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Embedded System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... and IoT/Embedded customers worldwide. We are the #5 fastest growing company among the Silicon ... High-performance server product team in Supermicro is seeking talented System Engineer who can lead ...

System Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$84K - $134K/yr

... and IoT/Embedded customers worldwide. We are the #5 fastest growing company among the Silicon ... High-performance server product team in Supermicro is seeking talented System Engineer who can lead ...

Embedded Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

The first cost effective, reliable and robust laser weapon system. Our namesake isn't an accident ... We need an Embedded Systems Engineer to own the layer between hardware and the application stack ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Redwood City, CA ยท 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 ...

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Embedded System Engineer information

See California salary details

$61.7K

$135.5K

$189.5K

How much do embedded system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded system engineer in California is $135,476.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,000.00 and $161,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectEmbedded System EngineerFirmware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Embedded Systems EngineerBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering; certifications like Certified Firmware Developer
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing embedded hardware/software for devices like IoT, automotive, consumer electronicsWriting low-level code to optimize firmware for microcontrollers and embedded devices
Employer & Industry UsageElectronics manufacturers, automotive, consumer electronics, aerospaceConsumer electronics, IoT devices, medical devices, automotive

Embedded System Engineers focus on designing integrated hardware and software systems, while Firmware Engineers specialize in developing low-level code that runs directly on hardware. Both roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope and focus area within embedded development.

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

To thrive as an Embedded System Engineer, you need a solid background in electronics, computer engineering, and programming languages like C/C++, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with embedded development tools, real-time operating systems (RTOS), microcontroller architectures, and certifications such as ARM or IoT-related credentials are highly valuable. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in multidisciplinary environments. These skills and qualities are essential for designing reliable, efficient embedded solutions that meet stringent technical and industry requirements.

What are Embedded System Engineers?

Embedded System Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain computer systems that are integrated into larger mechanical or electrical systems. These systems, known as embedded systems, are dedicated to specific tasks and are commonly found in devices like cars, medical equipment, home appliances, and industrial machines. Engineers in this field work with both hardware and software components, ensuring that the system operates efficiently, reliably, and safely within its intended environment. Their responsibilities often include programming microcontrollers, optimizing system performance, and troubleshooting hardware-software interactions.

What are some common challenges an Embedded System Engineer faces when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Embedded System Engineers often collaborate with hardware designers, software developers, and project managers, which can present challenges such as aligning timelines, integrating software with evolving hardware prototypes, and ensuring consistent communication across disciplines. Navigating these complexities requires strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Successful engineers frequently participate in cross-functional meetings and use collaborative tools to track progress and address integration issues early, helping to ensure a smooth development process.
What job categories do people searching Embedded System Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded System Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Embedded System Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Embedded System Engineer job openings:

Lead Embedded System Software Engineer

Dapster, Inc

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

[Note: we are currently fully staffed for this role, but expect to be hiring for additional team members in the near future. So, we likely won't review/respond quickly, but we WILL look here first when we crank up the hiring machine again.]
Dapster is looking for a Lead Embedded Systems Software Engineer to join our small-but-powerful team. This is an impact opportunity -- we're very much still an early-stage startup, and you will be working on our foundational technology and products.
About Dapster: Dapster is focused on bringing AI-fueled robotic picking solutions to market. We recently landed a large pilot with a top retailer -- effectively dilution-free funding to develop our core technology.
If you want to do interesting work with a sharp, experienced and humble team, and share in the upside that comes with joining at the earliest stages, we'd love to talk to you. The quick details:
What will you do? Broad ownership of the inner workings of the entire Dapster robotic system (we can go into much more detail live).
What are we looking for?
  • Excellent C/C++ and Python programming skills in a Linux environment.
  • Experience writing/maintaining driver-level code for different types of sensors, actuators and communication interfaces like WiFi/BlueTooth, and handling the early signal processing for these devices.
  • Ability to quickly get up to speed with an unfamiliar device by reading its specification, register map, driver api, and integrate it into the product.
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to quickly put together a circuit to electrically interface different devices.
  • A strong academic and work record (e.g. BS CS/EE with 5+ years of experience or MS CS/EE with 3+ years of experience) or commensurate work experience

Other nice-to-have's:
  • Prototyping and soldering skills.
  • Experience as part of the development team for at least 1 full version of a shipping embedded device.

Dapster is a remote-friendly, hybrid workplace. We maintain a development lab in Palo Alto, CA, and occasionally travel to client sites (mainly Phoenix, AZ). Roles requiring interaction with our physical robots likely entail more in-office work than not. Other roles can be structured to your preferences.
Interested in learning more? Let's start a conversation -- you can apply directly below or reach out to Scott (one of our founders) with any questions at scott@dapster.ai.