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Embedded System Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Software Engineer The Embedded Software Engineer will verify, test, integrate, and develop ... Strong exposure to embedded systems and software across the entire lifecycle, including rigorous ...

Embedded Software Engineer The Embedded Software Engineer will verify, test, integrate, and develop ... Strong exposure to embedded systems and software across the entire lifecycle, including rigorous ...

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 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 ...

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 ...

Embedded Software Engineer This posting is for an existing vacancy --- The Embedded Software ... Design, develop, and implement firmware and software for embedded systems used in modules and ...

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.

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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 Jul 15, 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 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 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.

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 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:
Infographic showing various Embedded System Developer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $211,197 per year, or $101.5 per hour.
Embedded System Software Architect - Sr. Staff

Embedded System Software Architect - Sr. Staff

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$162K - $244K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 209 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General Summary:
As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to enable next-generation experiences and drives digital transformation to help create a smarter, connected future for all. As a Qualcomm Software Engineer, you will design, develop, create, modify, and validate embedded and cloud edge software, applications, and/or specialized utility programs that launch cutting-edge, world class products that meet and exceed customer needs. Qualcomm Software Engineers collaborate with systems, hardware, architecture, test engineers, and other teams to design system-level software solutions and obtain information on performance requirements and interfaces.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• 3+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Our System software architecture team is driving embedded software stacks for complex SoCs with numerous types of cores, bus infrastructure, memories/caches, etc. We enable state of the art Edge AI and other multimedia use cases with the best possible performance/power, as well as SDKs to enable customer/community development.
This position/s will expose you to Qualcomm's cutting-edge CPU and NPU features and ML/AI acceleration needed for the industry.
Candidates with 10+ years of relevant experience & willing to work in San Diego location are welcome to apply.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Operating Systems and multi-threaded programming
  • Hardware drivers
  • Developing, debugging, profiling, and optimizing for embedded real-time environments.
  • Inter-processor communications
  • Excellent knowledge of ARM CPU architecture fundamentals and ARM ISA
  • Excellent understanding of CPU accelerator ISA for Vector/Matrix Data Processing
  • Performance Evaluation and Optimization of the applications for ARM architecture
  • Understanding of the typical Open Source Library framework design
  • Strong leadership skills to work across multiple-teams including System and HW to define the software architecture
  • Strong Analytical and debugging skills
  • Performance evaluation using QEMU, Simulators, Emulators and on Silicon

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:
$162,600.00 - $244,000.00
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

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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