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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 ...

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 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.

Astrion

Protection Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$200K - $245K/yr

Proficiency in SKM software , arc flash calculation, and SEL microprocessor relay programming. * Expertise in both electromechanical and solid-state relays (calibration and setting). * Problem ...

Astrion

Protection Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$200K - $245K/yr

Proficiency in SKM software , arc flash calculation, and SEL microprocessor relay programming. * Expertise in both electromechanical and solid-state relays (calibration and setting). * Problem ...

CivicMinds, Inc.

Sr. Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Developing TPSs for microprocessor-based circuits, and MIL-STD-1553/MIL-STD-1760 products * Windows ... Ability to technically lead a team of cross functional engineers and providing leadership ...

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Microprocessor Engineer information

See California salary details

$74K

$165.2K

$202.3K

How much do microprocessor engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior microprocessor engineers, hardware architects, and specialized semiconductor engineers often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in digital design, and certifications. These roles typically require expertise in VHDL or Verilog, proficiency with CAD tools, and work in high-tech or semiconductor industries.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior microprocessor engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in hardware design, and expertise in areas like VHDL or FPGA development, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities in technology companies or specialized industries.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior microprocessor engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in hardware design, and expertise in tools like VHDL or Verilog can reach salaries of $500,000 or more, especially in high-cost living areas or within large technology companies. Achieving this level often requires a combination of specialized knowledge, leadership roles, and sometimes stock options or bonuses.

What is the salary of a microprocessor engineer?

The salary of a microprocessor engineer typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand regions or industries involving embedded systems and hardware design.
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:
What job categories do people searching Microprocessor Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Microprocessor Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Microprocessor Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Microprocessor Engineer job openings:
Microprocessor Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Microprocessor Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,245 per year, or $79.4 per hour.
Microprocessor Silicon Validation and Optimization Engineer

Microprocessor Silicon Validation and Optimization Engineer

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 205 rated software companies

Job description

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.

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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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