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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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Automation/Controls Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$99K - $131K/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 ...

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 Aug 23, 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 are popular job titles related to Embedded Controls Engineer jobs in California?

For Embedded Controls Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles 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:

Infographic showing various Embedded Controls Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,309 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Senior Embedded Controls Engineer - Scanning Systems

Aeva, Inc.

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

About us:
Aeva's mission is to bring the next wave of perception to a broad range of applications from automated driving to industrial robotics, consumer electronics, consumer health, security, and beyond. Aeva is transforming autonomy with its groundbreaking sensing and perception technology that integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D LiDAR sensors uniquely detect instant velocity in addition to 3D position, allowing autonomous devices like vehicles and robots to make more intelligent and safe decisions.
Role Overview:
The Scanning Systems team develops electro-mechanical & optical systems that enable our lidars to scan the world. The team is multidisciplinary and works on complex problems that require high precision and high reliability - pushing the limits of materials, controls, and manufacturing.
We are looking for an engineer with expertise in controls along with strong embedded programming and electronics experience. You will be responsible for designing and implementing controllers for our actuators. You will be doing hands-on design, implementation, evaluation and debugging of the performance of the controller, actuator and associated electronics
What you will be doing
  • Developing, testing and analyzing control architectures and improvements.
  • Implementing controller changes in C.
  • Root-causing control performance issues with embedded, electrical and mechanical engineers.
  • Testing and qualifying changes by coordinating with the reliability and test team to identify the appropriate test conditions, collect relevant data and present the results for approval.

What will you have
Technical:
  • 3+ years of experience developing controls for motion control applications.
  • Strong fundamentals in control design - PID, frequency domain, state space.
  • Experience implementing real-time, production-level firmware in C.
  • Ability to prototype controller designs and analyze data in Matlab and Python.
  • Working knowledge of motors, encoders, motor drivers, ADCs and microcontrollers.
  • Master's level coursework in controls and embedded programming.

Personality:
  • Self-driven with ability to take complete ownership of projects
  • Strong communication skills to work cross functionally
  • Ability to juggle multiple projects
  • Enjoy a fast-paced and dynamic environment

Nice to have
  • Practical experience controlling motors (Brushed DC, BLDC, VCM, MEMS).
  • Hands-on experience in developing and debugging motion control electronics (motor drivers, ADCs, encoders).
  • Experience in deploying firmware for automotive, medical or aerospace industries.

What's in it for you
  • Be part of a fast paced and dynamic team
  • Very competitive compensation and meaningful stock grants
  • Exceptional benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and more
  • Unlimited PTO: We care about results, not punching timecards

$140,463 - $190,113 a year
Salary pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate's starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, certifications, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges are subject to change in the future.
Depending on the position offered, equity, bonus, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, pre-tax commuter and health care/dependent care accounts, 401k plan, life and disability benefits, flexible time off, paid parental leave, and 11 paid holidays annually.
Aeva is an Equal Opportunity Employer including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.

AEVA logo

About AEVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Manufacturing and manufacturing

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Palo Alto, CA, US

Year founded

2017