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Microprocessor Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Snap-on Inc

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Understands and implements methodologies for reverse engineering of vehicle communication protocols ... ARM microprocessor development experience * Windows and Ethernet development experience a plus ...

Snap-on Inc

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Understands and implements methodologies for reverse engineering of vehicle communication protocols ... ARM microprocessor development experience * Windows and Ethernet development experience a plus ...

Snap-on Inc

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA

$110K - $150K/yr

Understands and implements methodologies for reverse engineering of vehicle communication protocols ... ARM microprocessor development experience * Windows and Ethernet development experience a plus ...

Netpace

Staff CPU Performance Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

CPU Performance Engineer We are looking for a CPU Performance Engineer for the next generation high-end ARM microprocessor. This position will interact with all disciplines with critical impact on ...

Sunrise Systems, Inc.

Thermal Engineer

San Jose, CA

$60/hr

Requires demonstrated technical expertise in functional verification of microprocessor designs; Experience with Verilog, System Verilog, UVM, programming in Perl & C/C++, logic simulation is a ...

ALTEN Technology USA

FPGA Firmware Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$135K - $140K/yr

Validate all digital inputs and outputs with particular attention to the microprocessor interface ... Collaborate with systems engineers to interpret preliminary requirements and translate them into ...

Monarch Quantum

Firmware Engineer 5

San Diego, CA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Work as lead architect in developing FPGA based solutions utilizing hybrid C/C++ microprocessor and ... Work with program management and project engineers to plan and manage execution of firmware project ...

Monarch Quantum

Firmware Engineer 5

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$200K - $250K/yr

Work as lead architect in developing FPGA based solutions utilizing hybrid C/C++ microprocessor and ... Work with program management and project engineers to plan and manage execution of firmware project ...

Monarch Quantum

Firmware Engineer 5

San Diego, CA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Work as lead architect in developing FPGA based solutions utilizing hybrid C/C++ microprocessor and ... Work with program management and project engineers to plan and manage execution of firmware project ...

Monarch Quantum

Firmware Engineer 2

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$100K - $150K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as Firmware Engineer 2. As we scale, you will be ... Develop FPGA based solutions utilizing hybrid C/C++ microprocessor and HDL fabric architectures.

Monarch Quantum

Firmware Engineer 4

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$175K - $225K/yr

Develop FPGA based solutions utilizing hybrid C/C++ microprocessor and HDL fabric architectures ... Work with program management and project engineers to develop, execute and status project scope.

Monarch Quantum

Firmware Engineer 4

San Diego, CA · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

Develop FPGA based solutions utilizing hybrid C/C++ microprocessor and HDL fabric architectures ... Work with program management and project engineers to develop, execute and status project scope.

Monarch Quantum

Firmware Engineer 4

San Diego, CA · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

Develop FPGA based solutions utilizing hybrid C/C++ microprocessor and HDL fabric architectures ... Work with program management and project engineers to develop, execute and status project scope.

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$165.2K

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How much do microprocessor engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for microprocessor engineer in California is $165,245.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,100.00 and $202,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical career growth opportunities for a Microprocessor Engineer?

Microprocessor Engineers often begin in entry- or mid-level design roles, working on various facets of processor development and verification. With experience, they can advance to lead engineer positions, project management, or specialize in areas such as systems architecture, low-power design, or performance optimization. Many engineers also transition into roles involving cross-functional leadership or technical strategy within larger hardware or semiconductor companies. Continuing education and keeping up with industry advancements can significantly enhance opportunities for upward mobility and specialization in this dynamic field.

What is a Microprocessor Engineer job?

A Microprocessor Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes microprocessors used in computers, embedded systems, and other electronic devices. They work on architecture, logic design, verification, and performance improvements. Their role involves collaborating with hardware and software teams to ensure efficient integration and functionality.

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

To thrive as a Microprocessor Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering or computer engineering, along with strong skills in microprocessor architecture, digital logic design, and embedded systems. Familiarity with hardware description languages (such as VHDL or Verilog), simulation tools, PCB design software, and experience with industry standards are typically important, as are certifications like Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD). Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills, especially for collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. These capabilities are crucial for developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting microprocessor solutions in a complex, fast-evolving technology landscape.

What are popular job titles related to Microprocessor Engineer jobs in California? For Microprocessor Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Microprocessor Engineer jobs near you
Microprocessor Silicon Validation and Optimization Engineer

Microprocessor Silicon Validation and Optimization Engineer

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$115K - $173K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 186 rated software companies

Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > ASICS Engineering
General Summary:
Working on cutting-edge microprocessor development is one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding careers in computer engineering. At Qualcomm, engineers are encouraged to push boundaries-there are no limits to innovation, technical excellence, or career growth.
This role offers the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art microprocessors that power mobile devices, mobile compute platforms, AI engines, and server-class solutions. The selected candidate will join the pre-silicon and post-silicon validation and enablement team, contributing across the full lifecycle of microprocessor development within complex SoCs.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute validation strategies across pre-silicon and post-silicon phases
  • Create test content for functional validation and silicon characterization
  • Contribute to pre-silicon verification and emulation
  • Lead and support silicon bring-up and system-level debug
  • Perform detailed silicon and system characterization
  • Provide customer debug and technical support
  • Collaborate closely with design and verification teams to map silicon issues back to design and verification environments and drive root-cause analysis
  • Analyze silicon data, interpret results, and communicate findings through clear summaries and status reports

Experience and Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or higher degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science with firmware experience
  • Working knowledge of microprocessor and cache/memory architecture and microarchitecture
  • Experience in functional validation and detailed debug or Firmware/BIOS development and testing
  • Experience mapping silicon scenarios to pre-silicon verification environments
  • Proficiency in C/C++; familiarity with assembly languages such as ARM, DSP, or x86/i32
  • Good written and verbal communication skills, particularly for technical analysis and silicon data reporting
  • 5-10 years of experience in microprocessor verification (front-end) and/or silicon validation, with hands-on involvement in silicon bring-up and debug

Note: While this role targets senior-level experience, we encourage candidates at all levels to apply if their skills and interests align with the position.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of ASIC design, verification, validation, integration, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field and 1+ year of ASIC design, verification, validation, integration, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Science, Engineering, or related field.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$115,600.00 - $173,400.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.
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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985

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