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Embedded System Validation Engineer Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

Umbra

Embedded Systems Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

... validation and peripheral integration. * Support system integration and verification across ... Strong proficiency in embedded C and/or Rust programming. * Experience working with bare-metal ...

Umbra

Embedded Systems Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

... validation and peripheral integration. * Support system integration and verification across ... Strong proficiency in embedded C and/or Rust programming. * Experience working with bare-metal ...

GRVTY

Jr Embedded Software Developer

Ventura, CA

What Impact You'll Have GRVTY is seeking a passionate Junior Embedded Software Engineer to join our ... Lead hardware-in-the-loop and system level testing * Support integration of vehicle software with ...

GRVTY

Jr Embedded Software Developer

Ventura, CA

$90K - $100K/yr

What Impact You'll Have GRVTY is seeking a passionate Junior Embedded Software Engineer to join our ... Lead hardware-in-the-loop and system level testing * Support integration of vehicle software with ...

GRVTY

Jr Embedded Software Developer

Ventura, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

What Impact You'll Have GRVTY is seeking a passionate Junior Embedded Software Engineer to join our ... Lead hardware-in-the-loop and system level testing * Support integration of vehicle software with ...

Toyon

Software and Embedded Systems Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

As one example, you could be involved with glass-to-glass camera system implementation. This may ... Windows UI (WinUI) programming * C++ / C# * Python * Embedded processors including ARM and ...

Very Stable Electronic Manufacturing Company catering to Essential Industries

Be Seen First

Electronics Testing and Validation Engineer, PCB, C/C++, BSEE required

Ventura, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Experience working closely with Electronics R&D Engineers during the design and integration phase ... systems. * Experience testing hardware, embedded software/firmware, electronics and network ...

Beyond SOF

Sr Embedded Software Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$138K - $180K/yr

... Senior Embedded Software Engineer. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Design, code, debug, and integrate new ... Debug issues with existing systems. * Integration of new capabilities both in the Systems ...

Leonardo DRS

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$107K - $144K/yr

Job Summary Leonardo DRS Land Systems is seeking a Full Time Senior Embedded Software Engineer. This position is based out of our Goleta, CA facility and will have the option to work an in person or ...

Toyon

Flight Software C++ Engineer

Goleta, CA

$130K - $220K/yr

Design, develop, and test flight software components in C++ for embedded systems * Develop and ... and validation of flight-critical software * Design, develop, and implement real-time, safety ...

Raytheon

Software Engineer II, Real-time Embedded

Goleta, CA

$141K - $186K/yr

... Software Engineer II to work on real-time embedded products. * Raytheon Goleta, CA Location What ... Work in an advanced product development team environment with systems, firmware, electrical and ...

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All JobsEmbedded System Validation Engineer JobsEmbedded System Validation Engineer Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

Embedded System Validation Engineer information

See Santa Barbara, CA salary details

$69.5K

$152.7K

$213.6K

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

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded system validation engineer in Santa Barbara, CA is $152,741.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,100.00 and $181,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectEmbedded System Validation EngineerFirmware Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related; certifications like ISTQB are commonBachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering; similar certifications often used
Work EnvironmentHardware and software testing in embedded systems, often in labs or manufacturingSoftware testing of firmware, mainly in development or testing labs
Industry UsageAutomotive, consumer electronics, industrial automationConsumer electronics, IoT devices, embedded systems
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Embedded System Validation Engineer focuses on validating both hardware and software components of embedded systems, ensuring overall system functionality. In contrast, the Firmware Test Engineer primarily tests the firmware or software running on embedded devices. While both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, their focus areas differ: validation of entire systems versus software-specific testing.

What is an embedded system validation engineer?

Embedded System Validation Engineers are professionals responsible for testing and verifying that embedded systems—specialized computing systems within larger devices—function correctly and meet design specifications. They develop and execute validation plans, create test cases, and use debugging tools to identify hardware and software issues. Their work ensures the reliability, safety, and performance of products such as automotive systems, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Collaboration with design and development teams is crucial to address any detected issues before product release.

What are some common challenges faced by embedded system validation engineers during product testing?

Embedded System Validation Engineers often encounter challenges such as debugging complex hardware-software interactions, managing limited access to prototypes, and ensuring thorough test coverage across various hardware configurations. Collaborating closely with firmware developers and hardware designers is essential to identify and resolve issues efficiently. Additionally, staying updated with new validation tools and methodologies can be necessary to address evolving technology and product requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded system validation engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as an Embedded System Validation Engineer, a strong background in embedded systems, electronics, and programming languages like C/C++ is essential, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with validation tools, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, version control systems, and test automation frameworks is commonly required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for diagnosing complex issues and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These abilities ensure comprehensive system validation, high product quality, and successful integration in complex hardware-software environments.

