ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Embedded System Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TetraMem Inc

Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Requirements: • BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of experience in embedded system development. • Strong expertise in embedded software ...

Intuitive

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$145K - $190K/yr

Senior Embedded Software Engineer The Senior Embedded Software Engineer will work with a group of ... and system developer. A strong sense of shared responsibility and shared reward is required.

Array Labs

Embedded Software Engineer

Redwood City, CA

$161K - $211K/yr

Array Labs builds advanced radar systems to help humanity understand and respond to changes across ... About the Job As an Embedded Software Engineer , you will develop the embedded software that ...

Array Labs

Embedded Software Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$161K - $211K/yr

Array Labs builds advanced radar systems to help humanity understand and respond to changes across ... About the Job As an Embedded Software Engineer , you will develop the embedded software that ...

Intuitive

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$145K - $190K/yr

Senior Embedded Software Engineer The Senior Embedded Software Engineer will work with a group of ... and system developer. A strong sense of shared responsibility and shared reward is required.

Array Labs

Embedded Software Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$161K - $211K/yr

Array Labs builds advanced radar systems to help humanity understand and respond to changes across ... About the Job As an Embedded Software Engineer , you will develop the embedded software that ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEmbedded System Developer JobsEmbedded System Developer Jobs in California

Embedded System Developer information

See California salary details

$138.2K

$211.2K

$308.9K

How much do embedded system developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded system developer in California is $211,197.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $154,400.00 and $284,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do embedded systems developers do?

Embedded systems developers design, develop, and test software for specialized hardware devices such as medical equipment, automotive systems, and consumer electronics. They work with programming languages like C and C++, and often use tools like microcontrollers, real-time operating systems, and debugging hardware. Their work involves optimizing code for performance, power consumption, and reliability within embedded environments.

What are embedded system developers?

Embedded system developers are engineers who design, program, and maintain specialized computing systems that are part of larger devices, such as cars, medical equipment, home appliances, and industrial machines. These professionals work with both hardware and software to ensure that the embedded systems are efficient, reliable, and meet specific requirements. Their work often involves programming microcontrollers, integrating sensors and actuators, and optimizing resource-constrained environments. Embedded system developers play a crucial role in creating the technology behind many everyday products.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data science, or executive roles in technology companies can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, typically found in senior or executive-level roles within large organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Embedded System Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded System Developer, you need a solid background in computer science or electrical engineering, with expertise in C/C++ programming, microcontrollers, and real-time operating systems. Familiarity with hardware debugging tools, integrated development environments (IDEs), and version control systems like Git is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help developers innovate and collaborate in cross-functional teams. These competencies are critical for designing reliable, efficient embedded solutions that power modern devices across industries.

What are some common challenges faced by Embedded System Developers when working on cross-functional teams?

Embedded System Developers often collaborate with hardware engineers, software developers, and product managers. A common challenge is ensuring seamless integration between hardware and software components, as timing and resource constraints can lead to unexpected issues. Clear communication and thorough documentation are crucial for aligning specifications and troubleshooting problems that span both domains. Developers also need to stay adaptable, as project requirements may evolve rapidly based on feedback from other teams or testing results.

Is Python or C++ better for embedded systems?

Embedded system developers typically prefer C++ for its efficiency, low-level hardware access, and real-time performance, which are critical in resource-constrained environments. Python is used in embedded systems for rapid development and prototyping, especially with microcontrollers like Raspberry Pi, but it generally offers less performance and higher resource usage than C++. The choice depends on project requirements, hardware constraints, and developer expertise.

Will AI replace embedded programmers?

Embedded system developers design and implement software for hardware devices, and while AI can automate certain coding tasks and optimize processes, it is unlikely to fully replace skilled programmers due to the need for specialized knowledge of hardware, real-time constraints, and system integration. AI tools can assist in development but require human oversight and expertise to ensure safety and functionality.

What is the difference between Embedded System Developer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectEmbedded System DeveloperFirmware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related fields; certifications like ARM or IoT certifications are commonBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related; similar certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing embedded hardware-software systems, often in manufacturing or IoT industriesWriting low-level firmware for microcontrollers and embedded devices, typically in consumer electronics or automotive sectors
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, automotive, industrial automation, IoT firmsConsumer electronics, automotive, medical devices, and embedded hardware manufacturers

Both roles involve working with embedded hardware and software, often requiring similar educational backgrounds and certifications. However, Embedded System Developers focus on designing entire embedded systems, while Firmware Engineers specialize in writing low-level code that runs directly on microcontrollers. The roles are complementary and often overlap in industry applications.

