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Embedded Hardware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hardware Engineer

Palo Alto, CA ยท 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 ...

Hardware Engineer

Mountain View, CA ยท 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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Sep 8, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded hardware engineer?

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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Embedded Hardware Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,344 per year, or $61.7 per hour.

Embedded Hardware Engineer (Aerospace / Aviation, SoC, FPGA)

Sysazzle, Inc.

Torrance, CA โ€ข On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Embedded Hardware Engineer (Aerospace / Aviation, SoC, FPGA)
  • Full-time

Sysazzle is looking for an experienced and highly motivated Embedded Hardware Engineer to join a fast-growing Southern California high tech company specializing in advanced defense and energy solutions. The successful candidate with a proven handsโ€‘on hardware development track record will work with a dynamic engineering team to develop cuttingโ€‘edge analog/digital electronic products for embedded avionics, surveillance and sensor systems.

He/she will bring expertise in development of lowโ€‘power highโ€‘speed embedded electronics that leverage modern highโ€‘speed systemโ€‘onโ€‘chip (SoC) and mobile processor architectures. The selected candidate will bring experience in design of circuit card assemblies using industry standard circuit design/layout tools. Ability to fabricate hardware through local outsourcing, implement hardware/firmware/software integration and test integrated hardware to design specification is required. Good verbal/written communication skills, good problem solving ability are considered as plus.

BS degree (MS degree preferred) in Electrical/Computer Engineering, or a related field required with 2+ yearsโ€™ handsโ€‘on experience.

Must have ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.

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