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Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Embedded Systems Engineer information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$67.1K

$147.3K

$206.1K

How much do embedded systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded systems engineer in Irvine, CA is $147,348.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,700.00 and $175,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an embedded systems engineer?

Embedded Systems Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain embedded systems—specialized computing systems that perform dedicated functions within larger mechanical or electrical systems. These engineers work with both hardware and software, often programming microcontrollers or microprocessors to control devices like automobiles, medical equipment, consumer electronics, and industrial machines. Their expertise ensures devices are efficient, reliable, and optimized for specific tasks, making embedded systems a crucial part of modern technology.

What does an embedded systems engineer do?

An embedded systems engineer creates the software to control electronics or machines that are different from regular computers. This software needs to run on the specific hardware it controls. Their duties also include troubleshooting and testing. Essential skills include problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. Work is typically in an office environment with full-time business hours. Educational qualifications include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in embedded systems engineering or a related field.

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

To thrive as an Embedded Systems Engineer, you need strong proficiency in C/C++ programming, embedded hardware knowledge, and a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), microcontroller development platforms, and debugging tools like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers is typically required. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities are essential to design reliable embedded solutions that meet strict performance, safety, and efficiency requirements.

What are some common challenges an embedded systems engineer faces when integrating hardware and software components?

Embedded Systems Engineers often encounter challenges when ensuring that hardware and software components work seamlessly together. These can include dealing with limited memory and processing power, timing constraints, and real-time performance requirements. Troubleshooting issues that arise from hardware-software interactions—such as driver compatibility, signal integrity, or power management—requires strong problem-solving skills and close collaboration with hardware designers and software developers. Engineers must frequently debug at both the hardware and code level, making attention to detail and cross-disciplinary communication essential in this role.

What is the difference between Embedded Systems Engineer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectEmbedded Systems EngineerFirmware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Embedded Systems EngineerBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering; certifications like Certified Firmware Engineer
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing embedded hardware/software for devices like automotive, medical, consumer electronicsWriting low-level code to optimize firmware for microcontrollers and embedded devices
Industry UsageUsed across automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, industrial automationPrimarily in consumer electronics, IoT devices, and embedded hardware products

Both roles focus on embedded development but differ in scope. Embedded Systems Engineers work on both hardware and software integration, while Firmware Engineers specialize in writing low-level code for device firmware. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Are embedded systems engineers in demand?

Embedded systems engineers are in high demand due to the growth of IoT, automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics industries. They typically require skills in programming languages like C and C++, and knowledge of hardware design, with job opportunities available across various sectors worldwide.
More about Embedded Systems Engineer jobs

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Embedded Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Systems Engineer job openings in Irvine, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $147,348 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Engineer - Embedded Systems & Security

Karma Automotive

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Define and evolve the end-to-end software architecture across vehicle and cloud platforms, including embedded ECUs, zone controllers, and cloud services.

  • Lead cybersecurity initiatives, ensure architectural alignment with ISO 21434 principles, and own the cybersecurity management system.

  • Design and guide the implementation of microservice-based architectures for data analytics, OTA updates, diagnostics, and connected vehicle features.

Job description


Principal Engineer - Embedded Systems & Security
We are seeking an experienced Principal Engineer - Embedded Systems & Security to join our automotive engineering organization. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in both cloud-based microservices architectures and embedded automotive systems, with a strong understanding of functional safety (ISO 26262) and an emphasis on cybersecurity (ISO 21434) standards.
This role bridges vehicle-side embedded control systems with cloud and edge computing services, helping define and implement next-generation Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) architectures.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with experience in software development environments, particularly within the automotive sector, and has a solid understanding of A-SPICE and Agile methodologies.

  • Be part of an innovative team shaping the next generation of Software-Defined Vehicles.
  • Work across the full vehicle software stack-from embedded ECUs to cloud infrastructure.
  • Collaborate with industry-leading experts in automotive architecture, AI/ML, and cloud systems.

Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to):

  • Ensure architectural alignment with ISO 21434 cybersecurity principles
  • Lead cybersecurity initiatives, own the cybersecurity management system
  • Define and evolve the end-to-end software architecture across vehicle and cloud platforms, covering edge devices, embedded ECUs, zone controllers, and cloud services.
  • Design and guide implementation of microservice-based architectures for data analytics, OTA (Over-the-Air) updates, diagnostics, and connected vehicle features.
  • Collaborate with hardware, systems, and software teams to ensure scalable, modular, and safe system integration.
  • Lead architecture reviews and define software interfaces, service APIs, and communication protocols (e.g., SOME/IP, DDS, MQTT, REST/gRPC).
  • Mentor cross-functional engineering teams on architecture best practices, design patterns, and code quality standards.
  • Evaluate and integrate third-party technologies, frameworks, and toolchains to improve platform capabilities.
  • Support model-based system design, safety analysis, and traceability of requirements to implementation.
  • Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in software architecture or systems engineering within automotive or embedded domains.
  • Proven experience in both cloud-native software development (microservices, containers, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, RESTful APIs) and low-level embedded development (C/C++, AUTOSAR, RTOS, bootloaders, CAN/Ethernet).
  • Strong understanding of distributed systems, data communication protocols, and service discovery.
  • Hands-on experience designing or validating safety-critical systems under ISO 26262 (ASIL-B or higher).
  • Formal training in ISO 21434 or equivalent cybersecurity frameworks for connected vehicles.
  • Experience with DevOps, container orchestration, and secure software deployment pipelines.
  • Proficiency in multiple programming languages (e.g., C, C++, Python, Java, Rust, or Go).

Preferred Qualifications (In addition to required)

  • 3+ years leading cybersecurity architecture and process practices with adherence to U.N. R155/R156
  • Experience with zonal architectures, service-oriented automotive platforms, or vehicle-cloud synchronization.
  • Familiarity with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud automotive solutions.
  • Understanding of vehicle diagnostics (UDS/DoIP), OTA update frameworks, and data logging/telemetry systems.
  • Knowledge of AUTOSAR Adaptive, ASIL decomposition strategies, and cybersecurity threat modeling.
  • Experience with Simulink, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), or system simulation environments.
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills for cross-domain collaboration.

Physical Requirements:

Note: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee should have the:

  • Ability to frequently use or operate a computer, mouse, and/or other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
  • Ability to frequently use hand(s) for repetitive actions (grasping and fine manipulation).
  • Ability to frequently walk or move -to regularly move about inside the office.
  • Ability to frequently see or detect, identify, recognize, or assess surroundings while in the office.
  • Ability to occasionally bend, kneel, crouch, turn, and stoop.
  • Ability to frequently sit or be stationary for extended continuous periods of time.
    Ability to stand for occasional periods of time.
  • Ability to occasionally lift and/or push/pull up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing their job.

Total Rewards (Benefits, Perks & Compensation)

Benefits & Perks:

In addition to our competitive compensation, you will also be eligible for the following at Karma:

  • Medical Plan choices include HMO, PPO & HDHP (High-Deductible Health Plan)
  • Dental & Vision Plans
  • Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Account
  • Employee Health & Well-Being Program Events
  • Company Paid Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
  • 401(k) with Employer Match
  • Relocation Assistance (if applicable)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Sick Time, Vacation time and Personal Floaters
  • Paid Holidays including Company's Annual Year End Shutdown
  • Karma Cares Program (Quarterly Lunch)
  • Work life Balance (Flexible and Hybrid Work Schedule)
  • Employee Driving Program
  • Pre-taxed Commuter Benefits & much more!

Compensation:

$185,000 - 230,000 /annual salary. Compensation will vary DOE.

At Karma, our base pay is one part of our total rewards package.

Compensation offered may vary on multiple factors, including market location, education, skills and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position being offered.

Karma Automotive, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender identity and expression, color, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), national origin/ancestry, religion, military/veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, intersectionality or any other characteristic and group protected by applicable law. Karma Automotive, Inc complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a physical or mental disability. Valid driver's license may be required based on essential duties.

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