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Embedded Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Humble Robotics

Controls Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$98.40K - $127.20K/yr

Position Overview We're looking for a Controls Engineer to design and optimize trajectory ... This role spans embedded systems and diverse compute platforms, and offers a rare opportunity to ...

Terraline

Senior Propulsion Controls Engineer

Fremont, CA

$106.20K - $140.10K/yr

Position: Sr. Propulsion Controls Engineer - Automotive FLSA Classification: Exempt Reports to ... an embedded environment Qualifications: MS/PhD in EE/ME or equivalent 5+ years experience in ...

Terraline

Senior Propulsion Controls Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$106.20K - $140.10K/yr

Position: Sr. Propulsion Controls Engineer - Automotive FLSA Classification: Exempt Reports to ... an embedded environment Qualifications: MS/PhD in EE/ME or equivalent 5+ years experience in ...

ALSO

Controls Engineer, Battery and BMS

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$220K - $260K/yr

ALSO is looking for a Battery Controls Engineer to play a pivotal role in developing battery ... Generate production-quality embedded code for deployment on microcontrollers. * Support model-based ...

ALSO

Sr Staff Vehicle Controls Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$260K - $285K/yr

ALSO is looking for a Senior Staff Vehicle Controls Engineer to lead the design and development of ... Familiarity with embedded automotive software workflows and real-time control implementation.

Ayar Labs

Principal Engineer, Laser Controls

San Jose, CA · On-site

$200K - $260K/yr

Principal Laser Controls Engineer Location: San Jose (on-site) Ayar Labs is shattering AI data ... This role demands deep expertise in laser physics, control systems, and embedded implementation.

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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 May 31, 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 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 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.
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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:
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Embedded Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Controls Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,309 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Humble Robotics

San Francisco, CA

$98.40K - $127.20K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

About Humble Robotics 

Working at Humble Robotics means taking on the biggest change in ground transportation in decades. We’re building an autonomous, zero-emissions hauler that dramatically lowers the cost of freight with groundbreaking vision-based AI, designed for today’s global logistics network.

We’re a fast-moving, close-knit team of AV industry veterans and innovative thinkers. We don’t believe culture can be engineered – but when it falls into place, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Progress has never felt so present.

Position Overview
We’re looking for a Controls Engineer to design and optimize trajectory generation and control systems for an autonomous truck. You’ll own safety-critical systems and ensure reliable execution of complex maneuvers, working closely with the ML team to integrate real-time path outputs while enforcing system constraints and safety checks. This role spans embedded systems and diverse compute platforms, and offers a rare opportunity to connect cutting-edge ML with production autonomy on a small, high-ownership team.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, implement, tune, and deploy real-time controllers for autonomous trucks, taking ownership from modeling through on-vehicle validation
  • Develop and maintain vehicle dynamics models and perform system identification to support controller design and simulation fidelity
  • Build and improve estimation and sensor fusion pipelines for vehicle state (Kalman filters, EKF/UKF, etc.)
  • Validate controllers through SIL/HIL testing, closed-loop simulation, and structured on-vehicle experiments
  • Debug, analyze, and iterate on controllers in the field using vehicle logs and telemetry
  • Collaborate with teams across ML autonomy, system software, hardware, and safety on interfaces, requirements, and integration
  • Contribute to the controls codebase in Rust with a focus on safety, reliability, real-time performance, and maintainability
  • Document design decisions, experiments, and tuning methodology clearly for the broader team
Minimum Qualifications
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field—or equivalent industry experience
  • Strong foundation in classical control theory: PID, LQR, state-space methods
  • Industry experience developing real-time control systems deployed on physical hardware
  • Strong proficiency in Rust and/or C++ for performance-critical systems
  • Experience with estimation techniques (Kalman filters, complementary filters, or similar)
  • Demonstrated ability to debug and tune controllers on real hardware
  • Experience with ROS/ROS2/Autoware/Iceoryx or comparable robotics middleware
  • Strong written and verbal technical communication
  • Eligible to work in the United States
Preferred Qualifications
  • Background in nonlinear, robust, or adaptive control
  • Experience with Model Predictive Control (MPC) and optimization tooling (QP solvers, CasADi, Acado, etc.)
  • Experience with Bazel or similar build systems for complex codebases
  • Working knowledge of vehicle dynamics like tire models, lateral/longitudinal dynamics, and load transfer
  • Comfort operating as an early team member—high ownership, low ego, fast iteration
Compensation
This role is eligible for base salary \+ benefits \+ equity compensation. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by additional factors, including qualifications, skills, experience, and location. 
Additional Information

As part of the interview process, we may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to compare your qualifications and experience to the job description. A human reviews all AI output and makes a final hiring decision. Humble Robotics does not rely on the output to make any employment decisions. Some applicants may have a legal right to opt-out of the use of AI as part of our interview process. Contact **legal@humblerobotics.ai** to exercise this right or if you have further questions on the use of AI tools in our hiring process.

Humble Robotics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristics protected by law. Humble Robotics will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with local ordinances.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. 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.