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Staff Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in California

Cyngn

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$205K - $220K/yr

As a Staff Embedded Software Engineer, you will be driving the design, development, and validation of all firmware running on our vehicle drive & Safety controllers. This is a technical leadership ...

Cyngn

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$205K - $220K/yr

As a Staff Embedded Software Engineer, you will be driving the design, development, and validation of all firmware running on our vehicle drive & Safety controllers. This is a technical leadership ...

Cyngn

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$155K - $204K/yr

As a Staff Embedded Software Engineer, you will be driving the design, development, and validation of all firmware running on our vehicle drive & Safety controllers. This is a technical leadership ...

Apply Early

Saildrone

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$215K - $260K/yr

THE POSITION Saildrone is seeking a Staff Embedded Software Engineer to join our Firmware team. Reporting to the Director of Firmware Engineering, you'll be leading the definition, design, and ...

Rivian

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Carson, CA

$171K - $213K/yr

Role Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Staff Embedded Software Engineer to join our inverter-embedded software team. As a senior member of the team, your mission is to greatly ...

Rivian

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Carson, CA · On-site

$171K - $213K/yr

Role Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Staff Embedded Software Engineer to join our inverter-embedded software team. As a senior member of the team, your mission is to greatly ...

Rivian

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Carson, CA · On-site

$171K - $213K/yr

Role Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Staff Embedded Software Engineer to join our inverter-embedded software team. As a senior member of the team, your mission is to greatly ...

Abbott

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$149K - $196K/yr

This Staff Embedded Software Engineer works independently on the design, development, and maintenance of embedded firmware for an innovative and exciting new venture investigating and commercializing ...

Abbott

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$149K - $196K/yr

This Staff Embedded Software Engineer works independently on the design, development, and maintenance of embedded firmware for an innovative and exciting new venture investigating and commercializing ...

Abbott

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Alameda, CA

$149K - $196K/yr

This Staff Embedded Software Engineer works independently on the design, development, and maintenance of embedded firmware for an innovative and exciting new venture investigating and commercializing ...

Abbott

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$153K - $201K/yr

This Staff Embedded Software Engineer works independently on the design, development, and maintenance of embedded firmware for an innovative and exciting new venture investigating and commercializing ...

Abbott

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$153K - $201K/yr

This Staff Embedded Software Engineer works independently on the design, development, and maintenance of embedded firmware for an innovative and exciting new venture investigating and commercializing ...

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All JobsStaff Embedded Software Engineer JobsStaff Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in California

Staff Embedded Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$69.1K

$151.4K

$171.7K

How much do staff embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for staff embedded software engineer in California is $151,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,800.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Staff Embedded Software Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

As a Staff Embedded Software Engineer, you will regularly work alongside hardware engineers, firmware developers, quality assurance testers, and product managers to ensure seamless integration of software and hardware components. This collaboration often involves participating in design reviews, troubleshooting system-level issues, and aligning software development with hardware constraints and product requirements. Strong communication skills are essential for bridging technical gaps and ensuring project timelines are met. You'll also mentor junior engineers and contribute to architectural decisions, making cross-functional teamwork a key part of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Staff Embedded Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Staff Embedded Software Engineer, you need expertise in embedded systems programming (C/C++), a strong grasp of hardware-software integration, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), version control systems (like Git), and debugging tools is typically required, along with experience in industry standards and certifications such as ISO 26262 or MISRA. Excellent problem-solving skills, effective communication, and leadership abilities help you collaborate across teams and mentor junior engineers. These skills ensure the delivery of reliable, efficient embedded solutions and drive innovation in complex product environments.

What is the difference between Staff Embedded Software Engineer vs Embedded Software Engineer?

AspectStaff Embedded Software EngineerEmbedded Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; experience in embedded systemsBachelor's degree in similar fields; entry to mid-level experience in embedded systems
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, and testing embedded software for complex systems in industries like automotive, aerospace, or consumer electronicsDeveloping embedded software for various devices, often in manufacturing or product development settings
Industry UsageCommonly used in large tech, automotive, aerospace, and industrial companiesWidely used across startups, mid-sized, and large companies in electronics and device manufacturing

The main difference between a Staff Embedded Software Engineer and an Embedded Software Engineer lies in experience level, scope of responsibilities, and project complexity. Staff engineers typically lead projects, mentor teams, and handle more complex systems, while embedded software engineers focus on developing and testing embedded code within their teams.

