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Lead Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in California

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Alameda, CA · 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 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 ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Alameda, CA · 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

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$174K - $261K/yr

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 ...

$138K - $182K/yr

Secret Clearance required Richardson TX, Dayton OH, Marietta GA, Sterling VA, Aurora CO Embedded Software Engineer Seeking Embedded Software Engineers to support design, development, integration ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$153K - $201K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated Embedded Software Engineer to join our team within the RAPID division. In this role, you will take end-to-end technical ownership of embedded software that powers ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Orange, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $184K/yr

Fieldpiece is hiring an Embedded Software Engineer to contribute to the design, development, and support of the embedded software that powers our connected instruments, wireless tools, probes ...

Embedded software engineer

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$158K - $208K/yr

The Sr. Embedded Software Engineer serves on the R&D team to contribute toward the development of embedded software for novel medical systems. As part of our growing software group, you will ...

Embedded software engineer

Brisbane, CA

$158K - $208K/yr

The Sr. Embedded Software Engineer serves on the R&D team to contribute toward the development of embedded software for novel medical systems. As part of our growing software group, you will ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$153K - $201K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated Embedded Software Engineer to join our team within the RAPID division. In this role, you will take end-to-end technical ownership of embedded software that powers ...

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.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Abbott

Alameda, CA • On-site

$140K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Abbott rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

146th of 516 rated manufacturers


Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Opportunity

This position works out of our Alameda, CA location in the Abbott Diabetes Care Division, where we are focused on helping people with diabetes manage their health with life-changing products that provide accurate data to drive better-informed decisions. We're revolutionizing the way people monitor their glucose levels with our new sensing technology.

This Embedded Software Engineer works independently on the design, development, and maintenance of embedded firmware for an innovative and exciting new venture investigating and commercializing novel technologies and biomarkers that will give people and the professionals who treat them new insights into their health, physical and mental performance. They will work independently on identifying new technologies for implementation into new product development and process improvement for both commercial and medical products. This person also exercises independent judgment in identifying, recommending, and implementing significant and/or complex new tools/process improvements to support the sensor technology that helps people understand what their body is telling them and how they can translate these insights into meaningful action so that they can lead a healthier life. #software

What you'll work on

  • Lead software development, verification, and validation; responsible for on-time delivery of high-quality embedded software bio wearable products that meet budgetary objectives.

  • Implement approved design control procedures for software development in accordance with FDA guidelines.

  • Lead software development projects, providing mentoring and technical guidance.

  • Technical leadership of embedded software development and project scheduling.

  • Reliably deliver high-quality software with-in schedule constraints.

  • Provides technical ownership of software products, primarily written in C

  • Actively participates in product development teams for the development of new products and services.

  • Works with Software and Test Consultants on the system and design issues.

  • Interacts with QA engineers to ensure that software products are robust and of very high quality.

  • Use appropriate tools and techniques for productivity and code quality: debuggers, profilers, unit testing, source control, etc.

  • Research technical issues and propose technical approaches.

  • Participate in the full life cycle of development, from specification and design through implementation, testing, and support.

  • Work on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires and evaluation of intangibles.

  • Exercise independent judgment in methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.

  • Would work with cross-functional engineering teams developing new designs

  • Lead technical teams in the accomplishment of software design and maintenance activities.

  • Develops networks involving cross functional/cross departmental groups as well as communication to senior management.

  • Readily adjusts priorities and works within team environment for timely completion of common objectives for multiple projects.

  • Resolve significant and/or complex technical issues to empowering health through breakthrough technology.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent. MS desired

  • 8 to 15 years experience in software engineering required. Some experience in software engineering management

  • Good knowledge of software engineering principles required.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.

  • Minimum of 5 years of solid programming experience in C programming languages required.

  • Minimum of 5 years of structured software development and/or Object Modeling Design experience required.

  • Minimum 5 years of software development of embedded systems for safety-critical products required.

  • Strong debugging techniques and experience on using debugger in an embedded environment is required.

  • Excellent troubleshooting skills are a must.

  • Knowledgeable of microprocessor architecture is required.

  • Knowledgeable of device driver and low-level device interface design and development is required.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Solid knowledge of regulations for medical device development, (EN460001, ISO13485, FDA) is desirable.

  • Experience in model based design (UML or SysML), is highly desirable.

  • Skillset to support data calculation reports required

  • Good knowledge of coding to share between an embedded and app designs

  • General familiarity with the technologies of an embedded display device preferred

  • Embedded UI design experience preferred

  • Detailed experience with medical device development processes and FDA 510K and PMA regulatory requirement and process is desirable.

  • Good knowledge of and experience in RF and WiFi software design, device driver configuration, and test is preferred.

  • Experience with Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low-Energy is highly preferred.

  • Experience with Source Control Management is highly preferred.

  • Experience with testing of embedded devices is a strong plus.

The base pay for this position is

$114,000.00 - $228,000.00

In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

JOB FAMILY:Product DevelopmentDIVISION:ADC Diabetes CareLOCATION:United States > Alameda : 1360-1380 South Loop RoadADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:WORK SHIFT:StandardTRAVEL:Not specifiedMEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:Not ApplicableSIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day)Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdfEEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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