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Embedded Software Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA (NOW HIRING)

Momentus Space LLC

Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

JOB SUMMARY We are seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to assist with development avionics flight software. The ideal candidate should be accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment and ...

Momentus Space LLC

Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

JOB SUMMARY We are seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to assist with development avionics flight software. The ideal candidate should be accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment and ...

Momentus Space LLC

Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

JOB SUMMARY We are seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to assist with development avionics flight software. The ideal candidate should be accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment and ...

Align Technology

Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA

$131K - $180K/yr

Description About this opportunity As an Embedded Software Engineer, you will play a key role in defining and developing next-generation products and technologies. You will lead firmware architecture ...

Joby Aviation

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$143K - $187K/yr

You will be responsible for designing and implementing the embedded C++ software that runs on our electric-powered, fly-by-wire aircraft. You'll also collaborate with systems engineers and hardware ...

Raytheon

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA

$145K - $190K/yr

Our Senior Embedded Software Engineer is a technical position that works in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment to architect, design, implement, test, debug, and deploy Software for Firmware ...

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Embedded Software information

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$80.8K

$177.1K

$200.9K

How much do embedded software jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded software in Santa Cruz, CA is $177,106.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $151,800.00 and $199,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Embedded Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills in C/C++, understanding of embedded systems architecture, and a relevant degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), microcontroller development tools, and debugging hardware is typically required. Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure reliable, efficient software development for embedded devices, which is crucial for product performance and safety.

What is the difference between Embedded Software vs Firmware Developer?

AspectEmbedded SoftwareFirmware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fieldsSimilar credentials, often with specialized knowledge in hardware
Work EnvironmentDevelops software for embedded systems in devices like appliances, automotive, medical devicesCreates low-level code directly interacting with hardware, often in similar environments
Industry UsageUsed across automotive, consumer electronics, industrial automationPrimarily in consumer electronics, IoT devices, and hardware-focused industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in embedded systems developmentFocusing on low-level hardware interaction and firmware specifics

Embedded Software and Firmware Developer roles overlap significantly, both requiring knowledge of hardware and programming. Embedded Software typically involves developing higher-level code for embedded systems, while Firmware Developers focus on low-level code that directly interacts with hardware components. Both roles are essential in creating reliable embedded products across various industries.

Is embedded software a good career?

Embedded software engineering is a stable and growing field that involves developing software for hardware devices such as appliances, automotive systems, and medical equipment. It requires skills in programming languages like C and C++, knowledge of hardware interfaces, and often involves working with real-time operating systems. The demand for embedded software professionals is expected to remain strong due to the increasing integration of software in everyday devices.

What is embedded software?

Embedded software is specialized computer software designed to operate hardware or devices that are not traditional computers, such as cars, medical devices, industrial machines, and consumer electronics. Unlike general-purpose software, embedded software is typically optimized for specific tasks and runs on microcontrollers or microprocessors within the device. It often operates with limited resources and must be reliable, efficient, and responsive to real-time events. Embedded software is crucial for the functionality and performance of countless everyday products.

What are some common challenges faced by embedded software engineers when integrating new hardware components into existing systems?

One common challenge Embedded Software Engineers often encounter is ensuring seamless compatibility between new hardware components and existing firmware or operating systems. This can involve troubleshooting timing issues, resolving driver conflicts, and optimizing resource usage within limited memory and processing constraints. Collaboration with hardware engineers is crucial to understand hardware specifications and limitations, and thorough testing is required to validate functionality and maintain system stability. These challenges offer valuable opportunities to develop problem-solving skills and deepen cross-disciplinary technical knowledge.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software jobs in Santa Cruz, CA? The most popular types of Embedded Software jobs in Santa Cruz, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Software jobs in Santa Cruz, CA? For Embedded Software jobs in Santa Cruz, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Software jobs in Santa Cruz, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Software jobs in Santa Cruz, CA are:
What cities near Santa Cruz, CA are hiring for Embedded Software jobs? Cities near Santa Cruz, CA with the most Embedded Software job openings:
Embedded Software jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Software job openings in Santa Cruz, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,106 per year, or $85.1 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer - Special Purpose Software

Joby Aviation

Santa Cruz, CA • On-site

$108K - $193K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.


In this role you will be involved in the architecture and implementation of the embedded software at the heart of Joby Aviation aircraft. You will play a key role in a small, fast-moving team and have input into conceptual system design and implementation of embedded software for a wide range of embedded systems. Their role will be to design and implement versions of all our existing embedded systems currently on the Joby aircraft to be specific for a range of manufacturing and test applications. This will require a deep understanding of the various embedded systems on the aircraft and how to creatively reconfigure them for new applications and usages.


  • Architect, design, and implement low-level embedded software powering core airborne systems and aircraft functionality
  • Adapt and reconfigure existing aircraft embedded software systems to support dedicated manufacturing, tooling, and specialized test applications
  • Contribute technical insights to conceptual system design discussions within a fast-moving, cross-functional engineering team
  • Deliver robust, production-ready embedded software tailored to hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test setups, automated test equipment, and factory line operations
  • Analyze embedded flight systems and protocols to diagnose technical issues, optimize system performance, and repurpose firmware for novel operational usages

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, Mathematics, Robotics, or a related technical field with 3+ years of relevant industry experience in embedded software development; or a Master’s degree in a related technical field with 1+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent demonstrated experience through a robust portfolio of designed and deployed embedded software systems
  • Demonstrated knowledge of C++ and object-oriented programming and methodology with some experience with multi-layered system architectures
  • Understanding of hardware from an embedded software engineer's perspective
  • Experience with modern integrated development environments and debuggers
  • Hands-on experience with test and measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, voltmeters, etc.
  • Understanding of modern microcontroller and microprocessor architectures such as ARM
  • Cortex-M0/M3/M4/A8/A9
  • Knowledge of and experience with communication protocols including I2C, CAN, SPI, UART, etc.
  • A positive attitude and a passion for aerospace
  • Ability to be onsite in Santa Cruz, CA 3 days a week

  • Knowledge of and experience with real-time operating systems
  • Experience with safety-critical embedded systems
  • Exposure to the software development process and modern software engineering techniques
  • Experience with DO178C process, requirements authoring and verification

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $108,200 - $193,600/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.


Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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