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Entry Level Embedded Software Jobs in Austin, TX

Application Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$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 ...

Entry Level Embedded Software information

See Austin, TX salary details

$69.4K

$152K

$172.5K

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level embedded software in Austin, TX is $152,035.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,300.00 and $171,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level embedded software engineer?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level embedded software engineer?

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Embedded Software jobs in Austin, TX?

The most popular types of Embedded Software jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Entry Level Embedded Software jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Entry Level Embedded Software job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Embedded Software job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $152,035 per year, or $73.1 per hour.

$74K - $137K/yr

Full-time

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Re-posted 26 days ago


Cadence Design Systems rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 245 rated software companies


Job description

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

Cadence Design Systems is looking for new STEM bachelor's graduates with experience using electronic design automation (EDA) tools to join our Customer Support Team's (CST) Rotational Program in San Jose, CA, Austin TX, Cary NC, Columbia MD, or Burlington MA.

As an integral member of CST, you work with the best in class EDA tools, collaborate with technical experts and support the sales team in a dynamic, innovative environment focused on silicon design and design automation. In this customer facing role you will provide the front-line design services, technical sales and customer support to the most advanced Cadence customers and will work with the Cadence account teams to come up with innovative solutions to address our customers' most challenging technical problems. This is an entry level rotational position for STEM bachelor level graduates who have limited experience but a strong desire to learn and be a part of the electronic technologies of tomorrow.

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

The person in this full time regular entry level position will start in a cohort based, one year program that will include new colleges graduates from across North America and consist of two six month rotations with detailed, hands-on training in applications used for Digital Design/Simulation, Physical Design, Analog Layout, Advanced Verification or Hardware Emulation. This program is only for students graduating with a Bachelor's degree only. The opportunity to learn from the technical experts, sales and application engineers who provide the design services, technical sales and customer support to the most advanced Cadence customers will be included in this one year program.

After the cohort program has been successfully completed, the person in this role will be assigned full time regular responsibilities in a CST business group based on the person's interests and company needs.

This cohort-based program will offer experience in the following areas:

  • Fundamentals in design, verification, HDLs, synthesis and timing
  • Embedded software development and HW/SW codesign and co-verification
  • UNIX , C/C++, and scripting languages such as Perl, TCL, Python
  • Digital physical design and implementation
  • Sign-off for timing, IR drop, power analysis, SI analysis
  • Custom and analog design
  • Opportunity to network and participate in fun activities and recent college grad community at Cadence.

Cadence is a pivotal leader in electronic design, building upon more than 30 years of computational software expertise. The company applies its underlying Intelligent System Design strategy to deliver software, hardware and IP that turn silicon and electronic design concepts into reality.

Cadence customers are the world's most innovative companies, delivering extraordinary electronic products from chips to boards to systems for the most dynamic market applications including consumer, hyperscale computing, 5G communications, automotive, aerospace industrial and health.

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

The annual salary range for California is $74,200 to $137,800. You may also be eligible to receive incentive compensation: bonus, equity, and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the salary range is a guideline and compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location. Our benefits programs include: paid vacation and paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, employee stock purchase plan, a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options, and more.

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