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Embedded Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Software Tools Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$154K - $203K/yr

Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and system-level testing * Factory and manufacturing test systems ... Improve observability of embedded systems through logging, metrics, tracing, and crash analysis

... testing, and deployment support. WHAT YOU'LL DO * Board bring-up and maintenance on embedded ARM ... boards (device trees, bootloaders, kernel drivers, etc) * Customize vendor BSPs for use with NixOS ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

The selected candidate will contribute to the development, testing, and certification of the Next Generation Encryptor (NGE) - a high-speed encryption solution designed to support secure government ...

In this role, you will play a lead role in the design, development, and testing of embedded systems for our next-generation aerospace systems. You will be a technology leader, working with Lead ...

Build drivers for advanced image processing pipelines in embedded systems, working with the latest ... Contribute to hardware validation, offering firmware support during factory testing and ...

Experience in testing and troubleshooting Link16 waveform in an embedded software environment. *Hands-on experience with lab equipment such as Tactical Datalink radios/terminals. *Familiarity with ...

Experience in testing and troubleshooting Link16 waveform in an embedded software environment. *Hands-on experience with lab equipment such as Tactical Datalink radios/terminals. *Familiarity with ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$120K - $164K/yr

Write clean, maintainable C/C++ for real-time embedded systems * Diagnose hardware and firmware ... Support firmware release cycles, regression testing, and documentation * Contribute to code reviews ...

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Embedded Testing information

See California salary details

$20.7K

$100.8K

$148K

How much do embedded testing jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded testing 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 some common challenges faced by professionals in Embedded Testing, and how can they be addressed?

Embedded Testing professionals often encounter challenges such as limited hardware resources, integration with diverse hardware platforms, and ensuring real-time performance. To address these, testers typically use specialized tools for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and employ automation frameworks to manage repetitive test cases efficiently. Close collaboration with firmware and hardware engineers is also crucial to quickly diagnose issues and align testing strategies with development cycles, ensuring robust and reliable embedded systems.

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

To thrive as an Embedded Testing Engineer, you need a solid background in embedded systems, programming languages like C/C++, and experience with test methodologies, often supported by an engineering degree. Familiarity with tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG debuggers, and test automation frameworks, as well as certifications like ISTQB, are commonly required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with development teams and identify complex issues. These skills ensure the reliability, safety, and performance of embedded products in critical applications.

What is the difference between Embedded Testing vs Embedded Software Developer?

AspectEmbedded Testing
Primary FocusVerifying and validating embedded systems and hardware integration
Skills RequiredTesting methodologies, debugging, knowledge of embedded hardware and software
Work EnvironmentTesting labs, hardware-in-the-loop setups, embedded device environments
CertificationsEmbedded testing certifications, ISTQB, hardware testing credentials

Embedded Testing primarily focuses on verifying the functionality and reliability of embedded systems through testing and validation processes. In contrast, Embedded Software Developers design, develop, and implement embedded software. While both roles require knowledge of embedded systems, testers concentrate on quality assurance, whereas developers focus on creating the software itself.

What are the 4 types of embedded systems?

Embedded testing professionals work with four main types of embedded systems: real-time systems, stand-alone systems, networked systems, and mobile or hand-held systems. Each type has specific requirements for reliability, timing, and performance, which testing must verify using tools like oscilloscopes and debuggers. Understanding these types helps ensure the embedded system functions correctly in its intended environment.

Will AI replace embedded programmers?

Embedded testing involves verifying hardware and software integration in embedded systems, a role that requires specialized knowledge of microcontrollers, firmware, and real-time constraints. While AI can assist with tasks like code analysis and automation, it is unlikely to fully replace embedded programmers, as their expertise is essential for designing, debugging, and maintaining complex embedded systems. AI tools are more likely to augment their work rather than replace the profession entirely.

What is embedded testing?

Embedded testing is the process of verifying and validating the software and hardware components of embedded systems. These systems are specialized computing units designed to perform dedicated functions within larger electronic devices, such as cars, medical equipment, or home appliances. Embedded testing ensures that both the software and hardware work together reliably, safely, and efficiently under various operating conditions. The testing process often includes unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and sometimes hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing. This helps identify defects early and ensures the embedded system meets its required specifications.

Is embedded systems still a good career in 2026?

Embedded testing remains a valuable career in 2026 as embedded systems are widely used in industries such as automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics. Skills in programming languages like C and C++, along with knowledge of hardware interfaces and testing tools, are essential for success in this field.

What does an embedded tester do?

An embedded tester evaluates and verifies the functionality, performance, and reliability of embedded systems, which are specialized computing devices within larger products. They develop and execute test plans, use testing tools and scripts, and work closely with hardware and software teams to identify and report defects. Knowledge of programming languages like C or C++, and familiarity with debugging tools, are essential for this role.
Infographic showing various Embedded Testing job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,808 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

QA Embedded/Tester - San Diego, CA - Hybrid

Gandiva Insights

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Collaborate with business and development teams to understand software requirements, features, and functionality.

  • Develop and execute test plans and test cases for functional and regression testing, including integration using AWS device farms.

  • Build and maintain automation testing frameworks and test scripts, manage source code version control using Git and GitHub, and report and track defects found during testing.


Job description

W2 only

Job title: Test Engineer/ QA Embedded

Location: San Diego, CA

Hybrid Model

ย Experience level:3 - 5+

JD:

Collaborate with Business & Dev teams to understand the software requirements, features, functionality and any source code check-in.

Develop and execute test plans and test cases for functional & Regression testing (incl. REST APIs).

Use AWS device farms for integration of multiple Physical devices

Build Automation testing framework (Java Script/Appium) and develop Test scripts to support multiple browsers, devices and Operating Systems.

Manage the source code version control process using Git and GitHub

Commit and push code to the git hub remote repository and resolve merge conflicts

Identify, report, and track defects found during testing.

Ensure that automated tests were maintained, updated, and executed as part of the continuous integration process.

Conduct code reviews of automation scripts and provided feedback on the testability of the software.

Ensure code performance by maintaining high standards of Test protocol automation & thoughtful design

Collaborate as an engaged member of an agile team, realizing features through test, and delivery

Engage in technical planning, design, and code reviews including peer code review of Pull Request of Test automation scripts

Possess good communication skills, self-motivated, pro-active, task oriented, Team player and a quick learner

ย Good to Have:

Experience in HC (Medical Devices) Domain

Knowledge of Test Management Tools - Polarion

Experience working in an Agile team