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Embedded Systems Engineer Entry Level Jobs in California

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our ...

Apple

Embedded Systems Video Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

... programming. Strong software design, problem-solving and debugging skills with a focus on efficient and reliable solutions. Experience in embedded real time multitasking software system. Strong ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our ...

Innogrit

Firmware Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Firmware Engineer (entry level) Are you passionate about development and project-based work? Do you ... Good programming capability in C * Experience or good understanding of embedded systems

Innogrit

Firmware Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Firmware Engineer (entry level) Are you passionate about development and project-based work? Do you ... Good programming capability in C * Experience or good understanding of embedded systems

Apple

Embedded Systems Video Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$150K - $277K/yr

... programming. Strong software design, problem-solving and debugging skills with a focus on efficient and reliable solutions. Experience in embedded real time multitasking software system. Strong ...

Apple

Embedded Systems Video Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $277K/yr

... programming. Strong software design, problem-solving and debugging skills with a focus on efficient and reliable solutions. Experience in embedded real time multitasking software system. Strong ...

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All JobsEmbedded Systems Engineer JobsEmbedded Systems Engineer Entry Level JobsEmbedded Systems Engineer Entry Level Jobs in California

Embedded Systems Engineer Entry Level information

See California salary details

$61.7K

$135.5K

$189.5K

How much do embedded systems engineer entry level jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded systems engineer entry level 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 does an entry-level embedded systems engineer do?

As an entry-level embedded systems engineer, you carry out your duties under the supervision of an experienced embedded systems engineer to learn the necessary responsibilities and skills for the job. Entry-level embedded systems jobs include tasks that focus on hardware and software design and the components that go along with them. You design, troubleshoot, and test hardware and software, electronic circuits, mechanical equipment and machines, and other systems related to computers and computer equipment. Entry-level embedded systems engineer roles are usually for recent or soon-to-be graduates of a bachelor’s degree program in computer science, computer engineering, or a similar field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry-level embedded systems engineer?

To thrive as an Entry-Level Embedded Systems Engineer, you need a solid understanding of C/C++ programming, microcontroller architectures, and basic electronics, usually backed by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as oscilloscopes, debuggers, integrated development environments (IDEs) like Keil or Eclipse, and version control systems like Git is typical. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork help you excel in this collaborative and detail-oriented environment. These competencies are crucial for developing reliable embedded solutions that meet technical requirements and project deadlines.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in California?

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Embedded Systems Engineer Entry Level jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Systems Engineer Entry Level job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $135,476 per year, or $65.1 per hour.

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

STR

San Diego, CA • On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our national security. In this role, you will work at the intersection of computer systems and real-world physical systems, building the tools and models that emulate complex cyber-physical platforms to enable analysis, reverse engineering, and experimentation.

We believe every employee brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives that are essential to providing innovative solutions for our customers. You do not need to have experience with every technology listed to be successful in this role. Strong fundamentals, curiosity, and the ability to learn new tools and domains are highly valued.

What you will do: 

  • Work as part of a small, focused team to architect, develop, implement, and test modular software applications and tools for emulating cyber-physical systems.
  • Extend and customize existing emulation frameworks (e.g., QEMU) in C/C++ and Python to support new targets, peripherals, and capabilities.
  • Rehost unknown or sparsely documented firmware by analyzing binaries, identifying hardware dependencies, and adapting these to run correctly in emulated environments.
  • Develop emulator tooling and virtual device models to support reverse engineering and analysis of embedded systems across diverse architectures (e.g., ARM, PPC).
  • Develop digital models using virtualization tools (e.g., QEMU) and network them together to create integrated, end-to-end system simulations that closely approximate real hardware behavior.
  • Ensure model quality and correctness through unit-level and system-level testing, and by validating behavior against first principles, measured data, documentation, and hardware/software artifacts.
  • Communicate technical foundations of models and algorithms through reports and briefings

Who you are:

  • This position requires an Active Secret security clearance with eligibility for Top Secret (TS) clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government. 
  • Proficiency in C/C++ for systems-level or embedded software development
  • Proficiency in Python for tool development, automation, and integration
  • Familiarity with emulation and virtualization tools (e.g., QEMU or similar frameworks)
  • Strong understanding of computer architecture, emulation principles, and software engineering best practices (e.g., modular design, testing, code review)
  • Experience using collaborative source code management (e.g., Git)

Education:

  • BS in Computer Engineering, Computers Science, Electrical Engineering or related field

Nice to have:

  • Active Top Secret (TS) Security Clearance
  • Familiarity with network architecture and protocols, and experience integrating networked simulations
  • Experience with low-level software modifications (e.g., implants, firmware changes, binary patch development)
  • Experience at the software/hardware interface, including device drivers or real-time/embedded operating systems
  • Experience with reverse engineering and firmware rehosting for embedded systems, including analysis of instruction set architectures (e.g., ARM, PPC) and use of tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, or Binary Ninja
  • Experience implementing component models (e.g., sensors, actuators, dynamics, environmental factors) in Python and/or C/C++, and integrate them into system-level simulations and software processing chains
  • Experience working with hardware components and interfaces
  • Masters or PhD in related field

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $110,000 - $151,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.


STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.