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Lead Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in California

Embedded Software Engineer

Emeryville, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire Embedded Software Engineer opportunity. Job Responsibilities: * Design, implement, and maintain ...

Lead Software Engineer - Embedded Company: The Boeing Company At Boeing, we are at the forefront of aerospace innovation, shaping the future of flight and space exploration. We are seeking talent for ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$155K - $204K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Location: Mountain View, CA (On-site interviews) - Client will pay Other Project Locations (Contract): Seattle, WA; San Francisco, CA; Pittsburgh, PA Duration: 12+ Months ...

Embedded Software Engineer 2

Simi Valley, CA ยท On-site

$105K - $110K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer 2 Full-time Simi Valley, CA, US Exclusive confidential search -- details shared with qualified applicants. Benefits You'll Love * ACIP Bonus 10% Become a Key Player as an ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Redwood City, CA

$161K - $211K/yr

About the Job As an Embedded Software Engineer , you will develop the embedded software that enables Array's radar sensors, communication links, and flight systems to operate reliably in orbit. Your ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Redwood City, CA

$161K - $211K/yr

About the Job As an Embedded Software Engineer , you will develop the embedded software that enables Array's radar sensors, communication links, and flight systems to operate reliably in orbit. Your ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Redwood City, CA ยท On-site

$161K - $211K/yr

About the Job As an Embedded Software Engineer , you will develop the embedded software that enables Array's radar sensors, communication links, and flight systems to operate reliably in orbit. Your ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Alameda, CA ยท On-site

$140K - $184K/yr

This Embedded Software Engineer works independently on the design, development, and maintenance of ... Lead software development projects, providing mentoring and technical guidance. * Technical ...

Embedded Software Engineer Pay Rate: $105K - $110K | ACIP Bonus 10% Location: Simi Valley, CA Area Code: 805, 820 ZIP Code: 93063 Start Date: Right Away Shift: 1st Shift Keywords: #SimiValleyJobs ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Simi Valley, CA

$135K - $178K/yr

The Embedded Software Engineer 2 designs, develops and debugs software, working in small teams to solve problems and explore technologies for new and existing core products. JOB CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Embedded Software Engineer

Simi Valley, CA ยท On-site

$105K - $110K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Salary Range: $105K - $110K | ACIP Bonus 10% Location: Simi Valley, CA Area Code: 805, 820 ZIP Code: 93063 Start Date: Right Away Shift: 1st Shift, Keywords ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Simi Valley, CA

$135K - $178K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Salary Range: $105K - $110K | ACIP Bonus 10% Location: Simi Valley, CA Area Code: 805, 820 ZIP Code: 93063 Start Date: Right Away Shift: 1st Shift, Keywords ...

What you'll do This is a role for a Embedded Software Engineer within Secure Netowrk Systems (SNS) - Viasat Government who is eager to contribute to a small, fast-paced team. You will develop ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 9, 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, and why are they important?

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.
Infographic showing various Lead Embedded Software Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,548 per year, or $63.2 per hour.
Embedded Software Engineer

Embedded Software Engineer

Protingent

Emeryville, CA โ€ข On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Position Title: Embedded Software Engineer
Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire Embedded Software Engineer opportunity.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Design, implement, and maintain embedded firmware for control, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
  • Bring up new embedded hardware platforms, including microcontrollers, SoCs, and custom PCBs.
  • Develop low-level drivers for sensors, actuators, communication interfaces, and power systems.
  • Support system integration, testing, and troubleshooting in lab and field environments.
  • Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to define system requirements and interfaces.
  • Implement real-time and safety-critical software with an emphasis on reliability and robustness.
  • Create and maintain clear technical documentation for firmware, interfaces, and test procedures.
  • Support debugging of system-level issues spanning software, electronics, and hardware.

Job Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • 0-3 years of experience in embedded software development, firmware, or systems engineering.
  • Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems; experience with Python or similar scripting languages a plus.
  • Experience with microcontrollers (e.g., STM32, ESP32, AVR, ARM-based systems) and real-time systems.
  • Familiarity with communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, or Ethernet.
  • Exposure to hardware debugging tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG debuggers.
  • Experience working in lab, test, or R&D environments is a bonus.
  • Strong organizational skills and a passion for learning, problem solving, and building real systems.

Job Details:
  • Job Type: Full-time, Direct-Hire
  • Salary Range: $120K-150K.
  • Location: Alameda, CA (Onsite).
  • ITAR obligations are associated with this role, U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 8 U.S.C. ยง 1324b(a) (1), (3) is required.

About Protingent: Protingent is a niche provider of top Engineering and IT talent to Software, Electronics, Medical Device, Telecom, and Aerospace companies nationwide. Protingent exists to make a positive impact and contribution to the lives of others as well as our community by providing relevant, rewarding, and exciting work opportunities for our candidates.
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