Are embedded system validation engineers in demand?

Embedded system validation engineers are in high demand due to the growth of IoT, automotive, and consumer electronics industries. They are needed to ensure hardware and software reliability, often requiring skills in testing tools, scripting, and knowledge of embedded platforms. The role offers good job prospects with opportunities for certification and specialization.
What cities near Santa Barbara, CA are hiring for Embedded System Validation Engineer jobs? Cities near Santa Barbara, CA with the most Embedded System Validation Engineer job openings:
Embedded System Validation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded System Validation Engineer job openings in Santa Barbara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,741 per year, or $73.4 per hour.

Embedded Systems Engineer

Umbra

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space-for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra's ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms).Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed.
About the Team
Space Systems - The Components
Space Systems is where Umbra turns hardware and software designs into on-orbit realities; developing, implementing and iterating mission-ready core technology, while simultaneously advancing the next generation of our own satellite constellation. Space Systems is vertically integrated across the satellite architecture, thus the team designs, builds, and tests an array of critical components and subsystems, including power systems, communications, control systems, deployment hardware, avionics, and payloads, as well as the flight software, firmware and digital design solutions to support the entire hardware stack. Our focus is on first principles engineering, and our mandate is simple: it has to work when it counts. Every bolt, board, and binary is proven on our own SAR constellation, ensuring flight-proven reliability where failure is not an option.
If you want to work on cutting edge space technology while maintaining the highest standard for innovation and mission ready performance, you belong here at Umbra.
About the Job
Umbra is seeking an Embedded Systems Engineer with a strong firmware background to support development of mission-critical satellite systems. This role focuses on bare-metal embedded development, system integration, and hardware bring-up, with opportunities to contribute across the full lifecycle-from prototype to flight-ready systems.
You will work closely with electrical, software, and systems engineers to build and validate embedded solutions on real hardware. This role is ideal for someone who can take well-defined problems, execute quickly, and contribute to improving firmware infrastructure, tooling, and system reliability.
This position is based on-site in our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, implement, and debug low-level drivers (SPI, UART/RS-485, GPIO, timers, interrupts).
  • Participate in code reviews and MR support, ensuring code quality and maintainability.
  • Contribute to architecture/design documentation (e.g., RFCs, ADRs, timing diagrams, interface definitions).
  • Develop embedded firmware in C and Rust for bare-metal and RTOS-based microcontroller systems.
  • Bring up and debug hardware systems, including board-level validation and peripheral integration.
  • Support system integration and verification across avionics, radios, and other spacecraft subsystems.
  • Define and execute test plans for firmware and hardware validation.
  • Troubleshoot issues across firmware, hardware, and system interfaces.
  • Contribute to shared firmware infrastructure, including HALs, drivers, and reusable libraries.
  • Improve development workflows through contributions to repository structure, CI/CD, and test infrastructure.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, systems, and flight software engineers.
  • Document designs, test procedures, and debugging processes to ensure repeatability and reliability.
  • Support test campaigns and mission-critical milestones as needed.

Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 5+ years of professional experience in embedded systems or firmware development.
  • Experience developing and debugging embedded communication and control interfaces, including SPI, UART/SCI (e.g., RS-485), and GPIO/interrupts.
  • Strong proficiency in embedded C and/or Rust programming.
  • Experience working with bare-metal microcontrollers.
  • Hands-on experience with hardware bring-up and debugging on physical systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and data sheets.
  • Experience with debugging tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and debuggers (e.g., JTAG/SWD).
  • Experience with system integration and verification.
  • Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and collaborative development workflows.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to execute independently.
  • Effective communication and ability to work in a cross-functional team environment.

Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with RTOS-based embedded systems.
  • Familiarity with hardware/software integration at the system level.
  • Experience contributing to CI/CD pipelines or automated test infrastructure for embedded systems.
  • Experience developing or maintaining HALs, drivers, or shared firmware libraries.
  • Background in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability environments.
  • Comfort working in a fast-paced, hardware-centric development environment.
  • Demonstrated ownership of projects from concept through validation.
  • Experience working in Agile/PI planning environments.
  • Experience supporting system-level testing or qualification efforts.

Benefits
  • Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
  • Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded)
  • 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution
  • Stock Options
  • Free Parking
  • Free lunch in office daily

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Employment Eligibility Verification
In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.
ITAR/EAR Requirements
This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable.
Pay Transparency
This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role's function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience.
Compensation Range
The Compensation Range for this role is $150,000 - $180,000 DOE.

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