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Embedded Microcontroller Engineer Jobs in San Diego, CA

Senior Vehicle Data Bus Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Debug and modify embedded software/code directly on Device CAN device to resolve CAN Bus ... Expertise in C/C++ programming, microcontroller bring-up, and firmware development with interfaces ...

Engineering Manager III

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $229K/yr

Work with GA-EMS Engineering staff in the concept development and prototype design, integration, and test of Embedded Systems and Controls (processor, microcontroller, FPGA, and MPSoC development ...

Embedded low level camera driver design and development, work throughout the firmware life cycle ... Experienced with microcontroller architecture, RTOS, and/or ARM architecture. * Familiarity with ...

Senior FPGA Engineer, VHDL

San Diego, CA

$127K - $236K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior FPGA Engineer, VHDL Job Code: 42454 Job Location: San Diego, CA Job Schedule: 9/80 (employee ... Experience with embedded systems and microcontroller interfacing * Designing for space environments

New

Senior Vehicle Data Bus Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Debug and modify embedded software/code directly on Device CAN device to resolve CAN Bus ... Expertise in C/C++ programming, microcontroller bring-up, and firmware development with interfaces ...

Senior FPGA Engineer, VHDL

San Diego, CA

$127K - $236K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior FPGA Engineer, VHDL Job Code: 42454 Job Location: San Diego, CA Job Schedule: 9/80 (employee ... Experience with embedded systems and microcontroller interfacing * Designing for space environments

Showing results 21-35

Embedded Microcontroller Engineer information

See San Diego, CA salary details

$74.3K

$162.8K

$184.7K

How much do embedded microcontroller engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded microcontroller engineer in San Diego, CA is $162,849.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $139,600.00 and $183,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an embedded microcontroller engineer do?

An Embedded Microcontroller Engineer designs, develops, and tests systems that use microcontrollers to perform specific functions within larger electronic devices. They write firmware (software that runs directly on hardware), integrate hardware and software components, and troubleshoot issues to ensure reliable operation. These engineers work on products like automotive systems, consumer electronics, medical devices, and industrial machinery. Their role often involves optimizing code for performance and memory constraints, as well as collaborating closely with hardware and software teams.

What are some common challenges an embedded microcontroller engineer faces when integrating hardware and software components?

Embedded Microcontroller Engineers often encounter challenges in synchronizing hardware with software, especially when dealing with timing constraints and resource limitations. Debugging issues can be complex, as problems may arise from either the code or the physical hardware. Additionally, ensuring compatibility between different components and maintaining system stability during updates require strong problem-solving skills and close collaboration with hardware designers and firmware developers.

What is the difference between Embedded Microcontroller Engineer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectEmbedded Microcontroller EngineerFirmware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Computer Engineering or related; certifications like ARM or embedded systems coursesBachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering; certifications in embedded systems or programming languages
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing microcontroller-based systems, often in hardware labs or development environmentsDeveloping low-level code for devices, often in software development environments
Industry UsageConsumer electronics, automotive, industrial automationConsumer electronics, IoT devices, embedded systems

Both roles involve embedded systems, but Embedded Microcontroller Engineers focus more on hardware integration and microcontroller-specific development, while Firmware Engineers concentrate on writing low-level code to control hardware functions. The roles often overlap, but their primary focus and work environments differ slightly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded microcontroller engineer?

To thrive as an Embedded Microcontroller Engineer, you need strong proficiency in C/C++ programming, embedded systems design, and a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with development tools such as debuggers, oscilloscopes, version control systems (e.g., Git), and experience with microcontroller families like ARM, PIC, or AVR are typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving skills help you excel in troubleshooting and optimizing embedded systems. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure the reliability, efficiency, and functionality of hardware-software integrations in complex electronic products.

What job categories do people searching Embedded Microcontroller Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Embedded Microcontroller Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA are:

What cities near San Diego, CA are hiring for Embedded Microcontroller Engineer jobs?

Cities near San Diego, CA with the most Embedded Microcontroller Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Embedded Microcontroller Engineer job openings in San Diego, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,849 per year, or $78.3 per hour.

Staff/Sr. Staff RTL Design Engineer - QGOV

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 244 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > ASICS Engineering
General Summary:
Role:
As a Design Engineer, you'll play a critical role in shaping cutting-edge digital designs. Your responsibilities will include:
  • Micro-Architecture: Designing micro-architecture for both simple and complex digital, interface blocks.
  • RTL Development: Developing RTL (Register Transfer Level) code using industry best practices. This includes handling multi-clock designs, high-frequency requirements, low power, and low latency considerations while ensuring high performance.
  • Debugging and Post-Silicon Bring-Up: Troubleshooting and debugging issues during the development process and supporting post-silicon bring-up activities.
  • Documentation: Creating comprehensive design documentation to ensure clarity and maintainability.
  • Design Optimization: Optimizing designs for key metrics such as area, power, and performance.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including DFT (Design for Testability), Implementation, Verification, Emulation, and Firmware teams.

**Must be in San Diego full time, 5 days a week
Ideal candidate will have:
  • 6-10+ years of work experience with RTL/FPGA design (Verilog, System verilog), embedded system architecture and Verification
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or related field and 5+ years of Hardware Engineering or related work experience.
    OR
    Master's degree in computer science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or related field and 5+ year of Hardware Engineering or related work experience.
    OR
    PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Positive Attitude: Bring a fun-loving attitude and a passion for inclusively solving problems.
  • Experience: 5+ years of ASIC design experience
  • RTL Expertise: System Verilog Design, Linting, CDC, Synthesis (FPGA and ASIC)
  • Testing: Building the test suites for design validation
  • Emulation: understanding of Emulation and prototyping flows for the design and validation in Lab is a big Plus.
  • Complex Digital Logic Design: Experience with designing complex digital logic blocks and sub systems (CPU, GPU, DSP, Always on Systems, Digital interfaces (PCIe, UART, I2c, DDRx, SPI, USB).
  • ISA Familiarity: Knowledge of ISAs (Instruction Set Architectures) such as ARM THUMB or RISC-V.
  • Processor/Microcontroller System Design: Understanding of processor or microcontroller system design.
  • Multi-Power Domain and Multi-Clock Domain Designs: Experience with designs spanning multiple power domains and clock domains.
  • Scripting/Automation Languages: Proficiency in scripting or automation languages like Python or Perl.
  • Industry Standard Digital Tools: Familiarity with state-of-the-art industry-standard digital design tools.
  • Challenges of Lower Node Technologies: Awareness of challenges faced when working with lower node technologies.

If you're excited about pushing the boundaries of digital design and collaborating with diverse teams, we encourage you to apply!
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field and 6+ years of ASIC design, verification, validation, integration, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field and 5+ years of ASIC design, verification, validation, integration, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Science, Engineering, or related field and 4+ years of ASIC design, verification, validation, integration, or related work experience.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$164,000.00 - $246,000.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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About Qualcomm

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Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985