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Embedded Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... or Engineering, or equivalent combination of relevant coursework and job-related experience. * Minimum of five (5) years in a software test position for embedded systems. * Ability to write, debug ...

... or Engineering, or equivalent combination of relevant coursework and job-related experience. * Minimum of five (5) years in a software test position for embedded systems. * Ability to write, debug ...

... or Engineering, or equivalent combination of relevant coursework and job-related experience. * Minimum of five (5) years in a software test position for embedded systems. * Ability to write, debug ...

Software Engineer II - Embedded Test - DSD

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140.40K - $184.70K/yr

As a member of our team, you are instrumental in fulfilling our mission: 'Enabling Engineering ... test and diagnostic software Conduct Requirements-based embedded testing Conduct hardware-in-the ...

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Embedded Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$20.7K

$100.8K

$148K

How much do embedded test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded test engineer in California is $100,808.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,400.00 and $122,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Embedded Test Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded Test Engineer, you need a solid understanding of embedded systems, software testing methodologies, and proficiency in programming languages like C/C++ or Python, often backed by a degree in electrical engineering or computer science. Familiarity with test automation frameworks, hardware debugging tools, and version control systems such as Git is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure robust and reliable embedded products by enabling precise identification and resolution of defects throughout the development lifecycle.

What are some common challenges faced by Embedded Test Engineers when verifying embedded systems, and how can they be addressed?

Embedded Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as limited visibility into system behavior, hardware-software integration issues, and timing constraints unique to embedded devices. To address these, engineers typically use specialized debugging tools, simulators, and hardware-in-the-loop setups to observe and validate system performance. Effective communication with hardware and firmware teams is crucial to quickly resolve issues. Additionally, staying updated on testing frameworks and automation tools can help streamline verification processes and improve test coverage.

What are Embedded Test Engineers?

Embedded Test Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and execute tests for embedded systems—specialized computing systems that are part of larger devices, such as cars, medical devices, or consumer electronics. Their main responsibility is to ensure that the hardware and software components of these systems function correctly and reliably. They create test plans, automate test cases, identify bugs, and work closely with development teams to resolve issues. By thoroughly testing embedded systems, they help guarantee product safety, quality, and performance before the product goes to market.

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

AspectEmbedded Test EngineerFirmware Test Engineer
CertificationsRelevant certifications like ISTQB, embedded systems coursesSimilar certifications, often with firmware or embedded systems focus
Work EnvironmentEmbedded hardware and software testing in embedded systemsTesting firmware within embedded devices or systems
Industry UsageElectronics, automotive, consumer devicesConsumer electronics, IoT, embedded systems
Search & ComparisonOften compared due to overlapping skills in embedded systems testingRelated but more firmware-specific

Embedded Test Engineers focus on testing both hardware and software components of embedded systems, ensuring integration and functionality. Firmware Test Engineers specialize in testing the firmware that runs on embedded devices, often working closely with developers to validate code. While both roles require knowledge of embedded systems, the Embedded Test Engineer has a broader scope including hardware testing, whereas the Firmware Test Engineer concentrates on firmware validation.

What cities in California are hiring for Embedded Test Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Embedded Test Engineer job openings:

Senior Embedded Test Engineer

Avive

Brisbane, CA • On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

About Avive:
 
Avive Solutions, Inc. (https://avive.life) is a growth stage Automated External Defibrillator (AED) company with a connected response system that is rapidly gaining market share. We are a mission driven team that is quite literally saving lives. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in the United States, and we are on a mission to change that! We are a dynamic organization that builds elegant, creative solutions to solve complex problems. Ultimately, our mission is for all cardiac arrest victims to have rapid access to life-saving defibrillation.
 
Avive is taking a fresh approach to addressing this decades-old problem by innovating AED technology, coupled with a first-of-its-kind software platform solution to enable a quicker and more streamlined response to SCA emergencies. We believe that this unique combination of deploying advanced – yet still accessible – hardware, and software, has the potential to revolutionize out-of-hospital cardiac arrest response and massively impact SCA survival rates.
 
Check out this short video that shows a glimpse of how our team is working to re-think cardiac arrest response and save lives! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p4zfOWo62E
 
Learn more about working at Avive: https://avive.life/careers/
 
 
About the Role: 
 
This position plays a critical role in the testing of Avive’s embedded software from early design stages through commercialization, ensuring that all products comply with internal, regulatory, and customer requirements. Additionally, this position plays an active role in providing best-in-class quality engineering practices by focusing on automating and executing tasks in an efficient and effective manner.
What You'll Do:
  • Lead end-to-end testing between internal and external systems, connected hardware products, cloud-based databases, and applications.
  • Create and maintain test plans, write automated and manual test cases, and execute verification tests based on software requirements and specifications.
  • Triage defects from opening to closure. Log reproduction steps, participate in impact analysis, recommend solutions, and execute regression tests. Find root causes and work with engineers to ensure closure.
  • Develop and maintain automation framework with dedicated hardware fixtures using Pytest.
  • Create and deliver software project documentation, including IUVs, design verification test plans, test protocols, and test reports.
  • Consider and implement unit and system level tests.
  • Design, develop and test software tools that aid in development and manufacturing.
  • Maintain focus on delivering the highest quality product to our customers.
  • Work closely with the firmware development team for a deep and nuanced understanding of implementation detail.
Required Skills & Experience:
  • BS degree in Computer Science or Engineering, or equivalent combination of relevant coursework and job-related experience. 
  • Minimum of five (5) years in a software test position for embedded systems.
  • Ability to write, debug, and review Python for hardware-control libraries and automated tests
Preferred/Bonus Points For:
  • Strong understanding of electronics, power optimization, firmware design, C/C++, ARM CPUs, and Embedded Linux.
  • Experience using Linux and bash
  • Experience with wireless networking test protocols – Cellular, BLE, WiFi 
  • Experience using Git, defect tracking in Jira, and participating in an Agile with scrum development process.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills including technical writing,
  • Good demonstration is a must!
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of the company to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
 
NOTE: This Job Description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties or functions to be performed by the incumbent. Personnel are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties/functions requested by their supervisor.
 
Anticipated salary range: $125,000 - $145,000

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.