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Embedded Hardware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Mantari

Embedded HW/SW Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

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 ...

Sayva Solutions

Senior Hardware Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · 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 ...

Zero-G Radiation Assurance

Hardware Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144K - $191K/yr

... engineer to join a small startup in the space industry. The candidate will own hardware design and ... Embedded Systems, Processors, GPUs, FPGAs, SoCs, Microprocessors, Memories (e.g. DDR, NAND Flash ...

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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 9, 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 80% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $128,344 per year, or $61.7 per hour.

Embedded ISP Engineer

San Diego, CA

Apple
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Appleexternal

$142K - $263K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot firmware for Apple's camera systems.

  • Build drivers for advanced image processing pipelines and integrate camera sensors and power management units.

  • Identify and resolve performance and memory usage bottlenecks in embedded systems to ensure efficiency and stability.

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 684 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Apple’s Camera Firmware team is seeking an outstanding firmware engineer to help drive innovative technologies for Apple’s iconic products! As part of this dynamic team, you will work on core camera technologies, including Apple's custom Image Signal Processing (ISP) pipeline, hardware components, and machine learning techniques, all while contributing to the future of photography and videography. You’ll play a key role in crafting how Apple develops, tests, and manufactures its products. Our close-knit team champions an environment of rapid product iteration, innovation, and collaboration across functional teams, offering you autonomy to make a significant impact on our products.
Description
In this role, you will develop, maintain, and troubleshoot firmware for Apple’s camera systems. Your responsibilities will include:
- Developing Low-Level Device Drivers: Build drivers for advanced image processing pipelines in embedded systems, working with the latest SoC blocks and chipsets used in Apple products.
- Platform Validation and Development: Integrate and configure camera sensors and power management units for Apple products.
- Diagnosing and Troubleshooting Platform Issues: Identify and resolve performance and memory usage bottlenecks in embedded systems to ensure efficient functionality and stability.
- Designing and Implementing Camera Features: Build camera functionalities for embedded systems in Apple products, working multi-functionally to define features, communication protocols, and clear implementation specifications.
- Supporting Hardware Validation and Factory Testing: Contribute to hardware validation, offering firmware support during factory testing and implementing features to aid in hardware diagnostics and testing.
This is a highly collaborative product development role, requiring close coordination with teams such as Silicon Design, QA, and Machine Learning. The fast-paced, dynamic environment is ideal for a proactive, determined individual.
Preferred Qualifications
Deep expertise and hands-on experience with ARM-based SoCs.
Strong background in image and video signal processing, including ISP and machine learning algorithms.
Proven ability to optimize system performance and improve the efficiency of embedded systems.
Exceptional problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
Previous experience in camera systems or related fields is a plus.
Minimum Qualifications
BS and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience
Hands-on experience in embedded software development
Proficiency in C/C++
Proficiency in development of multi-thread software within embedded RTOS system
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $142,300 and $263,300, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

What Apple employees say

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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