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Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

... Engineering * At least 6+ years of embedded software development with emphasis on C/C++ * Background in real-time embedded systems * Extensive work in firmware development, testing, and system-level ...

We are seeking a highly motivated Firmware Engineer to design, develop, and optimize embedded software for our next-generation products. The ideal candidate has strong experience in low-level ...

Principal Firmware Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$200 - $260/hr

Principal Firmware Engineer - Coherent Optical Modules & Embedded Platforms (CPO) Location: Santa Clara, CA (Onsite) Salary: (USD): $200000 - $260000 per year About the Role We are seeking a highly ...

New

Embedded Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA ยท On-site

$162K - $213K/yr

Apple's System Firmware and Diagnostics team is looking for an enthusiastic embedded firmware engineer to join our team. This is an individual contributor role to design, develop and debug firmware ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA ยท On-site

$162K - $213K/yr

Apple's System Firmware and Diagnostics team is looking for an enthusiastic embedded firmware engineer to join our team. This is an individual contributor role to design, develop and debug firmware ...

Take full ownership of design, implementation and completion of embedded firmware projects * Mentor other firmware engineers and help teach best practices in design engineering * Contribute to team ...

Firmware Engineer

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$45K - $121K/yr

Firmware Engineer City: Mountain View State/Province: California Posting Start Date: 7/21/26 Wipro ... In this role, you will develop, debug, and maintain embedded firmware that enables post-silicon ...

Senior Firmware Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$150 - $200/hr

What you'll do Embedded Firmware Architecture & Product Development * Contribute to firmware ... Operate effectively in a startup environment where engineers own large portions of the hardware and ...

Showing results 41-60

Embedded Firmware Engineer information

See California salary details

$72.5K

$120.4K

$161.9K

How much do embedded firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded firmware engineer in California is $120,410.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,700.00 and $139,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do embedded firmware engineers make?

Embedded firmware engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in real-time operating systems or hardware interfaces can command higher salaries. Certifications and proficiency with tools like C, C++, and debugging hardware can also influence compensation.

Is embedded firmware engineering a good career?

Embedded firmware engineering is a stable and growing field that involves developing software for hardware devices such as microcontrollers and IoT products. It requires skills in programming languages like C or C++, knowledge of hardware interfaces, and often involves working with real-time operating systems. The demand for embedded firmware engineers is strong across industries like automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics, making it a viable career choice.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded firmware engineer?

To excel as an Embedded Firmware Engineer, you need a strong command of C/C++ programming, embedded systems design, and microcontroller architecture, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with debugging tools, real-time operating systems (RTOS), version control systems like Git, and industry-relevant certifications such as Certified Embedded Systems Engineer (CESE) are valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective cross-functional communication, and adaptability are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure high-quality, reliable firmware development and efficient collaboration with hardware, software, and testing teams.

What does an embedded firmware engineer do?

An Embedded Firmware Engineer develops and maintains low-level software that controls hardware devices, ensuring they function efficiently and reliably. They write code in languages like C and C++ for microcontrollers and processors, often working with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and communication protocols. Their role involves debugging, optimizing performance, and collaborating with hardware and software teams to integrate systems.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Embedded Firmware Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in CA? For Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Embedded Firmware Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,410 per year, or $57.9 per hour.

Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer

ATOMS Careers page

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$182K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Who we are
Atoms is building the machines that power the next era of progress.
Over the last decade, software has transformed the digital world. But the physical world, where food is made, minerals are mined, goods are moved, and industries are run, remains far less intelligent, far less efficient, and far more constrained. We're changing that.
Atoms builds Physical AI- real-world robots for the industries that move civilization forward, starting with food, mining, and transport. Our systems are designed to understand, predict, and control the real world with precision, turning complex physical operations into something more reliable, more scalable, and more productive.
This work requires more than robotics. It requires deep integration across hardware, software, AI, operations, manufacturing, and real estate. We don't just build machines in a lab. We deploy them into real environments, operate them, learn from them, and improve them until they work at scale.
We are roboticists, engineers, operators, and builders. We believe the next great technology companies will not only transform information, but the physical systems that shape everyday life.
If you want to work on hard problems with real-world impact, join us.
What you'll do
We are seeking an Embedded Firmware Engineer to develop the low-level software that commands our next-generation autonomous transport vehicles. In this role, you will write the time-critical code that interfaces directly with physical actuators, sensors, and drive-by-wire systems. You will work across hardware and robotics layers to bring up custom microcontrollers and ensure ultra-reliable, safety-critical execution on urban streets.
  • Read and interpret complex electrical schematics and understand the physical functionality of custom-built PCBs
  • Collaborate with electrical and software engineers to develop comprehensive specifications for new hardware
  • Develop firmware for custom boards from the ground up based on schematic designs and functional requirements
  • Extend and enhance existing firmware codebases to support new features and capabilities
  • Examine, document, and develop interfaces for existing third-party vehicle communications systems
  • Implement firmware for drive-by-wire retrofit systems on new vehicle platforms
  • Support installations and troubleshoot hardware and firmware issues
  • Develop test infrastructure for QC for boards and harnesses

What we're looking for
  • Required Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent experience.
  • 2+ years of non-internship professional embedded systems and real-time control applications experience
  • Strong programming proficiency in C and Python within Linux development environments and ARM32 toolchains (such as GCC).
  • Proven experience writing production-grade firmware that directly interfaces with physical mechanical systems, motors, or robotic hardware.
  • Expert ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot complex electrical schematics and hardware datasheets.
  • Deep hands-on experience debugging embedded systems, vehicle wiring harnesses, or physical hardware communication lines (CAN bus).
  • Prior experience developing for safety-critical embedded systems, real-time operating systems (RTOS), or autonomous vehicle applications.
  • Ability to thrive in an ambiguous, fast-paced startup environment and collaborate effectively across hardware and software boundaries.

Why join us
At Atoms, you'll work on one of the defining challenges of our time - bringing automation into the physical world to drive real, lasting impact. We exist to uncover valuable unknown truths and turn them into progress, which means constantly pushing beyond what's known and building what doesn't yet exist. The work is ambitious and often challenging, but it's grounded in a shared sense of purpose and a team committed to seeing it through together. Our work only matters if it serves others, and we know that meaningful progress depends on the trust of the people we serve and the strength of our team-so we invest in both, creating an environment where you can do your best work and grow.
What else you need to know
This role is based in our San Francisco office. Atoms is a company driven by invention and continuous change - we are constantly reimagining our industries, building new products, and refining how we operate. We do our best work together. That's why all of our office-based teams work onsite, five days a week.
The base salary range for this role is $182,000 - $230,000 per year.
Actual compensation will be determined on an individual basis and may vary depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for equity awards and an annual performance-based bonus.
Benefits Summary (USA Full-Time Exempt Employees):
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account Options
  • 401(k)
  • Equity
  • Sick Time, Unlimited Flexible Time Off, and Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit Plan
  • Team lunch in our SoMa office every Tuesday and Thursday

Benefits are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Atoms accepts applications on an ongoing basis.
Ready to join us as we serve those who serve others?
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