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Senior Automotive Embedded Systems Jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA

Senior Embedded Platform Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$133K - $174K/yr

We're seeking a Senior Platform/Real-Time Embedded Firmware Engineer with strong low-level embedded ... Prior work on safety-critical or regulated systems: aerospace, automotive, industrial * Exposure to ...

Senior Embedded Platform Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$133K - $174K/yr

We're seeking a Senior Platform/Real-Time Embedded Firmware Engineer with strong low-level embedded ... Prior work on safety-critical or regulated systems: aerospace, automotive, industrial * Exposure to ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Automotive Embedded Systems information

See Ladera Ranch, CA salary details

$80.3K

$153.9K

$205.7K

How much do senior automotive embedded systems jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior automotive embedded systems in Ladera Ranch, CA is $153,899.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,800.00 and $172,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Automotive Embedded Systems vs Automotive Software Engineer?

AspectSenior Automotive Embedded SystemsAutomotive Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science; experience with embedded systemsBachelor's/Master's in Software Engineering, Computer Science; programming skills
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing embedded hardware/software in automotive settingsDeveloping automotive software applications and algorithms
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, embedded system companiesAutomotive OEMs, software firms, embedded system developers

While both roles involve automotive technology, Senior Automotive Embedded Systems focus on designing and integrating embedded hardware and firmware, whereas Automotive Software Engineers primarily develop software applications for automotive systems. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and technical focus.

What job categories do people searching Senior Automotive Embedded Systems jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Automotive Embedded Systems jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA are:

What cities near Ladera Ranch, CA are hiring for Senior Automotive Embedded Systems jobs?

Cities near Ladera Ranch, CA with the most Senior Automotive Embedded Systems job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Automotive Embedded Systems job openings in Ladera Ranch, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $153,899 per year, or $74 per hour.

Embedded Systems Engineer, Robotics Hardware

FieldAI

Irvine, CA • On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

FieldAI’s Irvine team is where embodied AI meets real robots, real sensors, and real field deployments. Based in the heart of Southern California’s robotics ecosystem, we build risk-aware, reliable, field-ready AI systems that solve the hardest problems in robotics and unlock the full potential of embodied intelligence. If you want your work to ship, get tested on hardware, and improve through real deployments, Irvine is the place. We go beyond typical data-driven approaches or pure transformer-only architectures, combining rigorous engineering with learning systems proven in globally deployed solutions that deliver results today and get better every time our robots run in the field.

Hardware Team:
The Hardware Team at Field AI develops perception and compute payloads that power autonomous robotics systems in complex real-world environments. Our work spans the full hardware stack designing and integrating sensing systems (LiDAR, camera, TOF, IMU, GPS), embedded compute (CPUs, GPUs, microcontrollers, Linux, ROS), electrical systems (power distribution, communication), and mechanical components (structures, thermal regulation, ingress protection). The team focuses on both development (research, design, prototyping, testing) and operations (production, testing, QA, debugging). We’re a small, fast-moving team, and we care deeply about improving: 1) core capabilities, 2) system reliability, 3) system scalability. As a growing team we are also building operational systems and procedures from the ground up.
 
Embedded Compute Role:
As an Embedded Compute Engineer on the Hardware Team at Field AI, you will contribute to the architecture, configuration, and validation of the compute systems that serve as the backbone for our robotic platforms. Your work will span low-level firmware, Linux-based configuration, and system performance analysis across ARM and x86 SBC platforms. From firmware on microcontrollers to ROS data streams on SBCs, you’ll ensure the entire compute stack is optimized, reliable, and robust under field conditions. You will collaborate closely with the sensor, electrical, and autonomy teams to build tightly integrated solutions ready for deployment in challenging field environments. Additionally, while your focus will be on computing systems you will likely contribute across all hardware domains.
 
What You Will Get To Do
 
1. Compute System Design
  • Compute Architecture: Architect and configure embedded compute platforms (ARM/x86, SBCs) for robotic applications including evaluation, testing and selection.
  • Firmware & Software: Set up and customize Linux environments (Ubuntu, Yocto, JetPack), middleware (ROS), and I/O interfaces.
  • Systems Integration: Integrate compute with sensing and robotic systems. Analyze thermal, power, and bandwidth constraints to meet deployment and runtime requirements.
 
