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Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in California

Motorola

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$135K - $200K/yr

This is an opportunity to work on all aspects of the system including device drivers, networking functions and services, encryption, and security features. This Senior Embedded Software Engineer ...

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 ...

Silvus Technologies

Embedded Software Engineer

Irvine, CA

$141.20K - $185.70K/yr

THE OPPORTUNITY Silvus is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to join our Engineering Group ... This is an opportunity to work on all aspects of the system including device drivers, networking ...

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How much do embedded system software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded system software engineer in California is $151,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,800.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Embedded System Software Engineer do?

An Embedded System Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and optimizes software for embedded systems, which are specialized computing devices integrated into hardware. They work with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and low-level programming languages like C and C++. Their responsibilities include writing efficient code, debugging hardware-software interactions, and ensuring system stability and performance. They often collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration of software and hardware components.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Embedded System Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded System Software Engineer, you need a solid background in C/C++ programming, microcontroller architectures, and real-time operating systems, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Experience with debugging tools, protocol analyzers, version control systems (like Git), and certifications such as Certified Embedded Systems Engineer (CESE) are advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, effective problem-solving, and clear communication help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for designing, developing, and maintaining reliable embedded software that interacts seamlessly with hardware and meets rigorous industry standards.

What does a typical day look like for an Embedded System Software Engineer?

A typical day for an Embedded System Software Engineer involves writing and testing code for embedded devices, debugging hardware-software interactions, and collaborating closely with hardware engineers and cross-functional teams. You may participate in design reviews, update technical documentation, and ensure that software meets performance and safety requirements. Your role often requires balancing multiple projects, troubleshooting complex system issues, and adapting to evolving product needs. Working in this field provides the opportunity to see your software in action on real-world devices, making it both challenging and rewarding.
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Embedded System Software Engineer jobs near you
System Software Engineer (Embedded)

System Software Engineer (Embedded)

Cerebras Systems

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$175K - $275K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

The Role 

As part of the Embedded Software team, you will help build the critical software foundation that powers the Cerebras Wafer Scale Engine (WSE)-the world's largest AI processor. Our team owns a diverse range of embedded and system level components that enable the WSE to operate reliably at scale, including microcontroller firmware, wafer level monitoring logic, system administration services, and the Linux platform and BSP layers that keep the entire system running smoothly. 

This role exists at the intersection of embedded systems, platform engineering, and distributed system enablement. As our technology and deployments continue to scale, we are expanding the team with versatile engineers eager to work across multiple layers of the software stack. You will help build administrative services that connect the WSE's system software to cluster-level orchestration, collaborate closely with hardware and ASIC teams, and contribute to the robustness, visibility, and operability of our next-generation AI systems. 

Responsibilities    

  • Develop administrative software that enables communication between system-level software and cluster-level control layers. 
  • Provide and extend Linux BSP support, ensuring reliability and maintainability of system level platform components. 
  • Collaborate across teams to gather requirements, define scope, plan milestones, and deliver high-quality implementations. 
  • Work closely with datacenter operations and debug teams to diagnose system level issues, root cause failures, and implement fixes. 
  • Partner with hardware and ASIC teams to design and implement software that monitors system hardware and wafer level behavior. 
  • Contribute to improving system reliability, observability, and long-term maintainability across layers of the embedded stack. 
  • Participate in code reviews, design discussions, and cross-team technical planning. 

Skills & Qualifications    

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. 
  • 5+ years of experience in building production-quality software in C++ or Golang. 
  • Solid understanding of embedded systems fundamentals or system hardware interactions. 
  • Experience working in cross-functional engineering environments. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Master's degree in computer engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. 
  • Exposure to distributed systems, cluster-level orchestration, or datacenter environments. 
  • Familiarity with Linux kernel concepts, device drivers, or BSP layers. 
  • Experience debugging hardware/software interactions using tools such as logic analyzers, JTAG, or profiling/tracing frameworks. 
  • Experience contributing to system monitoring, observability tooling, or hardware level telemetry pipelines. 

The base salary range for this position is $175,000 to $275,000 annually.  Actual compensation may include bonus and equity, and will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications.

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