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

Embedded NixOS Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... As an Embedded NixOS Engineer, you'll be responsible for EW team's software supply chain, build out ...

Embedded NixOS Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... As an Embedded NixOS Engineer, you'll be responsible for EW team's software supply chain, build out ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 19, 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA?

The most popular types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA?

For Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Embedded Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Embedded Systems Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Embedded Systems Engineer job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $147,348 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Senior Embedded Systems Software Engineer

Neon Aerospace

Irvine, CA

$133K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

We're seeking a Senior Embedded Systems Software Engineer with strong systems intuition and a passion for building robust, safety-critical control software. This role sits at the intersection of embedded platform software, and system-level control logic owning the supervisory control layers that coordinate actuators, motor drives, and flight-level systems.

You will architect and implement system control logic, state machines, sequencing, diagnostics, and communication interfaces that ensure safe, deterministic operation across complex aerospace systems. While this role interfaces closely with actuator control, BMS, and vehicle control software, its primary focus is system behavior, integration, and correctness...not fast inner-loop control.

Key ResponsibilitiesSystem Control Architecture & Logic
  • Design and own system-level control architecture spanning actuator control, power sequencing, and operational state management.
  • Develop supervisory logic, state machines, and mode management that coordinate lower-level motor control, embedded platform software, and hardware subsystems.
  • Define and implement safe power-up, power-down, input processing, fault response, and degraded operating modes consistent with system safety assessments and aerospace certification requirements.
Embedded Software Development
  • Develop and maintain embedded software in C/C++ or MATLAB/Simulink on real-time microcontroller platforms (e.g., TI C2000, NXP, or comparable safety-oriented MCUs).
  • Architect scalable and maintainable software frameworks supporting control execution, communication, diagnostics, and monitoring.
  • Work across BSPs, middleware, and application layers to ensure deterministic behavior and system robustness.
System Interfaces & Communication
  • Define, implement, and document system interfaces between controllers, subsystems, and external equipment.
  • Author and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for communication protocols such as CAN (including safety-oriented profiles), ARINC 825, and other aerospace or automotive buses.
  • Ensure reliable data exchange, arbitration, and fault handling across system boundaries.
Model-Based Design & Validation
  • Use MATLAB/Simulink to develop and validate system-level control logic, sequencing, and coordination strategies.
  • Support model-based design workflows spanning MIL, SIL, and HIL environments.
  • Leverage simulation and lab data to validate system behavior across nominal, corner-case, and fault scenarios.
Integration, Test & Bring-Up
  • Lead system-level integration activities across motor control, BMS, sensors, and vehicle control software.
  • Support hardware bring-up, HIL testing, and lab validation, diagnosing issues that span software, hardware, and system interactions.
  • Develop test strategies, automation hooks, and data analysis workflows to ensure repeatable verification.
Safety, Process & Lifecycle Support
  • Support development of safety-critical embedded software by following disciplined software development processes.
  • Contribute to requirements definition, traceability, verification planning, and certification readiness activities aligned with standards such as DO-178C, ARP4754/4761, or equivalent safety frameworks.
  • Maintain configuration control and long-term maintainability of system software artifacts.
Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience developing embedded control software for complex real-time systems
  • Strong proficiency in embedded C/C++ and real-time software architecture
  • Experience designing system-level control logic, state machines, and sequencing
  • Hands-on experience with communication protocols such as CAN (and derivatives), SPI, Ethernet, or ARINC (825/664)
  • Experience with model-based design tools (MATLAB/Simulink) and SIL/HIL testing
  • Proven ability to integrate and debug software across hardware, firmware, and system boundaries
  • Strong analytical skills and system-level problem-solving ability
Preferred / Bonus Experience
  • Experience with TI C2000, NXP, or similar real-time control microcontrollers
  • Prior work on safety-critical or regulated systems (aerospace, automotive, industrial)
  • Exposure to certification-oriented development processes (DO-178C, ARP4754/4761, ISO 26262 concepts)
  • Experience defining software architectures and development processes for growing teams
  • Background spanning motor control, BMS, or vehicle control systems
  • Experience supporting production launch, field issues, and system-level validation
Why This Role Matters

This role defines how complex control systems behave as a whole. Your work ensures that motors, actuators, power, and climate systems operate coherently, safely, and predictably under all conditions. You'll have deep technical ownership and influence system architecture decisions. Play a key role in bringing flight-ready control systems from concept to deployment.