer Pay Rate: $105K - $110K | ACIP Bonus 10% Location: Simi ... We offer excellent opportunities for contract, temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct assignments. We ...

Embtel, Inc.

Embedded software engineer

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$158K - $208K/yr

As a direct contributor write embedded software in C and other languages. * Develop Software Requirements Specifications and Design Documents. * Work with Sustaining Engineering Group providing ...

Belcan

Embedded Software Engineer

Simi Valley, CA

$105K - $110K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Salary Range: $105K - $110K | ACIP Bonus 10% Location: Simi Valley, CA ... We offer excellent opportunities for contract, temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct assignments. We ...

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All JobsDirector Embedded Software JobsDirector Embedded Software Jobs in California

Director Embedded Software information

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software, aerospace, or petroleum engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level positions often include bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing that contribute to total compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Embedded Software, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Embedded Software, you need deep expertise in embedded systems design, software architecture, and team leadership, usually supported by a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as C/C++, RTOS, version control systems (e.g., Git), and industry certifications like PMP or Agile Scrum Master is often expected. Outstanding communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor and motivate cross-functional teams are crucial soft skills that set top performers apart. These competencies ensure that complex software projects are delivered efficiently, meet quality standards, and align with organizational goals in a highly technical environment.

Will AI replace embedded programmers?

Embedded software engineers design and develop software for hardware devices, and AI is unlikely to fully replace them due to the need for specialized knowledge of hardware constraints, real-time systems, and safety requirements. Instead, AI tools can assist embedded programmers by automating routine tasks and improving development efficiency. Skills in embedded systems, programming languages like C or C++, and understanding of hardware are essential for adapting to evolving technologies.

What is L1, L2, L3, and L4 developer?

In the context of embedded software development, L1, L2, L3, and L4 developers typically refer to different levels of expertise or seniority, with L1 being entry-level and L4 being highly experienced or specialized. These levels help define responsibilities, skills, and experience requirements within a development team, often influencing project roles and expectations. For a Director of Embedded Software, understanding these levels aids in team structuring and talent management.

What is the highest salary in embedded system?

The highest salaries for embedded software engineers can exceed $150,000 annually, especially for senior roles or those with specialized skills in real-time operating systems, hardware integration, or certifications. Leadership positions such as Embedded Software Director or Principal Engineer may earn even higher compensation, often including bonuses and stock options.

How does a Director of Embedded Software typically collaborate with hardware and product teams during the development cycle?

A Director of Embedded Software works closely with hardware engineers and product managers to ensure seamless integration between software and hardware components. This often involves participating in cross-functional meetings, defining technical requirements, and coordinating development timelines. Effective collaboration is crucial to address compatibility challenges, optimize system performance, and deliver robust products. Directors also facilitate communication between teams to quickly resolve issues and align project objectives.

What does a Director of Embedded Software do?

A Director of Embedded Software is responsible for leading teams that design, develop, and maintain embedded software systems, typically used in hardware devices like automotive components, industrial machines, or consumer electronics. They oversee project management, set technical direction, and ensure software quality and compliance with industry standards. This role also involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, managing budgets, and mentoring engineering staff. The director plays a key role in aligning software development with organizational goals and technological advancements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software jobs in California? The most popular types of Embedded Software jobs in California are:
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What cities in California are hiring for Director Embedded Software jobs? Cities in California with the most Director Embedded Software job openings:
Director Embedded Software jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Embedded Software job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Technical Director, Embedded Vehicle Software

Wayve

Sunnyvale, CA • Hybrid

$347K - $457K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

The role 

Wayve is building the next generation of autonomous driving technology: intelligent, adaptable, and software-defined. As Technical Director, Embedded Software Architecture, you will be the hands-on technical leader who defines and leads the architecture of our vehicle software platform, powering the AI systems that bring autonomy to life.

You will work with the most advanced embedded compute platforms from NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and other leading partners, defining how our operating systems, middleware, and hardware abstraction layers come together to enable scalable, efficient, and safe vehicle software.

This is a deeply technical role where you'll stay close to the code, prototype solutions, review critical components, and directly influence system performance and reliability. You will also shape technical direction across teams and act as a senior representative of Wayve in external technical discussions with OEM and silicon partners.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and evolve the embedded software architecture for Wayve's next-generation autonomy platform.

  • Develop and guide hands-on prototypes and reference implementations that demonstrate key architectural decisions.

  • Analyze and optimize system performance, reliability, and scalability across the embedded stack.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with internal AI, platform, and vehicle systems teams, and with external partners including NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and OEMs.

  • Drive the adoption of modern development practices, tools, and standards for high-assurance embedded software.

  • Mentor senior engineers through technical reviews and joint design work - leading through technical depth and influence, not headcount.

  • Represent Wayve as the principal technical voice in discussions with partners and customers on software and hardware architecture.

About you

You are a seasoned systems architect with deep technical roots in embedded software, who still enjoys staying close to the technology. You're comfortable diving into system-level details, whether debugging a performance issue, reviewing C++ code, or defining middleware interfaces, while also maintaining the architectural perspective to guide large-scale systems.

You've successfully delivered complex, high-performance, or safety-critical software systems into production, and you're used to operating at the scale and rigor of Big Tech or high-end automotive programs.

Essential Experience

  • 15+ years in software and systems engineering, with strong expertise in embedded systems for robotics, automotive, or similar domains.

  • Demonstrated hands-on software development experience in C/C++, with familiarity in Python or Rust.

  • Proven ability to deliver large-scale systems to production, with deep involvement in architecture, design, and code.

  • Expertise in system performance analysis, optimization, and debugging.

  • Experience leading through technical influence - shaping teams of 25+ engineers and impacting organizations of 100+ engineers.

  • Ability to represent the company in external technical discussions with OEMs, chip vendors, and partners.

Desirable Experience

  • Automotive or safety-critical software experience.

  • Familiarity with NVIDIA Drive platforms (Orin, DriveOS, DriveWorks).

  • Experience with automotive software frameworks (e.g. AUTOSAR).


This role is a full-time role based in Sunnyvale, CA (hybrid) and the reasonably estimated salary for this role ranges from $347,500 to $457,900, plus a competitive equity package. Actual compensation is based on the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience.

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