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Entry Level Computer Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA

FieldAI

Mechanical Engineer-Federal

Irvine, CA · On-site

We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and staff engineers. * CAD Expertise: Proficient with SolidWorks or equivalent mechanical CAD platforms.

FieldAI

Mechanical Engineer-Federal

Irvine, CA

We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and staff engineers. * CAD Expertise: Proficient with SolidWorks or equivalent mechanical CAD platforms.

HDR

Transmission Line Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Train and mentor junior and entry level engineers. * Coordinate work of the electrical design team ... Computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software ...

HDR

Transmission Line Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Train and mentor junior and entry level engineers. * Coordinate work of the electrical design team ... Computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software ...

347 Group, Inc.

Engineering Drafter

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Develop entry-level drawings by using computer-aided design software under the direct supervision of other Electrical Technicians or Engineers * Demonstrate knowledge of procedures for production of ...

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All JobsEntry Level Computer Engineer JobsEntry Level Computer Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA

Entry Level Computer Engineer information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$32.2K

$74.5K

$126.7K

How much do entry level computer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level computer engineer in Irvine, CA is $74,453.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,300.00 and $84,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do entry-level computer engineers do?

Entry-level computer engineers assist in designing, developing, and testing computer hardware and software systems. They often work under supervision to troubleshoot issues, write code, and learn industry tools and programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python. This role provides foundational experience for more advanced engineering positions and may involve collaborating with cross-functional teams.

What are some typical projects or tasks an entry level computer engineer can expect to work on in their first year?

As an entry level computer engineer, you'll likely be involved in supporting more senior engineers with tasks such as debugging hardware or software, conducting system tests, writing and maintaining code, and assisting with documentation. You may also help design and prototype circuit boards, work on firmware updates, or contribute to integration projects. Collaborative work is common, so expect to participate in team meetings and cross-functional projects, which is a great opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues and understand the broader workflow of product development.

What Does an Entry-Level Computer Engineer Do?

As an entry-level computer engineer, your job is to help code and test hardware and software for your company. In this role, you may evaluate system requirements, make recommendations about computer purchases, and respond to technical support requests throughout the company. Entry-level computer engineers often focus on learning more about the unique operating environment of their employer, including any unique hardware or software the company uses. Senior computer employers often supervise your work, especially at companies that use this job as an extended training position. Other details of this job vary by company. For example, some computer engineers focus on cloud systems, while others help install new workstations.

What is harder, CS or CE?

For entry-level computer engineers, both computer science (CS) and computer engineering (CE) can be challenging, but CS often emphasizes programming, algorithms, and theory, while CE combines hardware and software skills. The difficulty depends on individual strengths and interests, as well as the specific coursework and projects involved in each field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Computer Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Computer Engineer, you need a solid understanding of computer hardware, software fundamentals, and programming languages like C++ or Python, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with development environments, version control systems (such as Git), and basic circuit design tools is commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set exceptional candidates apart. These skills enable engineers to efficiently develop, troubleshoot, and collaborate on technology solutions in dynamic, innovation-driven environments.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, electrical, or aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding advanced certifications, or managing large projects and teams.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or systems architecture can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in senior or executive roles at large tech companies. Achieving this level often requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes stock options or bonuses.

What is the difference between Entry Level Computer Engineer vs Entry Level Software Developer?

AspectEntry Level Computer EngineerEntry Level Software Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering, certifications like Cisco or CompTIABachelor's in Computer Science or Software Engineering, certifications like Microsoft or AWS
Work EnvironmentHardware labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsOffice settings, coding environments, software development teams
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing, telecommunicationsSoftware firms, tech startups, IT departments
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles in tech hardware and systemsCommonly compared for software development careers

Entry Level Computer Engineers typically focus on hardware, embedded systems, and system integration, working in environments that involve physical components. In contrast, Entry Level Software Developers primarily work on coding, software applications, and programming tasks. Both roles require a bachelor's degree and relevant certifications, but their work environments and industry focus differ significantly.

What does an entry level computer engineer do?

An entry level computer engineer typically assists in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining computer hardware and software systems. Their responsibilities may include troubleshooting technical issues, writing code, assembling hardware components, and supporting senior engineers on various projects. Entry level roles provide hands-on experience and help new engineers build foundational skills in areas like programming, circuit design, and network configuration. These positions are ideal for recent graduates or those new to the field, offering opportunities to learn and grow within the technology sector.
More about Entry Level Computer Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA? The most popular types of Computer Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Computer Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA? For Entry Level Computer Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Computer Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Computer Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA are:
What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Entry Level Computer Engineer jobs? Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Entry Level Computer Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Computer Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Computer Engineer job openings in Irvine, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,453 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Embedded Systems Engineer, Robotics Hardware

FieldAI

Irvine, CA

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Field AI is transforming how robots interact with the real world. We are building risk-aware, reliable, and field-ready AI systems that address the most complex challenges in robotics, unlocking the full potential of embodied intelligence. We go beyond typical data-driven approaches or pure transformer-based architectures, and are charting a new course, with already-globally-deployed solutions delivering real-world results and rapidly improving models through real-field applications.

