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Embedded Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

About the Role You will join as a Controls Engineer within Dexterity's Product Engineering Team ... Develop and maintain embedded software and firmware solutions for rover control systems, motion ...

Controls Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

About the Role You will join as a Controls Engineer within Dexterity's Product Engineering Team ... Develop and maintain embedded software and firmware solutions for rover control systems, motion ...

Showing results 21-40

Embedded Controls Engineer information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$95.3K

$129.3K

How much do embedded controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded controls engineer in California is $95,309.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $106,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an embedded controls engineer do?

An Embedded Controls Engineer designs, develops, and implements control systems for embedded devices, typically in automotive, industrial, or consumer electronics applications. They work with microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators to create efficient and reliable systems. Their responsibilities include writing embedded software, troubleshooting hardware-software interactions, and optimizing system performance. They often use programming languages like C/C++ and tools like MATLAB/Simulink for modeling and simulation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded controls engineer?

To thrive as an Embedded Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, embedded systems programming (typically in C/C++), and control systems theory, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS), microcontrollers, industry-standard software tools (such as MATLAB/Simulink), and relevant certifications like Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD) is valuable. Skills such as analytical problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork stand out in this role. These skills are essential for designing, implementing, and optimizing reliable control systems that integrate seamlessly with hardware under real-world constraints.

What are the typical projects and team interactions like for an embedded controls engineer?

Embedded Controls Engineers commonly work on projects involving the design, development, and testing of control algorithms and embedded firmware for products such as vehicles, industrial equipment, or consumer electronics. You will regularly collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including hardware engineers, software developers, and test engineers to ensure integration and functionality. Most roles involve a mix of individual technical work—such as coding and troubleshooting—and group activities, like design reviews and system validation. This collaborative environment not only builds technical acumen but also provides opportunities for professional growth and exposure to complex, real-world engineering challenges.

Are embedded controls engineers in demand?

Embedded controls engineers are in high demand due to the growth of automation, IoT devices, and embedded systems across industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and consumer electronics. Skills in programming languages like C and C++, along with experience with microcontrollers and real-time operating systems, enhance job prospects in this field.

What is embedded controls engineering?

Embedded controls engineering involves designing and developing control systems embedded within hardware devices, such as industrial machines, automotive systems, or consumer electronics. It requires knowledge of embedded programming, sensors, actuators, and real-time operating systems to ensure precise and reliable operation of the hardware. Engineers in this field often use tools like C, C++, and specialized development environments to create efficient control algorithms.

What job categories do people searching Embedded Controls Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Embedded Controls Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Embedded Controls Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,309 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Staff Embedded Controls Engineer, Vehicle Motion

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Ford Motor Company
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Ford Motor Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 529 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The dynamics that a driver feels as lateral and longitudinal forces in a vehicle define the vehicle's DNA. Join us in developing our next-generation centralized vehicle motion control system, where we can further bridge the interaction between the driver and the vehicle in a natural and intuitive way. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Staff Embedded Controls Software Engineer to join our team.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in embedded development for complex, distributed, safety-critical embedded systems and hands-on experience developing math- and physics-based control strategies. What you'll do... Create and implement the control strategy for various vehicle motion attributes and functions, including lateral and longitudinal vehicle dynamics

Work with suppliers to define functions and interfaces into 3rd party components, driving further consolidation and integration of vehicle functions into our centralized vehicle motion control system. Collaborate with software integration teams to bring up core functions and broadcast software level requirements to electrical hardware and systems teams. Understand functional safety principles and participate in functional safety analyses of complex vehicle subsystems.

Develop comprehensive test plans and perform thorough testing to validate firmware functionality, stability, and performance under various conditions. Author subsystem block diagrams and lead subsystem reviews through all vehicle program development phases Collaborate with other system integration leads to capture component level requirements, provide subject matter expertise in sourcing discussions, and collect and approve Device Transmittals. Early phases of firmware development will focus on hardware validation, labcar testing, and setting up the automation framework for unit, SIL and HIL testing.

You'll have... Master's degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science, with evidence of exceptional ability, or equivalent. 6+ years of experience on embedded controls systems such as chassis systems, VCM, or similar dynamic functions

6+ years of experience on electrical hardware applications, prototype bring-up, and systems development. 6+ years of experience with Vehicle Network Protocols such as CAN, LIN & Automotive Ethernet 6+ years of experience with C, Python, Git, Bazel, CANape, and RTOS Strong EE fundamentals and hands-on experience with electrical test equipment (oscilloscopes, DMMs, signal generators, power supplies, etc.) 4+ years of experience using embedded networking interface tools for automotive, aerospace, or similar field Experience and working knowledge of systems development, vehicle architecture, battery technologies, software/hardware tool development, motor calibration technologies, OBD calibration, functional safety, network, and diagnostics processes Experience with creating and executing component-level test procedures and owning all test results. Even better, you may have..

Highly collaborative mindset and strong communication skills Experience developing features such as hill hold, stability controls, anti-lock braking, park assist, cruise or adaptive cruise control, or other similar vehicle dynamic features. Experience with software build tools like Bazel, Scons, Cmake etc. Experience with fundamental hardware components on PCB and their analysis tools.

Ability to write testing scripts for using scripting languages (Python) Fluent in software fundamentals including software design and maintainability. Hands-on experience in hardware bring-up, system debugging, and codeoptimization Knowledge ofelectrical engineering fundamentals including circuit analysis and design You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply. As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice.

You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home. Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills. Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above

No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including: Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases Tuition assistance Established and active employee resource groups Paid time off for individual and team community service A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time. This position is a leadership level 6 and ranges from $150,200-$283,500. Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/LL6 Visa sponsorship is available for this position. Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid #LI-MZ1 #UEV.


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