ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Embedded Software Jobs in California

Aurora Innovation

Software Engineer I

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$116K - $174K/yr

You will be instrumental in ensuring our sensors, compute units, and embedded devices function as a ... LI-Entry-Level Working at Aurora At Aurora, we bring together extraordinarily talented and ...

Space Kinetic

Flight Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

... * Entry level to Intermediate proficiency in C/C++, with working knowledge of Python or scripting ... Familiarity with RTOS, bare-metal programming, or Linux-based embedded systems. * Basic ...

Space Kinetic

Flight Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$120K - $150K/yr

... * Entry level to Intermediate proficiency in C/C++, with working knowledge of Python or scripting ... Familiarity with RTOS, bare-metal programming, or Linux-based embedded systems. * Basic ...

Space Kinetic

Flight Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

... * Entry level to Intermediate proficiency in C/C++, with working knowledge of Python or scripting ... Familiarity with RTOS, bare-metal programming, or Linux-based embedded systems. * Basic ...

Space Kinetic

Flight Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

... * Entry level to Intermediate proficiency in C/C++, with working knowledge of Python or scripting ... Familiarity with RTOS, bare-metal programming, or Linux-based embedded systems. * Basic ...

Cadence

Application Engineer

San Jose, CA

$74K - $137K/yr

This is an entry level rotational position for STEM bachelor level graduates who have limited ... Embedded software development and HW/SW codesign and co-verification * UNIX , C/C++, and scripting ...

Apple

Power Management Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

In the Platform Energy Technologies software team we are looking for a talented and versatile ... Strong understanding of operating systems, hardware, and embedded systems. Demonstrated innovative ...

Formfactor

Software Development Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site +1

$75K - $99K/yr

The Software Development Engineer is an entry-level professional responsible for designing ... Skills: C#.NET, C++ Programming Language, Computer Programming, Embedded C, Microsoft VSS, Python ...

CalAmp

Engineer I, Test

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$59K - $102K/yr

This role is an entry level Test Engineer position for CalAmp mobile devices supporting internal ... Support automated test execution software used to validate embedded communication behavior and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEmbedded Software JobsEntry Level Embedded Software JobsEntry Level Embedded Software Jobs in California

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 are popular job titles related to Entry Level Embedded Software jobs in California? For Entry Level Embedded Software jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Embedded Software jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level 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:
Entry Level Embedded Software jobs near you
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.
Software Engineer I, SW Applications

Software Engineer I, SW Applications

Brain Corp

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Brain Corp is a San Diego, California, USA-based AI company creating transformative core technology for the robotics industry. Our purpose is to create autonomous technology that helps the real world work better. Brain's robotic and AI solutions help retailers ensure that the right product is on the right shelf at the right price, in a clean environment. Through the BrainOS® Robotics Platform, which powers the largest global fleet of the Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in operation in commercial public spaces, Brain Corp delivers insightful and efficient automated solutions in both commercial floor cleaning and inventory management, empowering organizations and their employees to achieve more. Brain Corp currently powers more than 30,000 AMRs, representing the largest fleet of its kind in the world. Brain Corp is funded by the SoftBank Vision Fund, Clearbridge, and Qualcomm Ventures.
Position Overview:
As a member of the Software Engineering Team, the Software Engineer I will contribute to the development of core software systems powering Brain Corp's autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). This role spans work across the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL), telemetry systems, and robotics applications. The Software Engineer I will work closely with experienced engineers to build, test, and maintain software that interfaces with sensors, supports data collection and observability, and enables reliable robot operation. This is a hands-on, entry-level role ideal for engineers looking to grow their skills in robotics, embedded systems, and high-performance software.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Contribute to the development and maintenance of software components across HAL, telemetry, and robotics applications under guidance from senior engineers.
  • Assist in integrating and validating hardware components such as LiDARs, cameras, and IMUs.
  • Support development of telemetry, logging, and data collection systems to improve system observability and debugging.
  • Help implement and maintain middleware components enabling communication between sensors, compute, and higher-level systems.
  • Write clean, maintainable, and efficient code in C++ and/or Python following team best practices.
  • Assist in debugging and troubleshooting issues across hardware-software boundaries in robotics systems.
  • Contribute to unit tests, integration tests, and validation efforts to ensure software quality and reliability.
  • Support performance analysis and optimization efforts (e.g., CPU, memory, latency) under guidance.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including hardware, autonomy, QA, and cloud to support system integration and testing.
  • Document code, tools, and processes to support team knowledge sharing and maintainability.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics or a related field
  • 0-2 years of demonstrated experience in software development for complex function-based software

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics:
  • Proficiency in Python and C++ (C++11 or later)
  • Familiarity with Linux-based development environments (e.g., Ubuntu)
  • Foundational understanding of data structures, algorithms, and software engineering principles
  • Familiarity in robotics, embedded systems, or hardware-software integration
  • Familiarity with version control systems such as Git
  • Strong problem-solving and debugging skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and take direction from more senior engineers
  • Good written and verbal communication skills

Things That Make a Difference:
  • Master's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field
  • Internship or academic experience in robotics, embedded systems, or low-level software
  • Exposure to hardware abstraction layers, middleware, or telemetry/logging systems
  • Experience working with sensors such as cameras, IMUs, or LiDARs (academic or project-based) • Familiarity with build systems (e.g., CMake) and unit testing frameworks
  • Exposure to performance optimization, multithreading, or systems programming concepts
  • Experience working on team-based software projects using Agile methodologies
  • Passion for robotics, automation, and real-world system development

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Essential functions may require maintaining the physical condition necessary for sitting, walking or standing for periods of time; operating a computer and keyboard; use of hands to finger and grasp; talk and hear at normal room levels; visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures; push or pull up to 20 pounds.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. Employees are exposed to the typical office environment with computers, printers and telephones.
Salary Range:
The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in San Diego, California is $123,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. Brain Corp is a multi-state employer and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.
In addition to base pay, our competitive total rewards package consists of:
  • A discretionary annual target bonus
  • Stock options
  • 401(k) plan with match (no waiting period and immediate vesting)
  • Comprehensive suite of insurance benefits for employees (and their families) to include a variety of medical plan options (including an HSA with employer contribution), dental, vision, life and disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Legal/Identity support plans, pet insurance.
  • Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
  • Generous paid time off including flexible vacation, Paid Sick Leave, time off for volunteering in the community, 10 paid company holidays, and a winter company shutdown

Additional Perks include:
  • Daily on-site lunch available in the San Diego office
  • On-campus gym including pool and tennis courts in the San Diego office
  • Opportunities to connect with colleagues including monthly game nights, hikes, wellness challenges, and community events
  • Internal continuous learning events
  • Opportunities to share your own interests and hobbies with the Company

Apply