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Embedded Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Test Engineer, R&D

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

The Role & Your Impact: You're a forward deployed embedded engineer who loves R&D testing. You write the firmware that exercises the system. You wire the electronics. You run the test scripts you ...

QA Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$48.50 - $66/hr

Linux application development experience on both PC's and embedded mobile environments. Windows programming, MS Visual Studio, Networking, BT, BLE, WiFi experiences are major pluses. QA Test Engineer ...

Strong troubleshooting skills across hardware, software, and embedded systems. * Solid ... Systems Test Engineer 1 : $85,000-$105,000 * Systems Test Engineer 2: $100,000-$120,000

Firmware Test Engineers at Lyft collaborate closely with firmware, hardware, operations, and ... Experience with testing embedded systems, including hardware and software interactions.

You will work closely with RF, embedded, software, and mechanical engineers to develop test infrastructure, automate validation workflows, and help characterize system performance across a range of ...

Firmware Test Engineers at Lyft collaborate closely with firmware, hardware, operations, and ... Experience with testing embedded systems, including hardware and software interactions.

You will work closely with RF, embedded, software, and mechanical engineers to develop test infrastructure, automate validation workflows, and help characterize system performance across a range of ...

Design and develop board-level (PCB) and system-level test fixtures for production and engineering ... and embedded systems. * Hands-on experience with oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and ...

You will develop the software interfaces that expose test hardware functionality to higher-level automation tools, and work closely with firmware and embedded software engineers where dedicated ...

You will develop the software interfaces that expose test hardware functionality to higher-level automation tools, and work closely with firmware and embedded software engineers where dedicated ...

You will develop the software interfaces that expose test hardware functionality to higher-level automation tools, and work closely with firmware and embedded software engineers where dedicated ...

You will develop the software interfaces that expose test hardware functionality to higher-level automation tools, and work closely with firmware and embedded software engineers where dedicated ...

Systems Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Strong troubleshooting skills across hardware, software, and embedded systems. * Solid ... Systems Test Engineer 1 : $85,000-$105,000 * Systems Test Engineer 2: $100,000-$120,000

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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 31, 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:

Test Engineer, Ground Systems

Observable Space

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

From telescopes to software architecture, Observable Space provides the foundational elements every organization needs to operate in space. Observable Space is unlocking continuous, real-time observations of space with the industry's first line of vertically integrated hardware and software products. The company is a leader in advanced telescope design and manufacturing in the US. Every product is part of a robust developer platform for space data applications. Observable Space's full line of products serves all sectors of the space industry including commercial, science, education, and government customers, as well as astronomy enthusiasts discovering the cosmos.
Observable Space is backed by top institutional investors-Upfront Ventures, Oceans Ventures, Venrex, Marlinspike Partners, and Embedded Ventures.
Role Summary
As a Test Engineer, Ground Systems, you will work across our full product line, focusing on robotic ground-based telescope systems and observatory infrastructure. You will design, build, and operate test systems that validate the performance, reliability, and integration of our hardware and software in real-world environments.
This role is deeply hands-on: you will work directly with physical systems, develop automated test frameworks, simulate operational conditions, and debug complex issues across electrical, mechanical, and software domains. You will report to the Systems or Embedded Engineering Lead.
Key Responsibilities
  • Architect, implement, and document test systems for ground-based observatory and telescope platforms.
  • Design and maintain automated test frameworks that validate system performance, reliability, and integration.
  • Build and operate hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) and system-level test environments.
  • Develop simulation environments to emulate real-world operating conditions, including sensor inputs, control systems, and communication interfaces.
  • Debug complex issues across hardware and software boundaries, including intermittent and edge-case failures.
  • Collaborate closely with embedded, electrical, mechanical, and software teams to ensure comprehensive system validation.
  • Define and execute test plans, validation procedures, and performance benchmarks.
  • Support hardware bring-up, integration, and field testing of ground systems.
  • Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines to ensure continuous validation of system performance.
  • Participate in product design reviews to ensure testability, reliability, and long-term maintainability.
Basic Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience in test engineering, embedded systems, or systems-level development.
  • Strong programming skills in Python, C/C++, or similar languages used for automation and system testing.
  • Experience designing and implementing system-level or hardware-integrated test environments.
  • Solid understanding of hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, CAN, Ethernet, UART) and embedded systems.
  • Experience with lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, etc.) for debugging and validation.
  • Ability to read and interpret schematics and debug at the electrical-software boundary.
  • Strong debugging intuition and ability to diagnose complex system-level issues.
  • Experience working in fast-paced prototyping environments with rapid iteration cycles.
  • Strong product sense with a focus on reliability, robustness, and field performance.

Bonus Qualifications
  • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/HITL) testing or simulation-based validation systems.
  • Familiarity with embedded Linux, RTOS, or firmware development environments.
  • Experience with networking systems, distributed control systems, or telemetry pipelines.
  • Background in robotics, observatory systems, or remote/automated operations.
  • Experience building CI/CD pipelines for hardware-integrated systems.
  • Experience with environmental testing or field deployment of hardware systems.
  • Contributions to open-source testing frameworks or embedded systems projects.
  • Passion for astronomy, physics, and scientific exploration.

What We Offer
  • Competitive Compensation - A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience.
  • Equity Opportunities - Take part in our success with stock options.
  • Flexible Work Environment - Enjoy working from our office or in a hybrid work setup with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. We require a minimum of 3 days per week in our office to support collaboration and team culture. (LA Office only)
  • Unlimited PTO - Take the time you need with our flexible, trust-based vacation policy, including paid holidays. We encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves.
  • Health & Wellness - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees.
  • Cutting-Edge Tools - Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work.
  • Mission-Driven Culture - Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.
  • Inclusive Team - We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued.

Observable Space is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.