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Lead Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in California

Purple Hires Inc

Embedded Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$141K - $185K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Location: Irvine, California, 100% onsite (In-Person Interview) Domain - Avionics/Aerospace Domain Below is the detailed for your reference - Job Overview: We are looking ...

Resource Point LLC

Embedded Software Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer Location: Carlsbad, CA or Marlborough, MA Duration: 6+ Months This position is open to W-2 CANDIDATES ONLY who are authorized to work in the USA WITHOUT ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Embedded Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$140K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Cyberspace & Mission Technology Department (CMTD) is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to ... Lead Change * Engage with Impact * Foster Innovation * Deliver Results Ways We Reward Our Employees ...

Aerospace Corporation

Embedded Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$140K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Cyberspace & Mission Technology Department (CMTD) is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to ... Lead Change * Engage with Impact * Foster Innovation * Deliver Results Ways We Reward Our Employees ...

New

Comrise

Embedded Software Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$99/hr

Embedded Software Engineer (Automated Test & Fleet Systems) Location: Foster City, CA (100% In-Person / On-Site) Pay Rate: $99.26 USD / Hour Job Type: Full-Time Contract Industry: Autonomous Mobility ...

Align Technology, Inc.

Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$154K - $202K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead hardware-software integration, system bring-up, debugging, and performance optimization ... Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. 5+ years of embedded software ...

Zoox

Embedded Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$155K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

Zoox is looking for an embedded software engineer to join our Firmware Platforms team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing, extending, and maintaining support for multiple embedded ...

Zoox

Embedded Software Engineer

San Diego, CA

$155K - $210K/yr

Zoox is looking for an embedded software engineer to join our Firmware Platforms team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing, extending, and maintaining support for multiple embedded ...

Apex Systems

Embedded Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job#: 3039314 Embedded Software Engineer Location: San Diego, California (Onsite) Role Overview In this role, you will help bring that vision to life by designing, developing, debugging, testing, and ...

CSG

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$175K - $270K/yr

Staff Embedded Software Engineer - Linux and Hardware Systems Location: Greater Los Angeles Area, California (Hybrid) Position overview Our client is an engineering-led technology company developing ...

Zoox

Embedded Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$155K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

Zoox is looking for an embedded software engineer to join our Firmware Platforms team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing, extending, and maintaining support for multiple embedded ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLead Embedded Software Engineer JobsLead Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in California

Lead Embedded Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$14.3K

$131.5K

$180.1K

How much do lead embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead embedded software engineer in California is $131,548.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,000.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lead Embedded Software Engineer vs Embedded Software Engineer?

AspectLead Embedded Software EngineerEmbedded Software Engineer
ResponsibilitiesLeading development teams, designing system architecture, overseeing project executionWriting and testing embedded software, implementing features, debugging
Required SkillsAdvanced programming, leadership, system design, communication skillsProficient in C/C++, RTOS, hardware integration, debugging
Experience5+ years, leadership experience preferred1-3 years, technical focus
Work EnvironmentCollaborative teams, project management, client interactionDevelopment labs, hardware testing, coding

The main difference between a Lead Embedded Software Engineer and an Embedded Software Engineer lies in leadership and project scope. The lead role involves guiding teams and overseeing system design, while the embedded engineer focuses on coding and testing. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the lead position demands additional experience in management and architecture.

How does a lead embedded software engineer typically collaborate with hardware and cross-functional teams during project development?

As a Lead Embedded Software Engineer, close collaboration with hardware engineers and cross-functional teams is essential throughout the product lifecycle. You'll regularly participate in design reviews, align software implementation with hardware specifications, and troubleshoot integration issues. Effective communication and coordination are vital to ensure that firmware interacts seamlessly with hardware components and meets performance goals. You'll also mentor junior engineers and often act as a technical liaison between software, hardware, and product management teams.

What does a lead embedded software engineer do?

A Lead Embedded Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software that runs on embedded systems, such as microcontrollers or specialized hardware. They lead a team of engineers, oversee project timelines, and ensure software quality by following best practices in coding, testing, and documentation. Their role often involves collaborating with hardware engineers to optimize system performance and integrating software with hardware components. They also mentor junior team members and contribute to technical decision-making throughout the product development cycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead embedded software engineer?

To thrive as a Lead Embedded Software Engineer, you need expertise in embedded systems development, proficiency in languages such as C/C++, and a strong background in computer science or electrical engineering. Familiarity with embedded operating systems (like RTOS), version control systems (such as Git), and industry certifications (e.g., Certified Embedded Systems Engineer) are typically expected. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders. These capabilities ensure robust product development, successful project delivery, and innovation in complex technical environments.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California?

For Lead Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lead Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Lead Embedded Software Engineer jobs in CA?

For Lead Embedded Software Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Lead Embedded Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Embedded Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,548 per year, or $63.2 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer

Purple Hires Inc

Irvine, CA • On-site

$141K - $185K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer

Location:  Irvine, California, 100% onsite (In-Person Interview)
Domain - Avionics/Aerospace Domain
 
Below is the detailed job description for your reference -
 

Job Description:  

Job Overview:
We are looking for an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to join our engineering team.
 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Participate in the complete Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) including requirements analysis, architecture/design, implementation, integration, and testing.
  • Develop and maintain embedded applications using C/C++.
  • Work closely with hardware teams on board bring-up, OS bring-up, and device driver development.
  • Develop and integrate hardware interface solutions for embedded platforms.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance with customer safety and security standards.
  • Debug, test, and optimize embedded software for performance and reliability.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including hardware, systems, and verification engineers.
 
Required Skills:
  • Ensure regulatory compliance with customer safety and security standards D0-178.
  • Strong experience in Embedded C/C++ development.
  • Hands-on experience with board bring-up, OS bring-up, and device driver development.
  • Experience with hardware interfaces such as:
  • UART
  • USB
  • Ethernet
  • I2C
  • SPI
  • RS232 / RS422
  • Knowledge of communication protocols including:
  • CAN
  • TCP/IP
  • UDP
    Experience:
    • 6 – 15 years of relevant experience in Embedded Software Development.
    • High ownership mindset with strong execution discipline