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Embedded Systems Architect Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The role involves close collaboration with hardware architecture teams, platform software ... embedded systems. * Develop and debug low‑level software components, including device drivers ...

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... Work as part of a small, focused team to architect, develop, implement, and test modular software ...

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... Work as part of a small, focused team to architect, develop, implement, and test modular software ...

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... Work as part of a small, focused team to architect, develop, implement, and test modular software ...

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Both Contract and Fulltime available We are looking for an Embedded Systems Security Engineer to ... Roles & Responsibilities Platform Hardening & Architecture * Design and implement the Hardware Root ...

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Both Contract and Fulltime available We are looking for an Embedded Systems Security Engineer to ... Roles & Responsibilities Platform Hardening & Architecture * Design and implement the Hardware Root ...

Embedded Software Architect

Poway, CA · On-site

$177K/yr

Job Summary General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics ... architect, design, develop, test, and maintain software for flight-critical real-time embedded ...

Showing results 41-60

Embedded Systems Architect information

See California salary details

$130.3K

$171.2K

How much do embedded systems architect jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded systems architect in California is $169,346.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $170,700.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an embedded systems architect?

Embedded Systems Architects are professionals who design and oversee the development of embedded systems—specialized computing systems that are part of larger devices, such as cars, medical equipment, or household appliances. They are responsible for defining system architecture, selecting hardware and software components, and ensuring that all parts work together efficiently and securely. Their role often involves collaborating with engineers, software developers, and project managers to deliver reliable and optimized embedded solutions. Embedded Systems Architects need a deep understanding of both hardware and software, as well as strong problem-solving and communication skills.

How does an embedded systems architect typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

An Embedded Systems Architect works closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, software developers, and project managers, to ensure system integration and alignment with project goals. They often facilitate technical discussions, clarify system requirements, and resolve design trade-offs between hardware and software components. Regular collaboration involves design reviews, technical documentation, and providing guidance to ensure that deliverables meet both functional and performance standards. This collaborative environment is key to delivering robust and reliable embedded solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded systems architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded Systems Architect, you need deep expertise in embedded software and hardware design, strong knowledge of microcontrollers, and a relevant degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with programming languages such as C/C++, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and experience with tools like MATLAB, Simulink, and various circuit design platforms are typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills help you collaborate effectively and translate complex requirements into robust system architectures. These competencies are crucial to delivering efficient, reliable, and scalable embedded solutions that meet project and industry standards.

What is the difference between Embedded Systems Architect vs Embedded Software Engineer?

AspectEmbedded Systems Architect

Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; certifications like ARM or IoT certifications are common.

Work EnvironmentDesigning system architecture in R&D labs, manufacturing facilities, or product development teams.

Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries like automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace, and industrial automation.

The Embedded Systems Architect focuses on designing and planning the overall system architecture, ensuring hardware and software integration. In contrast, the Embedded Software Engineer implements and tests the software components within that architecture. Both roles require technical expertise, but the architect has a broader strategic focus, while the engineer concentrates on coding and debugging.

Infographic showing various Embedded Systems Architect job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $169,346 per year, or $81.4 per hour.

Embedded Systems Software Engineer

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 hours ago


Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Modem Software Engineering
General Summary:
Qualcomm is looking for a highly motivated Embedded Systems Software Engineer to join our Data / Networking software team. In this role, you will design, develop, optimize, and maintain high-performance Ethernet networking and data-path drivers for Qualcomm's Wireless Broadband connectivity, Automotive Infotainment and Telematics platforms based on Qualcomm's Snapdragon and Dragonwing SOCs.
You will work at the intersection of Linux kernel / QNX networking stacks, Ethernet device drivers, SoC hardware (Ethernet MACs, PHYs, switches), and networking performance. The role involves close collaboration with hardware architecture teams, platform software, validation, and customer-facing engineering teams to enable robust, scalable, and production-quality Ethernet solutions for diverse product segments. You will be responsible for developing, integrating and commercializing device driver SW for various integrated and discrete Ethernet solutions, enabling leading edge networking features while meeting stringent reliability, availability and performance requirements for demanding applications and use cases. You will collaborate with cross functional teams across multiple locations through the development lifecycle and work in a highly dynamic and engaging environment.
Job Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, integrate, and maintain embedded software across the full development lifecycle, including driver development, platform bring-up, feature enablement, debugging, and validation for embedded systems.
  • Develop and debug low-level software components, including device drivers, firmware, and RTOS/Linux kernel modules, working closely with hardware to ensure correct and efficient operation.
  • Perform on-target and off-target development and debugging, using standard embedded debug tools and techniques to diagnose and resolve functional, performance, and stability issues.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware design, systems, integration, test, application engineering, and customer support, to deliver integrated system solutions.
  • Contribute to technical design reviews and project planning, providing strong engineering input on architecture, trade-offs, schedules, and risk areas.
  • Create and maintain high-quality technical documentation, including design descriptions, architecture specifications, and internal documentation.
  • Own complex software features end-to-end, from requirements analysis and design through implementation, testing, and commercialization in production environments
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, and act as a strong individual contributor within the team while driving engineering excellence.
  • Support customer and field issues by analyzing problem reports, reproducing issues, and delivering robust fixes while balancing product schedules and quality requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering, Embedded Software, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering, Embedded Software, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Strong proficiency in C programming, with experience developing or debugging low-level system software.
  • Solid understanding of Linux kernel fundamentals, including:
    • Memory management, interrupts, DMA, synchronization primitives.
    • Kernel networking architecture
  • Hands-on experience with networking concepts, such as:
    • Ethernet fundamentals, VLANs.
    • TCP/IP stack and basic L2/L3 packet flows.
  • Experience developing, integrating, or debugging device drivers on Linux or a similar embedded OS.
  • Strong debugging skills using tools such as gdb, perf, ftrace, etc. and comfort working close to hardware.
  • Direct experience with Ethernet MAC or switch driver development
  • Familiarity with automotive or embedded SoCs
  • Exposure to QNX networking or other RTOS networking stacks.
  • Experience analyzing and optimizing CPU utilization, latency, and throughput in networking workloads.
  • Prior contributions to upstream Linux kernel or experience maintaining downstream kernel forks.
  • Knowledge of networking virtualization or offload technologies .
  • Strong interest in system performance, root-cause analysis, and end-to-end data-path optimization.
  • Ability to collaborate across software, hardware, and systems teams and communicate technical topics clearly.

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:
$122,500.00 - $183,700.00
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

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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