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Embedded Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

E-Space

AI / Embedded ML Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$145K - $190K/yr

As an AI / Embedded Engineer, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of AI/machine learning on resource-constrained hardware, including data ingestion, model development, optimization, and ...

E-Space

AI / Embedded ML Engineer

Saratoga, CA · Hybrid

$145K - $190K/yr

As an AI / Embedded Engineer, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of AI/ machine learning on resource-constrained hardware. This includes data ingestion, model development, optimization ...

RTL Networks

Embedded Firmware Developer

CA · On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

Embedded Firmware Developer Location: NAWS China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA preferred Salary: $150,000-$235,000 (DOE) Status: Full-time Clearance: Minimum active Secret to start and will be upgraded to Top ...

E-Space

AI / Embedded ML Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$145K - $190K/yr

As an AI / Embedded Engineer, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of AI/ machine learning on resource-constrained hardware. This includes data ingestion, model development, optimization ...

E-Space

AI / Embedded ML Engineer

Saratoga, CA · Hybrid

$145K - $190K/yr

As an AI / Embedded Engineer, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of AI/ machine learning on resource-constrained hardware. This includes data ingestion, model development, optimization ...

RTL Networks Inc

Embedded Firmware Developer

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

Embedded Firmware Developer Location: NAWS China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA preferred Salary: The annual salary range for this position is $150,000 - $235,000. Please note that the salary information is a ...

RTL Networks Inc

Embedded Firmware Developer

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

Embedded Firmware Developer Location: NAWS China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA preferred Salary: The annual salary range for this position is $150,000 - $235,000. Please note that the salary information is a ...

RTL Networks Inc

Embedded Firmware Developer

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

Embedded Firmware Developer Location: NAWS China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA preferred Salary: The annual salary range for this position is $150,000 - $235,000. Please note that the salary information is a ...

eInfochips

Embedded Engineer/Sr. Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$154K - $202K/yr

... engineering consulting. Since 1994, eInfochips has provided solutions to key verticals like ... Development of system / software in embedded domain * Drive project technically - experience ...

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Embedded Developer information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$127.4K

$393.8K

How much do embedded developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded developer in California is $127,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,900.00 and $131,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Embedded Developer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectEmbedded DeveloperFirmware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields; knowledge of C/C++, RTOSBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields; expertise in C/C++, hardware interfaces
Work EnvironmentEmbedded systems development, often on microcontrollers or embedded platformsDeveloping low-level firmware for hardware devices, often on microcontrollers or SoCs
Employer & Industry UsageElectronics, automotive, consumer devices, IoTConsumer electronics, automotive, industrial equipment, IoT

Embedded Developers and Firmware Engineers share similar skills and work environments, focusing on embedded systems and hardware integration. However, Embedded Developers often work on application-level software within embedded systems, while Firmware Engineers focus on low-level firmware that directly interacts with hardware components. Both roles are essential in the development of embedded products, with overlapping credentials and industry usage.

What are some common challenges Embedded Developers face when integrating hardware and software components?

Embedded Developers often encounter challenges such as ensuring real-time performance, managing limited system resources (like memory and processing power), and debugging hardware-software interactions. These tasks require strong problem-solving skills and a solid understanding of both hardware schematics and programming. Collaboration with electrical engineers and testing teams is also vital, as seamless integration depends on clear communication and coordinated troubleshooting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Embedded Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded Developer, you need strong programming skills in C/C++, a solid understanding of microcontrollers, embedded systems architecture, and typically a degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), debugging tools (e.g., JTAG, oscilloscopes), and experience with version control systems like Git are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are essential for developing reliable, efficient, and safe embedded solutions that meet both technical and user requirements.

What are Embedded Developers?

Embedded Developers are software engineers who design, develop, and maintain software that runs on embedded systems—specialized computing devices that are part of larger mechanical or electrical systems. These systems often have real-time computing constraints and are found in products like cars, medical devices, consumer electronics, and industrial machines. Embedded Developers work closely with hardware components and typically use programming languages such as C, C++, or assembly. Their work ensures that the embedded devices operate efficiently, reliably, and safely.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Developer jobs in California? The most popular types of Embedded Developer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Embedded Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Embedded Developer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Developer jobs in CA? For Embedded Developer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Embedded Developer jobs near you

Lead Embedded Systems Software Engineer

E-Space

Saratoga, CA

$150K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you've come to the right place!

