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Embedded Systems Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Umbra

Embedded Systems Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

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 ...

Umbra

Embedded Systems Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

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 ...

Toyon

Senior Embedded Systems Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$145K - $235K/yr

Toyon is looking for a talented and passionate Senior Embedded Systems Engineer to join our growing Aerospace Systems team. In this role, you will play a lead role in the design, development, and ...

FieldAI

Embedded Systems Engineer-Federal

Irvine, CA · On-site

As an Embedded Systems Engineer on the Federal Team at Field AI, you will contribute to the architecture, configuration, and validation of the compute systems that serve as the backbone for our ...

FieldAI

Embedded Systems Engineer-Federal

Irvine, CA

$70K - $300K/yr

As an Embedded Systems Engineer on the Federal Team at Field AI, you will contribute to the architecture, configuration, and validation of the compute systems that serve as the backbone for our ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

San Diego, CA

$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 ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

San Diego, CA

$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 ...

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 ...

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All JobsEmbedded Systems JobsEmbedded Systems Jobs in California

Embedded Systems information

See California salary details

$61.7K

$135.5K

$189.5K

How much do embedded systems jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded systems 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 are the typical daily responsibilities of an Embedded Systems professional?

Embedded Systems professionals commonly spend their days designing, coding, and testing software that operates on hardware devices, working closely with circuit schematics and firmware. They often collaborate with hardware engineers and quality assurance teams to troubleshoot issues and refine integrated products. Tasks may also involve writing technical documentation, participating in design reviews, and optimizing system performance for reliability and efficiency. The role requires a balance between hands-on development and cross-team communication, providing a dynamic and challenging workday.

What is an Embedded Systems job?

An Embedded Systems job involves designing, developing, and optimizing hardware and software for devices with dedicated functions, such as medical devices, automotive systems, and IoT products. Engineers in this field work with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and firmware development to ensure efficiency and reliability. Their role often includes coding in C/C++, debugging hardware-software interactions, and improving system performance.

What are the jobs in embedded systems?

Jobs in embedded systems include roles such as embedded software engineer, firmware developer, hardware engineer, and systems architect. These positions typically require skills in programming languages like C and C++, knowledge of microcontrollers and real-time operating systems, and often involve designing, developing, and testing embedded solutions for devices like IoT gadgets, automotive systems, and consumer electronics.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced embedded systems engineers working in specialized industries such as aerospace, defense, or high-frequency trading can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. These roles often require advanced skills in hardware design, real-time operating systems, and security, along with extensive experience and sometimes advanced certifications. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Embedded Systems position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Embedded Systems, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, C/C++ programming, and hardware-software integration, usually supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and debugging tools like oscilloscopes is commonly expected, and certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Professional can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork abilities help you excel in cross-functional environments. These competencies ensure effective design, implementation, and troubleshooting of reliable embedded solutions for various industries.

Will AI replace embedded programmers?

Embedded programmers design and develop software for embedded systems, and while AI can automate certain coding tasks and optimize processes, it is unlikely to fully replace skilled embedded programmers due to the need for specialized knowledge of hardware, real-time constraints, and system integration. AI tools can assist in coding and testing, but human expertise remains essential for complex problem-solving and system design.

Is embedded system a good career?

Embedded systems engineering is a stable and growing field, with applications in industries such as automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics. It requires skills in programming languages like C and C++, knowledge of hardware design, and familiarity with real-time operating systems. The role offers opportunities for innovation and specialization, often involving certifications and continuous learning.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Systems jobs in California? The most popular types of Embedded Systems jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Systems jobs in California? For Embedded Systems jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Systems jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Systems jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Embedded Systems jobs? Cities in California with the most Embedded Systems job openings:
Embedded Systems jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Systems job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $135,476 per year, or $65.1 per hour.
Embedded Systems Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineer

Umbra

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 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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