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Microprocessor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Technician

Tracy, CA · On-site

$82.53/hr

... microprocessor and electro-mechanical); substation and electric utility protection systems; station automation and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. This job requires the ...

Strong understanding of microcontroller and microprocessor architectures. * Experience with RTOS, such as FreeRTOS, VxWorks, or similar. * Familiarity with hardware design and development tools, such ...

Knowledge and experience of microprocessor design and integration is a definite advantage. The job responsibilities include: * Work with system architecture team to define micro-architecture ...

Working knowledge of microprocessor controls, utility distribution systems and process engineering * Basic knowledge of manufacturing automation systems and best design practice * Knowledge of CGMPs ...

New

Showing results 41-60

Microprocessor information

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$14

$25

$35

How much do microprocessor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for microprocessor in California is $25.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $28.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a microprocessor?

Microprocessors are integrated circuits that function as the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer or other electronic device. They execute instructions, perform calculations, and manage data flow, enabling complex operations in everything from personal computers to smartphones and embedded systems. Microprocessors are crucial in modern technology, as they control and coordinate the activities of all the other components in a system.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a microprocessor engineer?

To thrive as a Microprocessor Engineer, you need strong knowledge of computer architecture, digital logic design, and a degree in electrical or computer engineering. Familiarity with hardware description languages (HDLs) like VHDL or Verilog, as well as experience with simulation and debugging tools, is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for designing efficient microprocessors that meet performance and reliability standards in modern electronic devices.

What are common challenges faced by microprocessor design engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Microprocessor design engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing performance with power consumption, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of peripherals, and meeting tight project deadlines. Addressing these issues typically involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including hardware, software, and verification engineers. Utilizing industry-standard design tools, keeping up-to-date with emerging technologies, and participating in regular design reviews can help mitigate these challenges and ensure successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Microprocessor vs Microcontroller?

AspectMicroprocessorMicrocontroller
Primary FunctionProcesses data and executes instructions for a computer systemIntegrates processing, memory, and I/O on a single chip for embedded applications
ComponentsCPU only, requires external memory and peripheralsIncludes CPU, memory, and peripherals on one chip
Work EnvironmentUsed in PCs, servers, and complex systemsUsed in embedded systems, appliances, and automotive devices
Common CertificationsNone specific, related to computer engineeringEmbedded systems certifications often relevant

In summary, microprocessors are designed for high-performance computing with external components, while microcontrollers integrate all necessary components on a single chip for embedded applications. Both roles require knowledge of digital electronics and programming, but their applications and environments differ significantly.

Is microprocessor a good career?

A career as a microprocessor engineer involves designing, developing, and testing microprocessors and integrated circuits, requiring knowledge of digital logic, hardware description languages, and tools like CAD software. It offers opportunities in industries such as electronics, computing, and embedded systems, with demand driven by advancements in technology and automation. Success often depends on strong technical skills, continuous learning, and relevant certifications or degrees in electrical or computer engineering.

What job categories do people searching Microprocessor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Microprocessor jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Microprocessor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,327 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Instrumentation and Control Technician