What does a Staff Embedded Software Engineer do?

A Staff Embedded Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software that runs on embedded systems—specialized computing devices found in products such as cars, medical devices, and industrial machines. They are responsible for writing code that interacts directly with hardware, optimizing performance, and ensuring reliability. In addition to hands-on development, staff-level engineers often mentor junior engineers, contribute to system architecture, and help set technical direction for projects. Their work is crucial in ensuring that embedded systems function safely and efficiently in their intended environments.
What are popular job titles related to Staff Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California? For Staff Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Staff Embedded Software Engineer jobs near you
Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$123K - $186K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Job Title: Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Reports To: Director, RF Engineering

FLSA Status: Exempt

Last Modified: 06/03/2026

Level: T4

Range: $123,600 - $186,000

Location: Santa Clara, CA– Onsite 5 Days a week


Company Overview

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. is a leading global technology company providing terrestrial and wireless network solutions, next-generation 9-1-1 emergency services, satellite and space communications technologies, and cloud-native capabilities to commercial and government customers around the world. Our unique culture of innovation and employee empowerment unleashes a relentless passion for customer success. With multiple facilities located in technology corridors throughout the United States and around the world, Comtech leverages our global presence, technology leadership, and decades of experience to create the world’s most innovative communications solutions. For more information, please visit www.comtech.com.

We’re seeking curious, growth-minded thinkers to help shape our vision, structures, and systems; playing a key role as we launch into our ambitious future. If you’re invigorated by our mission, values, and drive to change the world — we’d love to have you apply.


Position Summary

Comtech is seeking an experienced Staff Embedded Software Engineer who will provide support for Linux operating systems, running on embedded microprocessors or field programmable gate array (FPGA) system-on-a-chip, (SoC) environments, etc.


Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, document, debug and test of Linux-based embedded software with FPGA SoC systems; including:
  • Embedded Linux: Kernel /Yocto/ U-Boot /DeviceTree
  • Board Support Packages (BSP)
  • Userspace Drivers for FPGA IP (C++)
  • Firmware for Embedded Microcontrollers (C)
  • Utilize strong communication skills to effectively work and communicate with team members and engineering management.

Qualifications

  • Strong embedded software engineer with FPGA/ASIC SoC design experience
  • Strong FPGA Implementation with Xilinx, Vivado, or Altera Quartus
  • Experience designing/debugging SoC systems with AMBA-compliant AXI and APB interfaces
  • Experience implementing Network Protocols, such as:
  • L1: IEEE 802.3, Cisco, Q/SFP+ MSA standards for Ethernet (1G to 100G)
  • L2/L3: IPv4, IPv6, ARP, ICMP, IGMP, UDP, TCP
  • Proficient in SW development with C,C++and GIT version control
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, etc.)
  • Demonstrated experience supporting multi-disciplinary, cross functional and matrixed teams

Desired Qualifications

  • Working knowledge with SATCOM waveforms like DVB-S2X and/or 5G NTN 3GPP Rel 17/18
  • Working knowledge of communication networks and security within a zero-trust environment
  • Experience with Partial Reconfiguration/DFX or PCIe CvP
  • Experience implementing Transceiver Protocols:
  • PCI Express, Interlaken, USB SuperSpeed
  • 1000BASE-X/SGMII, 10GBASE-R, 40GBASE-4, 100GBASE-R4

Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.

Experience:

  • 10+ years of Embedded Software design experience.


About Us

This position requires compliance with Comtech’s Drug-Free Workplace Program. Candidates must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire. Employees may be subject to random, reasonable suspicion, and post-incident testing. Illegal drug use — including marijuana, regardless of state law — is disqualifying under federal adjudicative guidelines and DoD DFARS requirements.

The pay range reflects the expected base salary for this position. Final compensation will be based on role, level, skills, experience, and geographic location. 

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.