1

Real Time Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Our Principal Embedded Real-Time Software Developer/Integrator is a technical position that works in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment to architect, design, implement, test, debug, and ...

Learn more at We are searching for the best talent for our Software Engineer, Real-time Software position. This position will be located in Santa Clara, CA Purpose: You will be developing software ...

Our Principal Embedded Real-Time Software Developer/Integrator is a technical position that works in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment to architect, design, implement, test, debug, and ...

The Software Engineer will develop and maintain electrical systems applications that deliver interactive visualization capabilities and support real-time data acquisition and analysis.

Senior Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

... with real-time software engineers. Responsibilities : • Implement and maintain system engines used for electrical state estimation. • Design, develop, and maintain REST APIs for internal ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Real Time Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do real time software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for real time software engineer in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Real Time Software Engineer job?

A Real Time Software Engineer develops software that must operate within strict timing constraints, often for systems that require immediate or predictable responses. These engineers work on applications such as embedded systems, robotics, aerospace, automotive, and telecommunications. They design, code, and optimize software to ensure low-latency performance, reliability, and synchronization with real-world events. Their role often involves working with real-time operating systems (RTOS), programming in languages like C or C++, and debugging performance issues.

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

To thrive as a Real Time Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills in languages such as C or C++, a solid understanding of real-time operating systems (RTOS), and a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with development tools like debuggers, oscilloscopes, version control systems, and certifications such as Embedded Systems Certification can be highly beneficial. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in fast-paced project environments. These skills ensure robust, efficient, and timely software solutions for mission-critical systems across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and telecommunications.

What are some typical challenges faced by Real Time Software Engineers in their daily work?

Real Time Software Engineers often face the challenge of ensuring that their code meets strict timing and reliability requirements, as even minor delays can cause critical failures in real-time systems. Debugging and testing can be complex, especially when working with hardware integration and low-level system interactions. Engineers in this role frequently collaborate with hardware engineers and cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues and optimize performance. Staying current with rapidly evolving technologies and best practices is also essential for ongoing success and career advancement in this dynamic field.

Infographic showing various Real Time Software 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 $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.
Software Engineer, Real-time Software

Software Engineer, Real-time Software

Johnson & Johnson

Santa Clara, CA • Hybrid

$87K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Johnson & Johnson rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 110 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 74 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Johnson & Johnson,we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build aworld where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured,where treatments are smarter and less invasive, andsolutions are personal.Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity.Learn more at jnj.com

As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.

Job Function:

R&D Product Development

Job Sub Function:

R&D Software/Systems Engineering

Job Category:

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations:

Santa Clara, California, United States of America

Job Description:

About Surgery

Fueled by innovation at the intersection of biology and technology, we're developing the next generation of smarter, less invasive, more personalized treatments.

Are you passionate about improving and expanding the possibilities of surgery? Ready to join a team that's reimagining how we heal? Our Surgery team will give you the chance to deliver surgical technologies and solutions to surgeons and healthcare professionals around the world. Your contributions will help effectively treat some of the world's most prevalent conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Patients are waiting.

Your unique talents will help patients on their journey to wellness. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/medtech

We are searching for the best talent for our Software Engineer, Real-time Software position. This position will be located in Santa Clara, CA

Purpose:

You will be developing software for our groundbreaking medical robotic platform OTTAVA. You will write code to control robotics hardware, architect communication protocols talking to embedded devices and provide testing infrastructure. If you have a passion for writing elegantsoftware in mission critical domainand want to work in a fun, ambitious mechatronics environment, this is the jobyou'vebeen searching for.We'veassembled a team of outstanding engineers and are looking for a new team member to join us!

You will be responsible for:

  • Develop and maintain multi-threaded, multi-core real-time C++ software components within EtherCAT, CAN and proprietary communication stack
  • Debug timing, synchronization and communication issues in real-time control loops
  • Write and execute unit, integration, and system-level tests for safety-critical software
  • Collaborate with Controls, Systems, FPGA/EE and V&V teams to integrate software with hardware platforms
  • Participate in code reviews, static analysis, and defect triage
  • Implement risk mitigations in software
  • Contribute to design documentation, requirement traceability, and verification artifacts


Experience and Skills:

Required:

  • B.S or M.S. degree in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering or Robotics
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in writing multi-threaded C++ production software
  • Essential modern C++ (Memory management, performance, concurrency)
  • Proficiency in OS concepts (scheduling, interrupts, threading, IPC)
  • Familiarity with version control (Git) and basic debugging tools (JTAG, Scopes etc.)

Preferred:

  • Exposure to Linux/RTOS environments
  • Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (EtherCAT, CAN/CANOpen)
  • Experience with Python scripting for test automation or tooling
  • Knowledge of IEC 62304 or other regulated software development standards
  • Comfortable in debugging software which controls hardware devices

Other:

  • This position may require up to 5% travel.
  • This position is located in Santa Clara, California.

Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Johnson & Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants' needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, external applicants please contact us via https://www.jnj.com/contact-us/careers , internal employees contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.

#LI-Hybrid

#RADSW

#LI-KB3

Required Skills:

Embedded C++, Linux

Preferred Skills:

The anticipated base pay range for this position is :

$87,000.00 - $140,300.00

Additional Description for Pay Transparency:

Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees are eligible to participate in the Company's consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).
The following link to general company benefits information MUST also be included in the posting: Please use the following language:
For additional general information on Company benefits, please go to: - https://www.careers.jnj.com/employee-benefits
This position is eligible to participate in the Company's long-term incentive program.
Subject to the terms of their respective policies and date of hire, employees are eligible for the following time off benefits:
Vacation -120 hours per calendar year
Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Colorado -48 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington -56 hours per calendar year
Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays -13 days per calendar year
Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year
Parental Leave - 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
Bereavement Leave - 240 hours for an immediate family member: 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
Caregiver Leave - 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period10 days
Volunteer Leave - 32 hours per calendar year
Military Spouse Time-Off - 80 hours per calendar year

What Johnson & Johnson employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom