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

Hark

Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $300K/yr

Debug complex hardware-software interactions using logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and JTAG Requirements * 3+ years of professional firmware or embedded systems development * Strong proficiency in C ...

Etched

Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$2.0K/mo

The code that runs on the die itself on its various embedded CPUs. * Platform Software -- microcontroller architecture and software for power sequencing, telemetry, and firmware update, and the ...

Etched

Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$180 - $300/hr

The code that runs on the die itself on its various embedded CPUs. * Platform Software - microcontroller architecture and software for power sequencing, telemetry, and firmware update, and the ...

Hark

Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $300K/yr

Debug complex hardware-software interactions using logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and JTAG Requirements * 3+ years of professional firmware or embedded systems development * Strong proficiency in C ...

Etched

Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$2.0K/mo

The code that runs on the die itself on its various embedded CPUs. * Platform Software - microcontroller architecture and software for power sequencing, telemetry, and firmware update, and the ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsEmbedded Software JobsEmbedded Software Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Embedded Software information

See Santa Cruz, CA salary details

$80.8K

$177.1K

$200.9K

How much do embedded software jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 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 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 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 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 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 electronics in various industries.

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 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,106 per year, or $85.1 per hour.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer - Flight Software

E-Space

Saratoga, CA • On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure, and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place!
 
At E-Space, we’re focused on bridging Earth and space with the world’s most sustainable low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network. We’re a team of bold thinkers, ambitious leaders and dynamic doers—and we’re disrupting NewSpace by fundamentally changing the design of legacy LEO space systems to deliver entirely new satellite capabilities at a fraction of the cost.
 
We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed—to saving space, to protecting our planet and to turning connectivity into actionable intelligence
 
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated FSW/Embedded Software Developer to design, develop, and optimize software for customized embedded devices, with a strong emphasis on space-related software and algorithms. The role involves designing and developing software for bare-metal, RTOS, and real-time Linux environments, real-time performance, system reliability, and implementing robust recovery mechanisms. You will also contribute to testing and automation.  
What you will be doing:

Core Development 

  • Embedded Software Development: Architect/Design, write, debug, and maintain efficient software for real-time embedded systems, including mission critical Flight Software and communication with other space-specific software subsystems/modules, such as TTC (CCSDS protocol), Power, Thermal, GNC, FDIR, CFDP. 

  • Communication Protocols and Specifications: Implement protocols used in space-grade software such as UART, CAN, SpaceWire, SPI, I2C, and Ethernet. Experience with Linux bridging, DSA (Distributed Switch Architecture), and L2 protocols such as RSTP/MSTP, HSR, or FRER for redundant network fabrics is highly valued 

  • Networking and Avionics Fabrics: Design and implement L2 Ethernet networks for inter-board communication on spacecraft, including switch bring up, PHY configuration, and topology design. Configure and debug L2 redundancy protocols (RSTP, HSR, FRER) for fault-tolerant fabrics. Implement deterministic networking using TSN features where mission profiles require bounded latency. 

  • Application Integration: Integrate and manage provided applications on top of the customized platform software. Design and bring up Ethernet-based avionics networks, including PHY/MAC initialization, switch configuration, and L2 redundancy protocols.  

  • Operational Management: Design and implement efficient memory management, process management, software updates, reprogramming and power saving modes for embedded systems. Experience with multi-board Ethernet fabrics (mesh, ring, or tree topologies) for inter-subsystem communication is a plus.  

Testing and Support 

  • Test Framework Development: Create and maintain automated testing frameworks for embedded systems, including HIL, SIL, PIL. 

  • Support: Provide support for debugging of real-time and critical faults. 

  • Debugging and Validation: Use tools like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers to test and debug embedded software and hardware interfaces. 

Collaboration and Documentation 

  • Hardware Interaction: Work closely with global software teams to contribute to the new designs and ensure seamless software-hardware integration. 

  • Documentation: Prepare and maintain technical documentation. 

What you bring to this role:
  • Hands-on: Proven record of designing and developing significant working software in aerospace applications. 
  • Programming Languages: Proficiency in C/C++ and scripting languages like Shell or Bash; familiarity with Python. 
  • Embedded Systems: Experience with embedded and multicore platforms and their toolchains. Experience with Yocto is a big plus. 
  • Communication Protocols: Knowledge of key hardware and software protocols such as UART, CAN, SPI, I2C. TCP and UDP. 
  • Upgrades: Experience with secure firmware updates and reprogramming mechanisms.
  • Debugging Tools: Proficiency with debugging tools like JTAG, GDB, and serial debuggers.
  • Version Control: Expertise with Git or similar version control systems.

Bonus points:
  • Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electronics Engineering, or a related field. 
  • Familiarity with wireless communication technologies (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRa).
  • Familiarity with hardware simulation tools and flatsat environments for testing. 
  • Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automated build/test workflows.

 Key Attributes 

  • Strong analytical and debugging skills.
  • Passion for quality and attention to detail in software development and testing.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional and global teams.
  • Commitment to staying updated with the latest in IoT, embedded systems, and testing automation technologies.
  • A willingness to undertake further relevant training.
  • An understanding and commitment to equal opportunities.
  • Time management, self-reliance and willingness to learn. 
Additional Requirements
This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.