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Low Level Software Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NIO

Staff Simulation Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Own the end-to-end design and delivery of low-level emulation and virtualization software for high ... Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent. Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality ...

Leidos

Software Engineer

Rancho Santa Fe, CA

$87K - $157K/yr

In this role, the Software Engineer will develop and maintain APIs written in Python and MATLAB ... Integrating low-level software with a user-facing GUI * Developing Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL ...

Leidos

Software Engineer

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

In this role, the Software Engineer will develop and maintain APIs written in Python and MATLAB ... Integrating low-level software with a user-facing GUI * Developing Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL ...

Leidos

Software Engineer

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

In this role, the Software Engineer will develop and maintain APIs written in Python and MATLAB ... Integrating low-level software with a user-facing GUI * Developing Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL ...

Leidos

Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

In this role, the Software Engineer will develop and maintain APIs written in Python and MATLAB ... Integrating low-level software with a user-facing GUI * Developing Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL ...

Leidos

Software Engineer

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

In this role, the Software Engineer will develop and maintain APIs written in Python and MATLAB ... Integrating low-level software with a user-facing GUI * Developing Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL ...

Leidos

Software Engineer

San Diego, CA

$87K - $157K/yr

In this role, the Software Engineer will develop and maintain APIs written in Python and MATLAB ... Integrating low-level software with a user-facing GUI * Developing Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL ...

Leidos

Software Engineer

San Diego, CA

In this role, the Software Engineer will develop and maintain APIs written in Python and MATLAB ... Integrating low-level software with a user-facing GUI * Developing Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL ...

Archer

Senior Software Engineer, BMS

San Jose, CA

$145K - $180K/yr

Develop and integrate battery controls and complex low-level drivers for battery microcontrollers ... Work with systems engineers to decompose item requirements into high-level and low-level software ...

New

NIO

Staff Simulation Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

As a Staff Simulation Software Engineer , you will design and deliver the foundational low-level software that makes this possible - working at the intersection of hypervisor technology, hardware ...

Astranis

Flight Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Flight Software Engineer As our Flight Software Engineer, you will support the the development ... Implement low level software to interface with various spacecraft components * Implement ...

Archer

Staff Software Engineer, EEC

San Jose, CA

$170K - $215K/yr

Develop and integrate electric engine controls and complex low-level drivers for microcontrollers ... Work with systems engineers to decompose item requirements into high-level and low-level software ...

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All JobsLow Level Software Developer JobsLow Level Software Developer Jobs in California

Low Level Software Developer information

See California salary details

$47.4K

$110.4K

$163.8K

How much do low level software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for low level software developer in California is $110,380.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Low Level Software Developers?

Low Level Software Developers are programmers who specialize in writing software that interacts closely with computer hardware or system resources. They typically work with languages like C, C++, or Assembly to develop operating systems, device drivers, embedded systems, or performance-critical applications. Their work often requires an in-depth understanding of hardware architecture, memory management, and system processes. Low Level Software Developers play a crucial role in ensuring software runs efficiently and reliably on various devices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Low Level Software Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Low Level Software Developer, you need a solid understanding of computer architecture, proficiency in programming languages like C or C++, and a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with debugging tools, operating systems internals, and version control systems such as Git is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities are vital for efficiently developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting software that interacts closely with hardware and system resources.
What are popular job titles related to Low Level Software Developer jobs in California? For Low Level Software Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Low Level Software Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Low Level Software Developer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Low Level Software Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Low Level Software Developer job openings:
Low Level Software Developer jobs near you

Staff Simulation Software Engineer

NIO

San Jose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

About NIO

NIO is a pioneer and a leading company in the premium smart electric vehicle market. Founded in November 2014, NIO's mission is to shape a joyful lifestyle. NIO aims to build a community starting with smart electric vehicles to share joy and grow together with users.

NIO designs, develops, jointly manufactures and sells premium smart electric vehicles, driving innovations in next-generation technologies in autonomous driving, digital technologies, electric powertrains and batteries. NIO differentiates itself through its continuous technological breakthroughs and innovations, such as its industry-leading battery swapping technologies, Battery as a Service, or BaaS, as well as its proprietary autonomous driving technologies and Autonomous Driving as a Service, or ADaaS.

