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Embedded Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Controls Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

As a Controls Engineer, you will design and implement the algorithms that make PI's robots behave ... Work with embedded systems, drivers, and communication protocols (CAN, SPI, I2C, Ethernet)

Controls Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

Integrate actuators, sensors, encoders, and embedded electronics into reliable mechatronic ... Have embedded programming experience on microcontrollers or DSPs in a controls context * Have ...

Automation/Controls Engineer III

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

Develops new PLC applications, interfaces, or embedded controls * Develops new or modifies existing ... Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field * 8+ years of experience with Allen Bradley ...

Automation/Controls Engineer II

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$86K - $114K/yr

Develops new PLC applications, interfaces, or embedded controls * Develops new or modifies existing ... Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field * 4-7 years of experience with Allen Bradley ...

Staff Controls Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

As a Staff Engineer on the controls and firmware team, you will be responsible for ... Delivering high quality embedded code running on novel powertrains, implements, sensors, electrical ...

Automation/Controls Engineer II

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$86K - $114K/yr

Develops new PLC applications, interfaces, or embedded controls * Develops new or modifies existing ... Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field * 4-7 years of experience with Allen Bradley ...

Controls Firmware Engineer Location: Palo Alto, CA 94304 Type: 6 months Contract to Hire Pay Range ... Day To Day Develop and support embedded controls functionality for residential energy products ...

About the Role In this role, your main focus will be to ship embedded control algorithms for ... Engineering or related technical field * Experience developing and testing brushless motor controls ...

Motor Controls Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$220K - $245K/yr

ALSO is looking for a Motor Controls Engineer to play a pivotal role in developing advanced motor ... Familiar embedded controller and programming languages such as C and Python. * Familiar with ...

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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 Jun 21, 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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and certain aerospace engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Executive-level engineering positions or those with significant leadership responsibilities may also reach this compensation level.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Embedded Controls Engineer position, and why are they important?

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 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 is an embedded controls engineer?

An embedded controls engineer designs and develops control systems for embedded devices, such as microcontrollers and sensors, used in various industries like automotive, manufacturing, and consumer electronics. They typically work with programming languages like C or C++, and use tools such as oscilloscopes and debugging software to ensure system reliability and performance.

Will AI replace embedded programmers?

Embedded controls engineers design and develop software for embedded systems, and while AI can assist with tasks like code generation and testing, it is unlikely to fully replace the need for human expertise in understanding hardware constraints, safety requirements, and system integration. Skills in programming languages such as C or C++, along with knowledge of real-time operating systems, remain essential. AI tools serve as complementary resources rather than complete substitutes for embedded programmers.

Do embedded engineers get paid well?

Embedded controls engineers typically earn competitive salaries due to their specialized skills in programming microcontrollers and real-time systems. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and industry, but generally reflects the technical expertise required for designing and maintaining embedded systems. Certifications and proficiency with tools like C/C++ and RTOS can also influence earning potential.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Controls Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Embedded Controls Engineer jobs in California are:
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:
Staff Embedded Controls Engineer, Vehicle Motion

Staff Embedded Controls Engineer, Vehicle Motion

Ford Motor Company

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Description
The dynamics in which a driver feels the lateral and longitudinal forces in a vehicle is what defines the DNA for the vehicle itself. 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 Embedded Controls Software Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in embedded development supporting complex, distributed, safety critical embedded systems. Has hands-on experience developing math and physics-based control strategies.
Responsibilities
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.
Qualifications
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
• 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 process.
• 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 code optimization.
  • Knowledge of electrical 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 salary grade 8 and ranges from $135,420-226,980.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR
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

Ford logo

About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982