City of San Diego, CA

San Diego, CA • On-site

$99K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago


City Of San Diego (California) rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 854 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary : $99,236.80 - $119,142.40 Annually
Location : City of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Job Number: MA-T11677-202601
Business Area: 2000 - Public Utilities
Opening Date: 01/23/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
JOB INFORMATION
See NOTES below for future wage increases and/or additional compensation opportunities.
Instrumentation and Control Technician positions install, test, adjust, modify and maintain digital and analog circuitry, microprocessor-controlled devices, programmable logic controllers, variable frequency devices, electric valve actuators, process control equipment, telemetry devices, sensors, and controllers on a wide variety of water and wastewater treatment process instruments and devices; write, modify and test complex relay ladder logic or function block instruction sequences in the form of computer programs to monitor and control water or wastewater treatment processes; operate computer terminals, portable programming units or other complex electronic test equipment to analyze and troubleshoot instrumentation and control systems; perform mathematical computations to calibrate instruments and determine values of inputs and outputs in computer programs; maintain records of work performed; and perform other duties as assigned.
NOTES:
  • Employees in job classifications represented by AFSME Local 127 are scheduled to receive the following general wage increases:
    • 3.5% effective 7/1/27
    • 2% effective 7/1/28
    • 2% effective 1/1/29
  • Eligible benefited employees originally hired on or after July 10, 2021, will be automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS).
  • For positions in the Water Recovery, Water Delivery, and Pure Water Branches, Instrumentation and Control Technician employees will be given respirator and confined space entry training.
  • Employees must be able to pass a Respirator Fit Test for entry into confined spaces and chlorine environments and pass confined space entry training within six months from date of hire.
  • Employees must also agree to remain clean-shaven to safely use a self-contained breathing apparatus, an air-purifying respirator, or an on-line air system.
  • Instrumentation and Control Technician employees may be required to work overtime, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Instrumentation and Control Technician employees may be required to work on a standby basis, for which they may receive 5% additional pay.
  • Instrumentation and Control Technician employees may also require work in sewerage or chemical environments, at high levels, in tanks or channels, and in confined spaces.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
You must meet the following requirements on the date you apply, unless otherwise indicated.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: One year of full-time experience performing all phases of journey-level electronics technician work, which MUST include diagnosing, repairing, and programming logic controllers at a water or wastewater treatment plant or industrial production plant, AND you must also meet ONE of the following options:
  1. Successful completion of a state-accredited four-year Electrical, Electronics, Communications, or Industrial Automation and Instrumentation Apprenticeship Program.
  2. Four years of full-time experience assembling, installing, maintaining, and calibrating microprocessor-based control equipment, electronic instrumentation and control equipment (e.g., distributive control systems or programmable logic controllers), security systems, video cameras, access control systems, or telemetry equipment which MUST include two years of full-time troubleshooting and repair experience of electronic control systems and electrical equipment used in industrial process automation.

NOTE:
  • City of San Diego employees using Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA) experience to qualify must submit written documentation signed by their appointing authority or payroll specialist, detailing the work performed, dates, and total number of qualifying OCA hours. OCA experience without the required documentation will NOT be considered.

LICENSE: A valid California Class C Driver's License is required at the time of hire.
HIGHLY DESIRABLES:
  • Knowledge of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and/or Distributed Control System (DCS) environments.
  • Knowledge of water and wastewater treatment facilities and conveyance systems.
  • Experience in programming and troubleshooting Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).
  • Experience in maintaining distributed control systems.
  • International Society of Automation (ISA) Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) Level 2 Certification.
  • California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical and Instrumentation Technologist Grade 2 Certification.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (MUST SUBMIT WITH APPLICATION):
  • Proof of apprenticeship completion, if utilized to meet minimum qualifications.
  • For City of San Diego employees, proof of Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA), if utilized to meet the minimum requirements.

Required documents should be attached to your application electronically. If you are unable to attach at the time of application submittal, you must submit them as soon as possible via fax: (619) 533-3337; or to the Employment Information Center: City of San Diego Personnel Department, 1200 Third Avenue - Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92101. Include your name and the title of the position for which you are applying.
SCREENING PROCESS
Please ensure all information is complete and accurate, as the responses you provide on the supplemental questions will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in this initial screening process, your application will be reviewed for applicable education, experience, and/or training to ensure all minimum requirements have been met. Successful candidates will be placed on a list used to fill position vacancies over the next 6 months (180 days). For each vacancy, only those candidates with the most appropriate qualifications will be contacted by the hiring department for an interview.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: Employment offers are conditional pending the results of all screening processes applicable to this position, which may include the following: confirmation of citizenship or legal right to work in the United States; completion of a pre-employment medical review and exam (which may include drug and alcohol testing); reference checks; and fingerprinting. Fingerprints will be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice for a conviction record report. Certain positions may require additional screening, including a polygraph examination and/or a background investigation. All screening processes must be successfully completed before employment begins. A positive test result for alcohol, cannabis/marijuana, illegal drugs, or inadequately explained prescription drugs, or misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of pertinent facts in any step of the screening or selection process, may constitute cause for disqualification or termination of employment. Nothing in this job posting constitutes an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego. Candidates must notify the Personnel Department of any change to their name, mailing address, email address, or phone number; failure to do so may result in missed employment opportunities.
Rev. 13 - February 26, 2026 (Closing Date Updated to Continuous)
City employees may be eligible to participate in a benefit program including holidays, vacations, savings and retirement plans, health programs, and other benefits.
Eligible City employees initially hired or assuming office on or after July 10, 2021, with the exception of Police Recruits participating in the City's Police Academy, will participate in the City's Defined Benefit Plan administered by the San Diego City Employees' Retirement System (SDCERS).
Benefits may change due to employer-employee contract negotiations.
or review the
01
I understand that failure to respond to the following questions in the spaces provided may result in the rejection of my application. In addition, I may miss out on employment opportunities. Resumes are NOT reviewed for assessing the minimum requirements, qualifications will be determined from the answers provided to the supplemental questions.
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you a current or former City of San Diego government/municipal employee?
  • Current city employee
  • Former city employee
  • Current & former city employee
  • None of the above

