1

Embedded Hardware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Hardware Engineer

City Of Industry, CA · On-site

$109K - $146K/yr

JOB BRIEF We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Hardware Engineer for embedded boards to lead the design, development, and testing of hardware solutions for single board computers and embedded ...

Sr. Hardware Engineer

Rowland Heights, CA · On-site

$109K - $146K/yr

JOB BRIEF We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Hardware Engineer for embedded boards to lead the design, development, and testing of hardware solutions for single board computers and embedded ...

Electrical Hardware Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144K - $164K/yr

About the role Muon Space is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Early Career Electrical Hardware ... Experience with embedded systems or basic embedded programming concepts. * Familiarity with ...

Sr. Hardware Engineer

Rowland Heights, CA · On-site

$109K - $146K/yr

JOB BRIEF We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Hardware Engineer for embedded boards to lead the design, development, and testing of hardware solutions for single board computers and embedded ...

... and IoT/Embedded customers worldwide. We are the #5 fastest growing company among the Silicon ... Hardware Engineers will handle server board schematic and layout design and review, board and ...

Hardware Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

... and IoT/Embedded customers worldwide. We are the #5 fastest growing company among the Silicon ... Hardware Engineers will handle server board schematic and layout design and review, board and ...

Hardware Engineer Location US-CA-Fremont # Positions 1 Category Engineering Position Description ... Maintain a cross-compiler environment for embedded systems. * Write and review code for boot loader ...

Hardware Engineer III

Hayward, CA · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Hardware Engineer III Do you excel in an environment that values working and playing hard? Would ... based embedded system. The successful candidate must be able to work in a team environment ...

next page

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 Jun 10, 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 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:
Staff Hardware Systems Engineer (Embedded)

Staff Hardware Systems Engineer (Embedded)

Illumina, Inc.

San Diego, CA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Illumina rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 417 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity?
At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.
Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.
We are seeking a highly experienced and technically proficient Embedded Systems Engineer to serve as a technical leader for our complex instrumentation systems. You will own embedded hardware architecture decisions, lead cross-functional engineering teams through hands-on expertise, and drive critical design decisions that impact product performance. This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge instrumentation technology while providing technical leadership in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.
Responsibilities:
  • Define hardware requirements and specifications based on system-level performance needs
  • Debug complex embedded system issues and perform comprehensive root cause analysis
  • Lead Design Verification Testing (DVT) processes and create validation test plans
  • Provide direct technical guidance and direction to electrical engineering and firmware teams
  • Challenge technical assumptions and validate designs through hands-on investigation
  • Resolve technical roadblocks and integration issues that impact product development
  • Create and maintain specifications, requirements documentation, and test reports
  • Lead technical design reviews and communicate design rationale to cross-functional teams

Qualifications:
  • Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years of experience; or equivalent experience.
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline highly preferred
  • Strong project management and organizational skills, with demonstrated leadership coordinating and aligning large cross-disciplinary teams
  • Extensive experience with embedded hardware debugging and analysis tools
  • Good understanding of PCA design, signal integrity, and system integration principles
  • Proven track record with Design Verification Testing (DVT) processes and V&V documentation
  • Strong root cause analysis capabilities for complex technical issues
  • Experience leading technical teams through expertise rather than process management
  • Systems thinking approach with understanding of interdependencies across subsystems
  • Hands-on troubleshooting experience with embedded system design and integration
  • Experience translating complex system requirements into actionable hardware specifications
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences Ability to make critical decisions and own technical outcomes in fast-paced environments
  • Collaborative approach to working with cross-functional engineering teams
  • Self-motivated problem solver who thrives on complex technical challenges

#LI-ONSITE
The estimated base salary range for the Staff Hardware Systems Engineer (Embedded) role based in the United States of America is: $129,400 - $194,000. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. The range reflects long-term growth in the role; therefore, most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. Placement depends on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.
We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information. Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact To learn more, visit: The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.