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Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in California

Senior System Software Engineer, Holoscan

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$143.80K - $189.60K/yr

... embedded systems, and Linux internals โ€ข Knowledge of security principles, vulnerability ... software engineering context โ€ข Deep understanding of security principles with the ability to ...

Flight Software Engineer As our Flight Software Engineer, you will support the the development ... Experience with building bare-metal embedded system software * Experience with reading schematics ...

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Showing results 1-20

Embedded System Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$69.1K

$151.4K

$171.7K

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

As of May 30, 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Embedded System Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Embedded System Software Engineer job openings:

Manager, Embedded Software (Omada Networking)

TP-Link Systems Inc.

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

$180K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

About Us
Headquartered in the United States, TP-Link Systems Inc. is a global provider of reliable networking devices and smart home products, consistently ranked as the worldโ€™s top provider of Wi-Fi devices. The company is committed to delivering innovative products that enhance peopleโ€™s lives through faster, more reliable connectivity. With a commitment to excellence, TP-Link serves customers in over 170 countries and continues to grow its global footprint.
We believe technology changes the world for the better! At TP-Link Systems Inc, we are committed to crafting dependable, high-performance products to connect users worldwide with the wonders of technology.
Embracing professionalism, innovation, excellence, and simplicity, we aim to assist our clients in achieving remarkable global performance and enable consumers to enjoy a seamless, effortless lifestyle.
Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Manager of Embedded System Software belonging to the Omada product line (formerly called the Enterprise Engineering Department) to lead a team of engineers in designing, developing, and optimizing embedded software solutions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in embedded systems, software architecture, and team leadership, ensuring high-performance, reliable, and scalable solutions for our products.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and manage a team of embedded software engineers, providing technical guidance and mentorship.
  • Provide leadership and direct the activities of software engineers focused on the design of new products, enhancement of existing designs and improvement of software architecture design processes and procedures.
  • Collaborate with hardware engineers, firmware developers, and other cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration.
  • Define software architecture, coding standards, and best practices for embedded system development.
  • Manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables to ensure on-time and high-quality software releases.
  • Conduct code reviews, debugging, and performance optimization to maintain software reliability.
  • Stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in embedded systems.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, security, and regulatory standards relevant to embedded software development.
  • Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to junior team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
  • Conduct meticulous code reviews and provide mentorship to junior developers, ensuring strict adherence to coding standards and industry best practices.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in embedded software development, plus at least 3 years of experience in a leadership role.
  • Strong expertise in embedded Linux programming with C/C++, particularly in kernel driver development and TCP/IP stack packet processing.
  • Strong knowledge of networking protocols (NAT, TCP, UDP, IPv4, IPv6, HTTP, etc.) and hardware-software integration.
  • Knowledge of package processing flow based on Linux TCP/IP stack, including Netfilter and Conntrack.
  • Experience with low-level drivers, BSP development, and real-time constraints.
  • Proficiency in debugging tools, emulators, and software profiling techniques.
  • Familiarity with version control systems (Git) and CI/CD pipelines for embedded development.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to think strategically and act tactically.
  • Strong communication and leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional teams.
  • Highly motivated, positive, detail oriented and responsible.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in the networking or electronics industry.
  • Experience working with large-scale deployments of embedded systems, particularly in networking or telecommunications environments.
  • Knowledge of wireless communication protocols, e.g. 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax.

Salary: $180,000 - $230,000

Benefits

  • Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (partial premium coverage for dependents)
  • Employer quarterly contributions to 401k funds
  • 15 days accrued vacation
  • 11 paid holidays
  • Bi-annual reviews, and annual pay increases
  • Health and wellness benefits, including free gym membership
  • Quarterly team-building events

At TP-Link Systems Inc., we are continually searching for ambitious individuals who are passionate about their work. We believe that diversity fuels innovation, collaboration, and drives our entrepreneurial spirit. As a global company, we highly value diverse perspectives and are committed to cultivating an environment where all voices are heard, respected, and valued. We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, and we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Beyond compliance, we strive to create a supportive and growth-oriented workplace for everyone. If you share our passion and connection to this mission, we welcome you to apply and join us in building a vibrant and inclusive team at TP-Link Systems Inc.
Please, no third-party agency inquiries, and we are unable to offer visa sponsorships at this time.