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Embedded Hardware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Efficient Computer

Embedded Hardware Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

... Embedded Hardware Engineer will design and implement complete systems that feature the world's most energy-efficient programmable processor. Your primary role will be to develop PCB designs and ...

Noblesoft Technologies

Hardware Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

Hardware Engineer Location: Palo Alto , California, USA - onsite Duration Contract high-speed board ... Experience with ECUs, embedded hardware, or automotive electronic components * Exposure to EV, ADAS ...

RTL Networks

Embedded Computer/Hardware Developer

CA · On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

Embedded Computer/Hardware 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 ...

Apex Informatics

Hardware Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$145K - $192K/yr

Hardware Engineer (Waymo) Mountain View, CA Mission You'll be the hands-on troubleshooter ensuring ... You've successfully tested and debugged embedded hardware before, from early development to field ...

LD power automation

Hardware Developer

Wilmington, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Embedded & System Integration * Collaborate with software developer to ensure seamless integration between hardware and embedded software. * Support embedded development by defining hardware-software ...

LD power automation

Hardware Developer

Wilmington, CA · On-site

Embedded & System Integration * Collaborate with software developer to ensure seamless integration between hardware and embedded software. * Support embedded development by defining hardwaresoftware ...

LD Power Automation

Hardware Developer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Embedded & System Integration * Collaborate with software developer to ensure seamless integration between hardware and embedded software. * Support embedded development by defining hardwaresoftware ...

Wayve

Hardware Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · Hybrid

$185K - $247K/yr

The Role We are seeking an experienced Hardware Engineer to join our Hardware team and play a key ... This role focuses on low-level electronics design, embedded systems, and high-performance compute ...

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All JobsEmbedded Hardware Engineer JobsEmbedded Hardware Engineer Jobs in California

Embedded Hardware Engineer information

See California salary details

$70.6K

$128.3K

$179.6K

How much do embedded hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded hardware engineer in California is $128,344.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,200.00 and $154,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Embedded Hardware Engineers during product development?

Embedded Hardware Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines while ensuring reliable hardware performance and compatibility with embedded software. Balancing power consumption, size constraints, and cost-effectiveness in design can also be demanding. Additionally, troubleshooting hardware-software integration issues and staying updated with rapidly evolving technology standards are typical hurdles. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as firmware developers and mechanical engineers, is crucial to address these challenges effectively.

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

To thrive as an Embedded Hardware Engineer, you need a solid background in electronics, circuit design, and microcontroller architecture, typically supported by a degree in electrical or computer engineering. Familiarity with tools such as PCB design software (e.g., Altium Designer), oscilloscopes, and debugging systems, as well as knowledge of relevant industry standards, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set exceptional engineers apart in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure the reliable design, testing, and integration of hardware systems critical to product performance and innovation.

What does an Embedded Hardware Engineer do?

An Embedded Hardware Engineer designs, develops, and tests the physical components of embedded systems, such as microcontrollers, sensors, and circuit boards. They work closely with software engineers to ensure the hardware and software work seamlessly together within products like medical devices, automotive systems, and consumer electronics. Their responsibilities include schematic design, PCB layout, prototyping, debugging, and validating hardware performance. Embedded Hardware Engineers often collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to bring innovative electronic products from concept to production.

What is the difference between Embedded Hardware Engineer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectEmbedded Hardware EngineerFirmware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing hardware components, working in labs or manufacturing settingsDeveloping and debugging embedded software, often in software development labs
Industry UsageElectronics, consumer devices, automotive, aerospaceConsumer electronics, IoT devices, embedded systems
Common Search/ComparisonEmbedded Hardware Engineer vs Firmware Engineer

Embedded Hardware Engineers focus on designing and testing physical electronic components, while Firmware Engineers develop the software that runs on these hardware devices. Both roles often collaborate but require different skill sets and focus areas within embedded systems development.

What are popular job titles related to Embedded Hardware Engineer jobs in California? For Embedded Hardware Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Hardware Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Hardware Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Hardware Engineer jobs in CA? For Embedded Hardware Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Embedded Hardware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Hardware Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,344 per year, or $61.7 per hour.

Embedded Hardware Engineer

Efficient Computer

San Jose, CA • On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Efficient is developing the world's most energy-efficient general-purpose computer processor. Efficient's patented technology uses 100x less energy than state of the art commercially available ultra-low-power processors and is programmable using standard high-level programming languages and AI/ML frameworks. This level of efficiency makes perpetual, pervasive intelligence possible: run AI/ML continuously on a AA battery for 5-10 years. Our platform's unprecedented level of efficiency enables IoT devices to intelligently capture and curate first-party data to drive the next major computing revolution
Efficient's Embedded Hardware Engineer will design and implement complete systems that feature the world's most energy-efficient programmable processor. Your primary role will be to develop PCB designs and accompanying system software to test and showcase our revolutionary processors. Specifically, you will be tasked with creating bring-up test hardware and customer evaluation development kits (EDKs), and assist with customer hardware reviews. You will develop the requisite software to operate our bring-up test hardware and EDKs, as well as develop our customer-facing SDK. Additionally, you will be involved in pre-silicon activities such as validating our processors using RTL simulators and FPGA emulators, and developing secure boot ROMs. This position is a unique opportunity to develop cutting-edge hardware and software as part of a highly interdisciplinary team, helping to demonstrate the value of Efficient's breakthrough technology. If you are an engineer who wants to be part of an intensely skilled team and wants to have an immediate impact building the next generation of energy-efficient embedded applications, this is for you!
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop bring-up test hardware and customer EDKs
  • Engage with PCBA vendors, and manage relationships
  • Perform board bring-up
  • Perform pre-silicon validation activities for our processors
  • Develop boot ROM and firmware for our processors
  • Perform first-silicon bring-up and checkout activities
  • Engage with Digital Design and Compiler teams to debug silicon issues
  • Build out a low level SDK for our processors and maintain a set of standard libraries
  • Support customers with their board development efforts, reviewing designs and providing recommended solutions
  • Deploy applications to our processors, in software simulation, RTL emulation, and silicon implementation

Required Qualifications & Experience Requirements
  • 8+ years experience with PCB board design
  • 8+ years of experience developing software for embedded systems
  • Experience debugging new silicon and hardware prototypes in the lab
  • 5+ years of experience with C and/or C++
  • Deep knowledge of at least one embedded platform, such as MSP430, STM32, Ambiq Apollo, PIC32, or similar
  • Experience using industry standard development and debugging tools for embedded systems
  • Strong attention to detail, and an ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
  • Good problem solving skills, communication skills, and work ethic
  • Comfortable working at a start-up engineering pace

Desired Qualifications & Experience Requirements
  • Experience with Altium Develop
  • Solid grasp of computer architectures

We offer a competitive salary for this role, generally ranging from $160,000 to $210,000, along with meaningful equity and comprehensive benefits. The final compensation package will be based on your experience and location, with some flexibility to ensure we align with the right candidate.
Why Join Efficient?
Efficient offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including 401K match, company-paid benefits, equity program, paid parental leave, and flexibility. We are committed to personal and professional development and strive to grow together as people and as a company.

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