NIO's product portfolio consists of the ES8, a six-seater smart electric flagship SUV, the ES7 (or the EL7), a mid-large five-seater smart electric SUV, the ES6, a five-seater all-round smart electric SUV, the EC7, a five-seater smart electric flagship coupe SUV, the EC6, a five-seater smart electric coupe SUV, the ET7, a smart electric flagship sedan, and the ET5, a mid-size smart electric sedan.

We are building the next-generation ECU simulation platform that powers software-defined vehicle development across multiple vehicle programs. Using state-of-the-art CPU, GPU, and NPU simulation / emulation / virtualization technologies, our team enables hyper-realistic, high-throughput, and scalable simulation environments that dramatically accelerate vehicle software validation, integration, and deployment.
As a Staff Simulation Software Engineer, you will design and deliver the foundational low-level software that makes this possible - working at the intersection of hypervisor technology, hardware architecture, and automotive real-time systems. This is a high-visibility, high-impact role with direct influence on vehicle programs that will shape the future of mobility.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Own the end-to-end design and delivery of low-level emulation and virtualization software for high-performance, high-throughput ECU simulation across multiple cross-platform vehicle initiatives, ensuring industry-leading reliability, scalability, and efficiency.
Architect and optimize CPU, GPU, NPU simulation / emulation / virtualization technologies continuously pushing the boundaries of functionality, performance, efficiency, and reliability.
Deliver production-grade simulation components that precisely meet product definitions, customer specifications, and vehicle platform requirements, maintaining full traceability to requirements.
Design and implement high-performance Linux guest drivers and libraries for CPU, GPU, NPU, and peripheral components, enabling seamless virtualized hardware access in a virtualized environment.
Partner closely with application and system development, validation, and integration teams to translate real-world automotive constraints into robust, high-quality simulation solutions that accelerate vehicle product SW development, validation, and integration.
Drive high-quality, on-time delivery of software deliverables across multiple vehicle programs while championing best practices in testing strategies, traceability, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications:
7+ years of hands-on experience building complex, high-performance software systems (embedded systems, virtualization, or large-scale simulation preferred).
3+ years of deep expertise in QEMU or similar simulation / emulation / virtualization software development on Linux (KVM experience highly valued).
Strong architectural background in CPU, GPU, and NPU architectures, modern SoC designs, software stacks, and virtualization technologies (including virtualization extensions and performance optimization techniques).
Solid mastery of Linux kernel internals, embedded / real-time operating systems (real-time OS), and low-level driver development.
Proven experience with ARM platform bring-up and bare-metal / low-level software development.
BS / MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent.
Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality, production-grade code on aggressive timelines, with excellent technical documentation and communication skills.
Organized mindset and a passion for delivering high-quality software in a collaborative environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Deep expertise in QEMU or simulator architecture and development (contributor or maintainer experience is a strong plus).
Hands-on experience with Linux hypervisors and virtualized driver stacks in environments such as QEMU, KVM, VMware, VirtualBox, or Xen.
Familiarity with Linux hypervisor, middleware, and application frameworks.
Experience in automotive platforms (AUTOSAR, functional safety ISO 26262, or vehicle virtualization frameworks) is a significant advantage.
Exposure to cloud computing, databases, and logging techniques for large-scale simulation/validation pipelines is a plus.

Compensation:

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $163,500.00 - $212,400.00.

  • Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

  • Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only. It does not include discretionary bonus, equity, or benefits.

Benefits:

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time NIO employee, you are eligible for the following benefits on the first day you join NIO:

  • Anthem Blue Cross, HSA, and Kaiser HMO medical plans with $0 for Employee Only Coverage.

  • Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plan. Both provide options with a $0 paycheck contribution covering you and your eligible dependents.

  • Company Paid HSA (Health Savings Account) Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Anthem Blue Cross medical plan

  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

  • 401(k) with Brokerage Link option

  • Company paid Basic Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Sick and Vacation time

  • 13 Paid Holidays a year

  • Paid Parental Leave for first 8 weeks at full pay (eligible after 90 days of employment with NIO)

  • Paid Disability Leave for first 6 weeks at full pay (eligible after 90 days of employment with NIO)

  • Voluntary benefits including: Voluntary Life and AD&D options for you, your spouse/domestic partner and dependent child(ren), pet insurance

  • Commuter benefits

  • Mobile Cell Phone Credit

  • Free lunch and snacks

  • Onsite gym

  • Employee discounts and perks program

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