03
If you have previously worked or are currently working for the City of San Diego, please enter your PERNR.
04
The minimum age for this job is 18, unless you are 17 and a high school graduate. Do you meet the minimum age requirements for this job?
  • Yes
  • No

05
How many years of full-time experience do you have performing all phases of journey-level electronics technician work which includes diagnosing, repairing and programming logic controllers at a water or wastewater treatment plant or industrial production plant?
  • None
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 year to less than 2 years
  • 2 years to less than 3 years
  • 3 years to less than 4 years
  • 4 years to less than 5 years
  • 5 years or more

06
Indicate in which of the following areas you have full-time experience performing all phases of journey-level electronics technician work.
  • Water treatment plant
  • Wastewater treatment plant
  • Industrial production plant
  • None of the above

07
Indicate in which of the following areas you have full-time experience performing all phases of journey-level electronics technician work on logic controllers at a water or wastewater treatment plant or industrial production plant.
  • Diagnosing
  • Repairing
  • Programming
  • None of the above

08
Describe your full-time experience performing all phases of journey-level electronics technician work on logic controllers at a water or wastewater treatment plant or industrial production plant in the following areas: a. Diagnosing; b. repairing; c. programming. For each area, specify from which employer the experience was gained, your title, level of responsibility, percent of time spent on each area, and the total length of your experience. If you do not have any experience in a specific area, write "None."
09
Have you successfully completed a state-accredited four-year Electrical, Electronics, Communications, or Industrial Automation and Instrumentation Apprenticeship Program? NOTE: Attach proof of apprenticeship completion to your application.
  • Yes
  • No

10
How many years of full-time experience do you have assembling, installing, maintaining, and calibrating electronic instrumentation and control and/or telemetry equipment?
  • None
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 year to less than 2 years
  • 2 years to less than 3 years
  • 3 years to less than 4 years
  • 4 years to less than 5 years
  • 5 years or more

11
Indicate in which of the following areas you have full-time experience with electronic instrumentation and control and/or telemetry equipment.
  • Assembling
  • Installing
  • Maintaining
  • Calibrating
  • None of the above

12
Describe your full-time experience assembling, installing, maintaining, and calibrating electronic instrumentation and control and/or telemetry equipment. Specify from which employer the experience was gained, your title, level of responsibility, percent of time spent performing the duties and the total length of your experience. If you do not have any experience in this area, write "None."
13
How many years of full-time troubleshooting and repair experience do you have as it relates to electronic control systems and electrical equipment used in industrial process automation?
  • None
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 year to less than 2 years
  • 2 years to less than 3 years
  • 3 years to less than 4 years
  • 4 years to less than 5 years
  • 5 years or more

14
Indicate in which of the following areas you have full-time experience as it relates to electronic control systems and electrical equipment used in industrial process automation.
  • Troubleshooting
  • Repair
  • None of the above

15
Describe your full-time experience with electronic control systems and electrical equipment used in industrial process automation in the following areas: a. Troubleshooting; b. repair. For each area, specify from which employer the experience was gained, your title, level of responsibility, percent of time spent on each area, and the total length of your experience. If you do not have any experience in a specific area, write "None."
16
Describe your experience with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and/or Distributed Control System (DCS) environments. Specify from which employer the experience was gained, your title, level of responsibility, percent of time spent performing the duties and the total length of your experience.
17
Describe your water and wastewater treatment facilities and conveyance system experience. Specify from which employer the experience was gained, your title, level of responsibility, percent of time spent performing the duties and the total length of your experience.
18
Which of the following do you possess?
  • International Society of Automation (ISA) Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) Level 2 Certification
  • California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical and Instrumentation Technologist Grade 2 Certification
  • None of the above

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