2. Compute System Implementation
  • Communications: Bring up sensors and peripherals using a range of protocols (USB, Ethernet, GMSL, I²C, SPI, CAN).
  • Data Pipelines: Build and maintain drivers, ROS nodes, and data acquisition pipelines for new hardware components.
  • Systems Configuration: Create configuration files, launch scripts, and firmware update workflows.
  • Testing: Conduct system-level tests such as thermal profiling, latency measurement, and power draw analysis.
  • Documentation & Budgets: Maintain flashing procedures, I/O maps, and debug kits. Manage compute and I/O budgets.
 
3. Compute System Production & Servicing
  • Build: Work with vendors to procure compute hardware. Develop QA checks for incoming units. Support payload integration and scaling.
  • Debug: Support root-cause analysis for boot, connectivity, and throughput issues.
  • Diagnostics Monitoring: Implement watchdogs, health checks, and other evaluation tools.  Monitor compute system performance across CPU, GPU, memory, I/O, and networking.
 
What You Have
 
  • Education: B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience Level: We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and staff engineers.
  • Embedded Systems: Experience with embedded platforms (Jetson, Raspberry Pi, x86 NUCs, custom SBCs).
  • Linux: Proficiency with Linux system configuration, scripting, and headless deployment tools.
  • Firmware: Strong skills in firmware development for microcontrollers, including bare-metal and RTOS environments.
  • Programming: Proficient in C++ and Python for embedded and application-level development.
  • Communication Protocols: Experience with USB, Ethernet, I²C, SPI, CAN, GMSL, and similar interfaces.
  • ROS Ecosystem: Familiarity with ROS, device drivers, TF, and data streaming/publishing.
  • Debugging: Comfort with hardware/software debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logs, power monitors, analyzers).
  • Systems Thinking: Ability to diagnose and optimize across compute, thermal, timing, and I/O layers.
 
What Will Set You Apart
 
  • Scaling: Experience taking systems from prototype to large scale production.
  • Field Environments: Experience developing systems for harsh field environments.
  • Deployed Robotics: Experience working on robotics deployed in real world settings such as autonomous vehicles, drones, or ruggedized robots.
  • Systems Level Robotics: Fluency across software, electrical, and mechanical systems.
  • Autonomy Software: Knowledge of autonomy stacks used in robotics. As well as how compute performance impacts autonomy algorithms.
Our salary range is generous and we consider each individual’s background and experience when determining final compensation. Base pay may vary based on role scope, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and the Irvine, California market.
 
Why Join FieldAI in Irvine?
In Irvine, you will work where the robots are. Our local team builds and tests systems on real hardware with real sensors, then ships them to operate in unstructured, previously unknown environments around the world. We are solving one of robotics’ hardest challenges: reliable deployment outside the lab. Our Field Foundational Models™ raise the bar for perception, planning, localization, and manipulation, with an emphasis on explainability and safety for real-world use.
You will collaborate with a world-class team that thrives on creativity, resilience, and bold thinking. We bring deep experience from organizations such as DeepMind, NASA JPL, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, Amazon, Tesla Autopilot, Cruise, Zoox, Toyota Research Institute, and SpaceX, along with a track record of field deployments and strong performance in DARPA challenge segments.
 
Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution
We are looking for builders who want their work to leave the whiteboard and show up on robots. If you enjoy tackling tough, uncharted questions and working across disciplines, you will find your people here. Our teams span AI, software, robotics engineering, product, field deployment, and technical communication, all focused on shipping systems that perform in the real world.
 
Our headquarters is in Irvine, and we partner closely with teams there as well as colleagues across the US and around the world. Join us in Southern California and help define what dependable, field-ready autonomy looks like.
 
We value diverse perspectives and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We evaluate candidates and employees based on merit, qualifications, and performance, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.