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Entry Level Embedded Software Jobs in California

Firmware & Software: Set up and customize Linux environments (Ubuntu, Yocto, JetPack), middleware ... Experience Level: We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level ...

Firmware & Software: Set up and customize Linux environments (Ubuntu, Yocto, JetPack), middleware ... Experience Level: We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level ...

Firmware & Software: Set up and customize Linux environments (Ubuntu, Yocto, JetPack), middleware ... Experience Level: We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level ...

Software Developers * Embedded Software Developers * AI Developers * Web Developers * Software Developer QAs * Release QAs * AV Analysts/IPS Analysts * Hardware Developers * DevOps Engineers * C ...

Software Developers * Embedded Software Developers * AI Developers * Web Developers * Software Developer QAs * Release QAs * AV Analysts/IPS Analysts * Hardware Developers * DevOps Engineers * C ...

Software Developers * Embedded Software Developers * AI Developers * Web Developers * Software Developer QAs * Release QAs * AV Analysts/IPS Analysts * Hardware Developers * DevOps Engineers * C ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Embedded Software information

See California salary details

$69.1K

$151.4K

$171.7K

How much do entry level embedded software jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level embedded software in California is $151,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,800.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Embedded Software vs Entry Level Firmware Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Embedded SoftwareEntry Level Firmware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentEmbedded systems development, hardware integration, real-time OSFirmware development, microcontroller programming, hardware interfacing
Industry UsageConsumer electronics, automotive, medical devicesConsumer electronics, IoT devices, industrial equipment
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Embedded Software and Entry Level Firmware Engineer roles often overlap in skills and industry usage. Both require knowledge of microcontrollers, programming languages like C, and understanding of hardware-software integration. The main difference lies in terminology: embedded software focuses broadly on software running on embedded systems, while firmware engineering emphasizes low-level programming directly on hardware. Both roles are essential in developing embedded products across various industries.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Embedded Software Engineer, you need a solid background in C/C++ programming, basic knowledge of embedded systems, and a relevant degree such as electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), debugging tools, and version control systems like Git is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help you excel in this role. These skills are essential to developing reliable software, collaborating with hardware teams, and meeting project requirements in embedded system environments.

What are entry level embedded software engineers?

Entry level embedded software engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test software that runs on specialized hardware devices, such as microcontrollers or embedded systems, often at the start of their careers. They typically work with programming languages like C or C++ and collaborate closely with hardware engineers to ensure software and hardware integration. These roles often involve tasks such as writing code for device drivers, debugging software, and performing basic testing, all under the guidance of more experienced engineers. Entry level positions are ideal for recent graduates or those new to embedded systems, providing foundational experience in this field.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry-level embedded software engineers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level embedded software engineers often encounter challenges such as debugging hardware-software interactions, understanding real-time constraints, and adapting to unfamiliar development environments. New engineers can overcome these hurdles by actively seeking mentorship from senior team members, practicing with debugging tools, and studying relevant hardware documentation. Regular collaboration with hardware engineers and participation in code reviews can also help build confidence and technical competence, while ensuring smoother integration and project delivery.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software jobs in California? The most popular types of Embedded Software jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Embedded Software jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Embedded Software job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Embedded Software job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,375 per year, or $72.8 per hour.
Engineer Software/Principal Engineer Software - Embedded and Real Time

Engineer Software/Principal Engineer Software - Embedded and Real Time

Northrop Grumman Corporation

El Segundo, CA

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 349 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding.Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add an Embedded & Real Time Software Engineer/Principal Embedded & Real Time Software Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Software organization. This position will be supported on site in San Diego, CA, Palmdale, CA, or El Segundo, CA.

In this role you will design, develop, integrate and test software (SW) for our end-user customers and businesses. You will be responsible for the design, architecture, development, and administration of embedded and real time systems. You will work with multi-disciplinary teams, such as Systems Engineering, Cloud & Application, Test Automation, DevSecOps and Systems Test, in an Agile SW development environment. You will analyze system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls.

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Work in a fast-paced environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative team settings across all levels

Participate in the full SW development life cycle including requirements, design, implementation, qualification, and delivery of SW products to our customers

Operate in an embedded technology development environment working with real time operating systems for use in flight and mission critical systems

Work in Agile Scrum teams to develop SW products for multiple SW baselines

This position may be filled as either a level 2 Embedded & Real Time Software Engineer or a level 3 Principal Embedded & Real Time Software Engineer.

Basic Qualifications:

Level 2: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 2 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and entry level related engineering experience

Level 3: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related engineering experience

Experience with the full SW Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Experience with the following programming and scripting languages: C, C++, and Python

Experience with two of the following tools: Jira, Crucible, Bitbucket, Subversion, Bamboo, Jenkins, Sonarqube, Fortify, or Coverity

Experience with Agile SW development, embedded system programming, SW integration and testing

Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management

Ability to collaborate with systems engineers, hardware designers and integration/test engineers to develop and maintain complex SW systems

Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated U.S. government Top Secret clearance (must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.

Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs. (Of note: SAP/PAR will be upgraded once selected candidate is in role. Therefore, candidate must also be able to obtain and maintain upgraded SAP/PAR.)

Preferred Qualifications:

Current applicable SAP access

Recent experience and proficiency in software architecture, design, implementation, integration, and debugging C++ SW running on Real-Time Operating systems such as: VxWorks, Integrity, AND/OR Real Time Embedded Linux.

Experience with developing multi-threaded SW used for one of the following real-time applications: flight critical SW, Safety critical SW, medical SW, or mission critical SW

Familiarity with at least two of the data interfaces: 1553, 1394, 422, 429, Serial, CAN, Discrete & Analog I/O, Ethernet/IP, or Fibre Channel

Basic understanding of PowerPC or ARM assembly

Able to read assembly and use CPU documentation to understand behaviors

Can identify moderate execution defects by only reading code

Understanding of how their embedded SW component will fit into a larger SW system / architecture

Able to document, capture, and present software architectural components in modeling or diagramming tools

Familiarity with OS partitions and isolation architectures

High level understanding of architectural requirements for airworthiness certifications

Recent experience and proficiency with SW change control, change management, static analysis, and CI/CD tools such as: Atlassian tool suite, Jira, GitHub, GitLab, SonarQube, Coverity, AND/OR Jenkins within the last three years.

Experience with Static & Dynamic Code Analysis

Strong understanding of the following:

o Layered SW architectures (e.g. Application, System, Device)

o SW hardware interfaces and where they exist in the architecture

o Event driven (Interrupts), polling and synchronous SW architectures

#yellow

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939