What are popular job titles related to Embedded System Developer jobs in California? For Embedded System Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded System Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded System Developer jobs in California are:
Embedded System Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded System Developer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $211,197 per year, or $101.5 per hour.
Embedded Systems Engineer - Egofold (AI Ranch)

Embedded Systems Engineer - Egofold (AI Ranch)

Snail Games USA

Beverly Hills, CA • On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Embedded Systems Engineer - Egofold (AI Ranch)
About Snail Games USASnail Games strives to create the new high bar for gameplay experience in online gaming. We have been a global developer and publisher of digital entertainment since 2009 and are committed to pushing the boundaries of the industry.
About EgofoldEgofold is an AI-focused product initiative incubated within Snail Games, exploring scalable systems for intelligent agents and AI-driven workflows, with roots in interactive and game-adjacent applications. The project is currently in an early product-definition phase, focused on clarifying market positioning, product direction, and long-term potential.
We are seeking an Embedded Systems Engineer to lead hardware bring-up, platform integration, and real-world system development for AI-enabled edge platforms. The role will begin with off-the-shelf embedded and robotics hardware (e.g., edge compute modules, development kits, sensor platforms), with the potential to evolve into more bespoke hardware and system design as the architecture matures.
You will operate at the boundary of embedded Linux systems, hardware integration, and AI orchestration. You help define how intelligent agents transition from simulation and software into reliable physical platforms. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys owning messy integration problems, validating hardware platforms, and building robust, extensible foundations for future intelligent systems.
Job Type: Full-TimeLocation: Hybrid - Culver City, CA (4 days per week in office)
Responsibilities
  • Bring up and evaluate off-the-shelf embedded and edge compute platforms (e.g., Jetson-class systems, sensor kits, development boards).
  • Integrate sensors, actuators, and communication interfaces into cohesive embedded systems.
  • Develop and maintain embedded Linux systems, including device configuration, driver integration, and performance validation.
  • Implement communication layers between embedded hardware and higher-level AI systems.
  • Optimize latency, reliability, and deterministic behavior in constrained hardware environments.
  • Design and implement fault-tolerant mechanisms and safe system states.
  • Own end-to-end hardware/software integration for prototypes and demonstrators.
  • Build test harnesses and validation tools to support rapid iteration.
  • Contribute to architectural decisions that support modularity and future bespoke system expansion.

Minimum Requirements
  • 4+ years experience in embedded systems or platform integration engineering.
  • Strong proficiency in C++ and experience working in embedded Linux environments.
  • Experience bringing up hardware platforms and debugging hardware/software integration issues.
  • Familiarity with communication protocols such as CAN, UART, SPI, I2C, or Ethernet.
  • Understanding of real-time constraints and system-level debugging.
  • Experience working with physical hardware (motors, sensors, controllers, edge compute systems).
  • Strong systems-thinking mindset and comfort working in early-stage environments.

Nice to Have
  • Experience with NVIDIA Jetson or similar edge AI platforms.
  • Familiarity with ROS or other robotics middleware.
  • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing or simulation-to-real workflows.
  • Experience integrating machine learning models into embedded systems.
  • Background in robotics, applied AI startups, or hardware-focused R&D teams.

Salary Range: $130,000 - $170,000 Annually
Why Join the Snail Games USA Team?
  • True focus on work/life balance
  • Paid company holidays, vacation, and separate sick leave
  • Medical, dental, vision, and Life/LTD
  • 401k with company match

Work Authorization Requirements
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. This position does not offer visa sponsorship now or in the future (including H-1B).
Additional Information
As part of the Company's activities in video game development, publishing, and short-form video content creation, certain projects, discussions, or creative materials may include themes, visuals, language, or subject matter that some individuals could find mature, violent, sexual, graphic, or otherwise sensitive in nature (collectively referred to as "Mature Content"). Examples may include, but are not limited to, depictions or descriptions of combat, violence, adult themes or relationships, suggestive or satirical humor, or strong language. Employees are expected to engage with such material in a professional and creative context as part of their job duties.

Apply