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Embedded Hardware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Epia Neuro

Staff Robotics Hardware Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

As a Staff Robotics Hardware Engineer, you will report to the Robotics Manager and be responsible ... Experience developing embedded firmware for microcontrollers and real-time hardware systems.

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 ...

Wayve

Hardware Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · 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 ...

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

$90K - $120K/hr

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

LD Power Automation

Hardware Developer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

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

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 ...

Western Digital

Hardware Engineer

San Jose, CA · 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 ...

Western Digital

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 ...

Fiery, LLC.

Hardware Engineer, Electrical

Fremont, CA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

We are looking for a highly motivated engineer with strong knowledge of electrical systems, hardware integration, and embedded platforms. In this role, you will work on the design, development ...

Western Digital

Hardware Engineer

San Jose, CA · 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

Embedded ISP Engineer

San Diego, CA

$142K - $263K/yr

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 ...

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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 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 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 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 Engineer, Hardware (Autonomous Vehicle Team)

Foundation Robotics

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

About Foundation:
Foundation is developing the future of general purpose robotics andelectric mobilitywith the goal to save lives and augment human labor.
Our mission is to create an autonomous, crewless ATV built to be truly all-terrain. Designed for commercial and defense use, it can save lives and take on heavy transport across mining, agriculture, construction, and more.
We are on the lookout for extraordinary engineers and scientists to join our team. Your previous experience in robotics isn't a prerequisite - it's your talent and determination that truly count.
We expect that many of our team members will bring diverse perspectives from various industries and fields. We are looking for individuals with a proven record of exceptional ability and a history of creating things that work.
Our Culture:
We like to be frank and honest about who we are, so that people can decide for themselves if this is a culture they resonate with. Please read more about our culture here https://foundation.bot/culture.
Who should join:
  • You like working in person with a team in San Francisco.
  • You deeply believe that this is the most important mission for humanity and needs to happen yesterday.
  • You are highly technical - regardless of the role you are in. We are building technology; you need to understand technology well.
  • You care about aesthetics and design inside out. If it's not the best product ever, it bothers you, and you need to "fix" it.
  • You don't need someone to motivate you; you get things done.

Why We Are Hiring for This Role:
  • Lead bring-up of embedded compute platforms (MCUs, VCU, SBCs running Linux).
  • Set up operating systems, toolchains, and integrated development kits (IDKs) for major components
  • Develop low-level drivers and middleware to interface with sensors, actuators, and vehicle subsystems.
  • Own integration of sensor SDKs and communication protocols (CAN, Ethernet, serial).
  • Build test harnesses and simulation tools for bench testing prior to vehicle integration.
  • Work closely with Perception/Planning engineers to provide stable, performant interfaces to hardware.
  • Support system bring-up during vehicle assembly; debug software-hardware integration issues.
  • Contribute to safety-critical software practices (fault handling, watchdogs, power management).

What Kind of Person We Are Looking For:
  • 4-5 years of experience in embedded systems development in vehicles or robotics.
  • Strong C/C++ and Python skills; experience with Linux (Yocto, Ubuntu Core, or similar).
  • Experience integrating third-party SDKs for sensors, compute, or accelerators.
  • Knowledge of vehicle or robotics comms stacks (CAN, DDS, ROS2, or equivalent).
  • Comfortable working across hardware/software boundaries in bench and integration settings.
  • Experience with version control (Git), CI/CD, and modern embedded dev workflows.
  • BS/MS in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

Benefits
We provide market standard benefits (health, vision, dental, 401k, etc.). Join us for the culture and the mission, not for the benefits.
Salary
The annual compensation is expected to be between $200,000-300,000+. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

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