1

Microcontroller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Firmware Engineer

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

As a senior member of the engineering team, you will play a key role in developing microcontroller-based firmware, designing digital hardware, and supporting the testing and validation of ...

Senior Firmware Engineer

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

As a senior member of the engineering team, you will play a key role in developing microcontroller-based firmware, designing digital hardware, and supporting the testing and validation of ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Irvine, CA

$141K - $185K/yr

Experience Hardware and software design of embedded microcontroller systems Experience with MS Visual Studio and C,C++, or C# programming languages Microcontroller system debugging Hardware assembly ...

Scope and benchmark IP offerings from third-party vendors (microcontroller cores and peripherals). * Support development plan creation and associated deliverables (firmware, test plans, test code ...

Microcontroller design experience * Board-level testing and troubleshooting * EMI / EMC experience * Knowledge of Aerospace DO-160 and MIL-STD-810 standards

Understanding of embedded C programming and microcontroller concepts. * Willingness to learn compliance standards and testing procedures. * Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

The ideal candidate has strong experience in low-level programming (C/C++), microcontroller/SoC development, and hardware bring-up, with a proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to ...

Understanding of embedded C programming and microcontroller concepts. * Willingness to learn compliance standards and testing procedures. * Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Digital IC Design Engineer

Aliso Viejo, CA · On-site

$145K/yr

Scope and benchmark IP offerings from third-party vendors (microcontroller cores and peripherals). * Support development plan creation and associated deliverables (firmware, test plans, test code ...

The ideal candidate has strong experience in low-level programming (C/C++), microcontroller/SoC development, and hardware bring-up, with a proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Microcontroller information

See California salary details

$75K

$126.3K

$186K

How much do microcontroller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for microcontroller in California is $126,303.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,700.00 and $150,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are careers in microelectronics?

Careers in microelectronics include roles such as microcontroller engineers, circuit designers, and embedded systems developers. These positions typically require knowledge of electronics, programming skills, and experience with tools like CAD software and testing equipment. Professionals in this field work in industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, and telecommunications, often requiring relevant certifications or degrees in electrical engineering or related fields.

What is a Microcontroller job?

A Microcontroller job involves working with small, programmable computing devices used in embedded systems. Professionals in this role design, develop, and troubleshoot microcontroller-based applications for industries like automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial automation. Responsibilities may include writing firmware, optimizing power consumption, and integrating hardware components. Strong knowledge of programming languages such as C/C++ and an understanding of electronics are essential.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data science, or engineering management can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in senior or executive roles at large technology companies. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Microcontroller position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Microcontroller Engineer, you need a solid background in embedded systems, electronics, and programming languages such as C or C++. Familiarity with development environments, circuit design tools, and microcontroller families (like ARM, PIC, or AVR), as well as certifications such as Embedded Systems Certifications, are typically valuable. Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure the reliable design, testing, and implementation of microcontroller-based solutions that meet complex project requirements.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Microcontroller Engineer in a project team?

Microcontroller Engineers are responsible for designing, programming, and testing embedded systems that control devices or processes. Their daily tasks often include writing and debugging firmware, integrating sensors and peripherals, and collaborating closely with hardware engineers and product designers to ensure seamless system functionality. They may also participate in code reviews, system validation, and troubleshooting field issues. Working on interdisciplinary teams, Microcontroller Engineers often contribute to hardware selection and optimization, making their role essential throughout the product development lifecycle.

Will AI replace embedded developers?

Embedded developers design and program microcontrollers and embedded systems, and while AI can assist with coding and automation, it is unlikely to fully replace these professionals due to the need for specialized knowledge, system integration, and troubleshooting. AI tools can enhance productivity but still require human oversight and expertise in hardware and real-time constraints.

What is the job of a microcontroller?

A microcontroller job involves designing, programming, and testing embedded systems that control electronic devices. It requires knowledge of programming languages like C or Assembly, and understanding of hardware components and real-time operation. Microcontroller professionals often work in industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, and automation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Microcontroller jobs in California? The most popular types of Microcontroller jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Microcontroller jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Microcontroller jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Microcontroller jobs? Cities in California with the most Microcontroller job openings:
Infographic showing various Microcontroller job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 92% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $126,303 per year, or $60.7 per hour.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer, Microcontroller OS

Google

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$146K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Google rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 241 rated software companies


Job description

info_outline
X Applicants in San Francisco: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: San Francisco, CA, USA; San Jose, CA, USA.
Minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
  • 5 years of experience with software development in the C programming language.
  • 3 years of experience testing, maintaining, or launching software products, and 1 year of experience with software design and architecture.
  • 3 years of experience with embedded systems and firmware programming.
  • Experience with realtime embedded programming for microcontrollers.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, or a related technical field.
  • Experience with Pigweed or Zephyr.
  • Experience with real time operating systems (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, etc.).
  • Experience with modern build systems (e.g., Bazel, CMake).
  • Experience with debugging designs, working with EEs, and deciphering datasheets/reference manuals.
  • Experience taking consumer electronics to production.

About the job
Google's software engineers develop the next-generation technologies that change how billions of users connect, explore, and interact with information and one another. Our products need to handle information at massive scale, and extend well beyond web search. We're looking for engineers who bring fresh ideas from all areas, including information retrieval, distributed computing, large-scale system design, networking and data storage, security, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, UI design and mobile; the list goes on and is growing every day. As a software engineer, you will work on a specific project critical to Google's needs with opportunities to switch teams and projects as you and our fast-paced business grow and evolve. We need our engineers to be versatile, display leadership qualities and be enthusiastic to take on new problems across the full-stack as we continue to push technology forward.
In addition to a powerful SoC, many Android devices (phones, watches) include one or more low-power coprocessors which typically contain an MCU-class processor and other low-power cores such as DSPs. These coprocessors serve to provide always-on functionality and offload tasks from the SoC so it can be put into a lower-power state.
Typically, the Microcontroller Unit (MCU) firmware is entirely considered a BSP concern and is not part of the Android platform offering.
Our team's goal is to provide the framework and many of the components needed to build high-quality MCU firmware for a glasses product running Android microXR.
The Google Augmented Reality team is a group of experts tasked with building the foundations for great immersive computing and building helpful, delightful user experiences. We're focused on making immersive computing accessible to billions of people through mobile devices, and our scope continues to grow and evolve.
Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
US: $174000 - $253000 (USD) 15% bonus target equity benefits
Learn more about benefits at Google .
Responsibilities
  • Design and implement MCU features needed for low power AR glasses.
  • Transform MCU code so that it's easy to migrate MCUs, RTOSes, and peripherals.
  • Optimize system efficiency (power, themals, memory).
  • Bring up new systems and building next generation smart glasses.
  • Work closely with the BSP teams, Electrical Engineering (EE) teams, and Phone teams.

Information collected and processed as part of your Google Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Google's Applicant and Candidate Privacy Policy .
Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .
If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form .
Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.
To all recruitment agencies: Google does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Google employees, or any other organization location. Google is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.

What Google employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom