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Embedded Hardware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hardware Developer

Wilmington, CA ยท 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 ...

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

Hardware Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$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 ...

Hardware Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA ยท 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 ...

Hardware Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$91K - $121K/yr

As a Firmware Engineer, you'll develop the embedded software that controls advanced storage devices. You'll work at the intersection of hardware and software, building reliable, high-performance ...

Hardware Engineer

San Jose, CA

$144K - $191K/yr

As a Firmware Engineer, you'll develop the embedded software that controls advanced storage devices. You'll work at the intersection of hardware and software, building reliable, high-performance ...

Hardware Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$144K - $191K/yr

As a Firmware Engineer, you'll develop the embedded software that controls advanced storage devices. You'll work at the intersection of hardware and software, building reliable, high-performance ...

Apple's Camera Firmware team is seeking an outstanding firmware engineer to help drive innovative ... Contribute to hardware validation, offering firmware support during factory testing and ...

Embedded HW/SW Engineer - Distributed Weather Sensor Networks Location: Long Beach Team ... Hardware Engineering Level: Individual Contributor (2-4 years experience) Type: Fulltime Why this ...

The Role As an Embedded OTA Validation & Tools Engineer own validation, automation, and operational ... Build, manage and scale automated testbeds and harnesses (hardware-in-the-loop, virtualized devices ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$155K - $246K/yr

Support debugging efforts for RF and UHF communication hardware utilizing DSP, FPGA, and embedded ... Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, operations, and program teams to drive effective ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 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?

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:
Infographic showing various Embedded Hardware Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,344 per year, or $61.7 per hour.

Hardware Developer

LD power automation

Wilmington, CA โ€ข On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Company Overview
LD power automation is a leading engineering company specializing in marine and industrial electrical and control services and products. With extensive experience in installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting, we deliver professional and timely solutions that help our clients achieve operational excellence. Our commitment to building strong, long-term relationships is founded on trust and a deep understanding of our clients' needs. For more information, visit our website.
Job Summary
The Hardware Developer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and validating electronic hardware used in company products, automation systems, and data-driven platforms. This role focuses heavily on circuit board design, analog signal conditioning, microcontroller-based systems, and embedded hardware development that supports reliable telemetry data acquisition and processing. The Hardware Developer participates in the full hardware lifecycle-from concept and schematic design through prototyping, testing, documentation, and release to production.
Key Responsibilities
Hardware Design & Development
  • Design and develop analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuits, including signal conditioning stages for sensors and instrumentation.
  • Create schematics, PCB layouts, and component libraries using industry-standard CAD tools.
  • Integrate and configure microcontrollers, embedded peripherals, and communication interfaces.
  • Develop hardware platforms that support telemetry data acquisition, filtering, buffering, and transmission.
  • Build prototypes, evaluate performance, and iterate designs based on test results and system requirements.
  • Maintain hardware documentation, BOMs, revision history, and engineering change records.

Embedded & System Integration
  • Collaborate with software developer to ensure seamless integration between hardware and embedded software.
  • Support embedded development by defining hardware-software interfaces, pin mappings, and electrical constraints.
  • Validate microcontroller performance, timing, and peripheral behavior under real-world conditions.

Testing, Validation & Troubleshooting
  • Develop and execute test plans for functional, environmental, and compliance testing.
  • Perform root-cause analysis on hardware issues and implement corrective actions.
  • Use oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, and other diagnostic tools to debug and validate designs.
  • Ensure hardware meets safety, EMC, and regulatory requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with cross-functional technical teams to ensure manufacturability, reliability, and system-level performance.
  • Contribute to design improvements that support efficient manufacturing and effective testing.
  • Work with technical and operational teams to support component evaluation, substitution planning, and lifecycle management.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related engineering discipline required.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in hardware development, PCB design, or embedded electronics.
  • Strong experience with:
    • Circuit board design
    • Analog signal conditioning
    • Microcontrollers and embedded hardware
    • Telemetry data acquisition or sensor-based systems
  • Proficiency with schematic capture and PCB layout tools.
  • Hands-on experience with lab equipment for testing and debugging.
  • Strong understanding of communication protocols relevant to embedded and hardware systems.
  • Ability to interpret datasheets, electrical specifications, and system requirements.
  • Ability to lift and handle tools, equipment, and prototypes as needed.
  • Ability to obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential).

Preferred
  • Experience with high-speed design, power electronics, or motor control.
  • Familiarity with EMC/EMI mitigation techniques.
  • Experience working with contract manufacturers and DFM/DFT principles.
  • Basic understanding of embedded firmware to support hardware-software integration.

Core Competencies
  • Analytical problem-solving and methodical debugging.
  • Attention to detail in design, documentation, and testing.
  • Cross-functional communication with engineering and operations teams.
  • Ownership and accountability for design quality and project outcomes.
  • Adaptability in a fast-paced, iterative engineering environment

Working Conditions
  • This position requires onsite work, with responsibilities carried out at our designated facility or job location.

Other
  • Must be able to pass a drug screening and background check upon request for customer site access. A clean driving record is required.
  • As our business and operations evolves to meet changing market needs, team members are expected to adapt seamlessly and undertake additional essential projects and tasks when required.

Compensation & Benefits
LD power automation provides competitive compensation and benefits to acknowledge employees' contributions. Base pay is determined by job-related knowledge, skills, experience, location, and internal equity considerations:
  • 401(k)/Employer Matching
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off