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Embedded Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salient Motion

Controls Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

We are hiring an entry-level Motion Control Engineer to help build and maintain the embedded ... You'll work alongside experienced controls and firmware engineers, turning control concepts into ...

Salient Motion

Controls Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

We are hiring an entry-level Motion Control Engineer to help build and maintain the embedded ... You'll work alongside experienced controls and firmware engineers, turning control concepts into ...

Cantos Ventures

Controls Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

You'll work alongside experienced controls and firmware engineers, turning control concepts into ... Design, implement, and maintain embedded firmware for motion control and motor drive products ...

Physical Intelligence

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)

Human Computer Lab

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 ...

Monarch Tractor

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 ...

Dennis Group

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 ...

Gradient Robotics

Controls Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

About the role We're looking for a Controls Engineer to own motion from command to actuator. You'll ... embedded in the team Preferred Qualifications * Force/impedance control or contact-rich ...

Gradient Robotics

Controls Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

About the role We're looking for a Controls Engineer to own motion from command to actuator. You'll ... embedded in the team Preferred Qualifications * Force/impedance control or contact-rich ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsEmbedded Controls Engineer JobsEmbedded Controls Engineer Jobs in California

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 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:

Embedded Controls Engineer jobs near you
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.

Controls Engineer

Torrance, CA • On-site

Salient Motion
See more jobs at Salient Motionexternal

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

**Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) to meet customer and regulatory requirements**
Who We Are

We are pioneering modular motion technologies to power the next generation of innovation for Industrial, Aerospace and Defense. If you're excited about disrupting legacy industries, and passionate about building next generation technology, let's chat!

We are at the forefront of innovation, crafting exclusive motion control components that propel the industrial, aerospace, and defense sectors into the future. 

A couple other things:

  • We are open to relocating you
  • We have great benefits
  • We are well funded, and generating revenue
  • We are located in beautiful Torrance, CA and just moved into a new large hangar facility

Role Summary: 

We are hiring an entry-level Motion Control Engineer to help build and maintain the embedded firmware that powers our motion control and motor drive products. This role is built for someone with a strong software/firmware foundation, solid C, an instinct for clean system architecture, who is eager to grow into motor control and control-loop design in a fast-paced aerospace environment. You'll work alongside experienced controls and firmware engineers, turning control concepts into robust, production-quality embedded code.

What you'll do:

  • Design, implement, and maintain embedded firmware for motion control and motor drive products, primarily in C.
  • Contribute to system architecture decisions for control firmware modules, with an eye toward maintainability, testability,
    and real-time performance.
  • Translate control algorithms into well-structured, production-quality firmware, working closely with senior engineering staff.
  • Participate in code reviews, static analysis, and unit/integration testing to uphold firmware quality standards.
  • Support bring-up, debug, and validation of control firmware on hardware in the lab.
  • Document firmware architecture, module interfaces, and design decisions.
  • Assist in specifying and executing firmware verification test plans.

What you need:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • 2-4 years of professional experience in embedded firmware development related to Motion Control.
  • Strong proficiency in C, with a solid grasp of firmware/software architecture principles (modularity, abstraction layers, state
    machines).
  • Familiarity with embedded systems fundamentals: microcontrollers, interrupts, timers, and communication protocols (SPI,
    I2C, UART, CAN).
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a genuine interest in learning control theory and motor control fundamentals on the job.
  • Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and collaborative software development workflows.

Nice to Haves: 

  • Exposure to motor control concepts (field-oriented control, PWM generation, current/position sensing).
  • Familiarity with motion control loop design and digital filter design (PI/PID tuning, notch/biquad filters, Bode/FRF analysis).
  • Experience with an RTOS (FreeRTOS, ThreadX, or similar).
  • Familiarity with model-based design or code-generation workflows (e.g., Simulink/Embedded Coder).
  • Exposure to unit testing frameworks for embedded C (Unity, CppUTest, or similar).
  • Coursework or project experience in feedback control systems.

Export Control: 

  • This role supports aerospace programs and may involve export-controlled information or hardware. Candidates must be able to
    comply with applicable export control laws and access requirements.

What we have to offer:

We are not just building components. We are reshaping the future of the Aerospace and Defense component industry, which is a $300B+ market! Come join us and help build next generation systems that will make a massive impact at global scale.

  • We offer competitive compensation: $120,000 to $140,000 base salary + equity
  • Exceptional healthcare benefits, Medical is 100% covered by the company
  • Flexible PTO 
  • 401K
  • More to come!

Apply