E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.

We're intentional, we're unapologetically curious and we're 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.

We are looking for a Lead Embedded Software Engineer to own the full path from product requirements to working, tested firmware. You will translate product-level goals into system software architecture, write production code, and lead a team of embedded engineers to ship reliable, high-performance software.

This is a player-coach role. You will write code every day while also guiding the team, reviewing designs, and setting technical direction. You must be as comfortable at a whiteboard as you are at a debugger. You will report to the head of product engineering.

What you will do:

Architecture and Technical Leadership

Translate product requirements into clear system-level software architecture.

Define software interfaces, data flows, and module boundaries across the embedded stack.

Make and own key technical decisions. Document them clearly for the team.

Identify risks early and drive solutions before they become blockers.

Hands-on Development

Write, review, and maintain production firmware in C/C++ (and Rust where applicable).

Develop drivers, middleware, and application logic for sensor-rich embedded platforms.

Work with Zephyr RTOS across multiple MCU families (STM32, Nordic nRF, ESP32).

Use West and CMake to manage builds, module dependencies, and board configurations.

Debug firmware using JTAG, SWD, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.

Integrate and validate sensors including IMUs, accelerometers, and gyroscopes.

Implement and optimize networking stacks - BLE, Thread, and Wi-Fi.

Design and maintain backend communication protocols for reliable edge-to-cloud data transfer.

Test and Quality

Write automated unit and integration tests before or alongside feature code.

Build and maintain HIL (hardware-in-the-loop) and SIL (software-in-the-loop) test frameworks.

Set team standards for test coverage, static analysis, and CI/CD pipelines.

Perform code reviews with a focus on correctness, safety, and long-term maintainability.

Team Leadership

Lead a small team of embedded engineers. Set clear goals and unblock day-to-day work.

Mentor engineers through design reviews, pair programming, and direct feedback.

Collaborate with hardware, systems, and product teams to align on requirements.

Contribute to hiring - interview candidates and help define the team's technical bar.

What we are looking for:

Required

7+ years of embedded software development experience in production systems.

Strong C/C++ skills in resource-constrained environments (bare-metal and RTOS).

Hands-on experience with Zephyr RTOS, including West build system and CMake.

Deep knowledge of at least one MCU family: STM32, Nordic nRF, or ESP32.

Experience integrating and characterizing inertial sensors (IMU, accelerometer, gyroscope).

Solid understanding of wireless protocols - BLE, Thread, and Wi-Fi - including their stack implementations.

Experience designing and implementing backend communications (MQTT, CoAP, HTTP/REST, or similar).

Strong skills in writing automated tests for embedded code: unit tests, mocking, HIL/SIL frameworks.

Proficiency with hardware debug tooling: JTAG, SWD, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.

Solid Git workflow practices: branching strategy, code review process, and CI/CD integration.

Demonstrated ability to lead a technical team while remaining a hands-on contributor.

Clear communicator. Able to explain complex technical decisions to non-specialist stakeholders.

Nice to Have

Experience with Rust in embedded contexts.

Familiarity with TinyML or edge ML frameworks (TFLite Micro, Edge Impulse, ONNX Runtime).

Background in aerospace, satellite, or other safety-critical systems.

Experience with model optimization techniques such as quantization and pruning.

Contributions to open-source embedded or RTOS projects.

$150,000 - $225,000 a year

This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Saratoga office. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 
 
We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used-so we're looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that's your experience - then we'll be immediately wow-ed.
 
E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.  
 
In your first 90 days, you will have mapped the current embedded software architecture, identified the highest-priority gaps, and shipped at least one meaningful feature end-to-end. Within six months, you will have established a team testing standard, introduced measurable improvements to firmware reliability, and built strong working relationships with hardware and systems engineering. 
 
 
 

How We Work

On-site, collaborative environment. We build physical hardware - presence matters.

Small teams with high autonomy. You own your area end-to-end.

Fast iteration cycles. We prototype, test, and revise quickly.

Direct feedback culture. We expect candor and respect in equal measure.


Why E-Space is right for you:

As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success.  Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals.  In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.  

We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That's why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:

An opportunity to really make a difference
Sustainability at our core
Fair and honest workplace
Innovative thinking is encouraged
Competitive salaries
Continuous learning and development
Health and wellness care options
Financial solutions for the future
Optional legal services (US only)
Paid holidays
Paid time off

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.
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