Hardware Team:
The Hardware Team at Field AI develops perception and compute payloads that power autonomous robotics systems in complex real-world environments. Our work spans the full hardware stack designing and integrating sensing systems (LiDAR, camera, TOF, IMU, GPS), embedded compute (CPUs, GPUs, microcontrollers, Linux, ROS), electrical systems (power distribution, communication), and mechanical components (structures, thermal regulation, ingress protection). The team focuses on both development (research, design, prototyping, testing) and operations (production, testing, QA, debugging). We’re a small, fast-moving team, and we care deeply about improving: 1) core capabilities, 2) system reliability, 3) system scalability. As a growing team we are also building operational systems and procedures from the ground up.
 
Embedded Compute Role:
As an Embedded Compute Engineer on the Hardware Team at Field AI, you will contribute to the architecture, configuration, and validation of the compute systems that serve as the backbone for our robotic platforms. Your work will span low-level firmware, Linux-based configuration, and system performance analysis across ARM and x86 SBC platforms. From firmware on microcontrollers to ROS data streams on SBCs, you’ll ensure the entire compute stack is optimized, reliable, and robust under field conditions. You will collaborate closely with the sensor, electrical, and autonomy teams to build tightly integrated solutions ready for deployment in challenging field environments. Additionally, while your focus will be on computing systems you will likely contribute across all hardware domains.
 
What You Will Get To Do
 
1. Compute System Design
  • Compute Architecture: Architect and configure embedded compute platforms (ARM/x86, SBCs) for robotic applications including evaluation, testing and selection.
  • Firmware & Software: Set up and customize Linux environments (Ubuntu, Yocto, JetPack), middleware (ROS), and I/O interfaces.
  • Systems Integration: Integrate compute with sensing and robotic systems. Analyze thermal, power, and bandwidth constraints to meet deployment and runtime requirements.
 
2. Compute System Implementation
  • Communications: Bring up sensors and peripherals using a range of protocols (USB, Ethernet, GMSL, I²C, SPI, CAN).
  • Data Pipelines: Build and maintain drivers, ROS nodes, and data acquisition pipelines for new hardware components.
  • Systems Configuration: Create configuration files, launch scripts, and firmware update workflows.
  • Testing: Conduct system-level tests such as thermal profiling, latency measurement, and power draw analysis.
  • Documentation & Budgets: Maintain flashing procedures, I/O maps, and debug kits. Manage compute and I/O budgets.
 
3. Compute System Production & Servicing
  • Build: Work with vendors to procure compute hardware. Develop QA checks for incoming units. Support payload integration and scaling.
  • Debug: Support root-cause analysis for boot, connectivity, and throughput issues.
  • Diagnostics Monitoring: Implement watchdogs, health checks, and other evaluation tools.  Monitor compute system performance across CPU, GPU, memory, I/O, and networking.
 
What You Have
 
  • Education: B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience Level: We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and staff engineers.
  • Embedded Systems: Experience with embedded platforms (Jetson, Raspberry Pi, x86 NUCs, custom SBCs).
  • Linux: Proficiency with Linux system configuration, scripting, and headless deployment tools.
  • Firmware: Strong skills in firmware development for microcontrollers, including bare-metal and RTOS environments.
  • Programming: Proficient in C++ and Python for embedded and application-level development.
  • Communication Protocols: Experience with USB, Ethernet, I²C, SPI, CAN, GMSL, and similar interfaces.
  • ROS Ecosystem: Familiarity with ROS, device drivers, TF, and data streaming/publishing.
  • Debugging: Comfort with hardware/software debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logs, power monitors, analyzers).
  • Systems Thinking: Ability to diagnose and optimize across compute, thermal, timing, and I/O layers.
 
What Will Set You Apart
 
  • Scaling: Experience taking systems from prototype to large scale production.
  • Field Environments: Experience developing systems for harsh field environments.
  • Deployed Robotics: Experience working on robotics deployed in real world settings such as autonomous vehicles, drones, or ruggedized robots.
  • Systems Level Robotics: Fluency across software, electrical, and mechanical systems.
  • Autonomy Software: Knowledge of autonomy stacks used in robotics. As well as how compute performance impacts autonomy algorithms.
Compensation and Benefits
Our salary range is between ($70,000 - $300,000 annual), but we take into consideration an individual's background and experience in determining final salary; base pay offered may vary considerably depending on geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  Also, while we enjoy being together on-site, we are open to exploring a hybrid or remote option.

Why Join Field AI?
We are solving one of the world’s most complex challenges: deploying robots in unstructured, previously unknown environments. Our Field Foundational Models™ set a new standard in perception, planning, localization, and manipulation, ensuring our approach is explainable and safe for deployment.

You will have the opportunity to work with a world-class team that thrives on creativity, resilience, and bold thinking. With a decade-long track record of deploying solutions in the field, winning DARPA challenge segments, and bringing expertise from organizations like DeepMind, NASA JPL, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, Amazon, Tesla Autopilot, Cruise Self-Driving, Zoox, Toyota Research Institute, and SpaceX, we are set to achieve our ambitious goals.

Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution
To tackle such ambitious challenges, we need a team as unique as our vision — innovators who go beyond conventional methods and are eager to tackle tough, uncharted questions. We’re seeking individuals who challenge the status quo, dive into uncharted territory, and bring interdisciplinary expertise. Our team requires not only top AI talent but also exceptional software developers, engineers, product designers, field deployment experts, and communicators.

We are headquartered in always-sunny Irvine, Southern California and have US based and global teammates. 

Join us, shape the future, and be part of a fun, close-knit team on an exciting journey!



We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

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.