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Staff Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in California

Next Step Systems

Embedded Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$154K - $203K/yr

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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 Jun 13, 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:
What job categories do people searching Staff Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Staff Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California are:
Staff Embedded Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Staff Embedded Software Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 81% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $151,375 per year, or $72.8 per hour.
Sr Staff Missiles Embedded Software IPT Lead (AHT)

Sr Staff Missiles Embedded Software IPT Lead (AHT)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Los Angeles, CA

$192K - $289K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 339 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 518 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems has an opening for a Senior Staff Embedded Software IPT Lead to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Advanced Weapons business unit located in Northridge, CA. As an integral part of our multi-discipline engineering team in Advanced Weapons, you will be on the forefront of developing next generation solutions to protect technology for our nation's warfighters. The Sr Staff Embedded Software IPT Lead is responsible for leading multiple software teams for development activities.

This position is required to be full-time and on-site at the Northridge, CA location. No remote/telework arrangement is available for this position.Applicants must have an active US Government DoD Secret security clearance with ability to get cleared for SAP.

The Senior Staff Embedded Software IPT Lead 6 drives the endtoend development of embedded software solutions within a crossfunctional Integrated Product Team to support one of our programs for defining and architecting a secured missile weapon system. This position will require close collaboration with team members of other projects within the organization for requirements, architecture, and designs. The role requires engagement with external partners as well as customers.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Lead engineering teams supporting Operational Flight Package (OFP) Software, DevOps, Software Architecture and Requirements, Engineering Tools, and Ground Support Equipment Software
  • Manage the Software Development Lifecycle to develop production ready software for the next program phase
  • Serve as a Cost Account Manager (CAM) involved with planning, budgeting, executing and progress reporting for a team of software, DevOps, and integration and test engineers
  • Identify and mitigate execution risks to engineering development on the program
  • Determine the staffing needed to execute
  • Manage the Interoffice Work Order for cross sector collaboration
  • Perform integration and testing of OFP on hardware systems
  • Address cost and schedule variances and create corrective action plans
  • Ensure the team is compliant with NG software processes, software best practices, and the software development plan
  • Serve as a technical liaison to the program manager and customer to ensure work packages are executed on time and on budget
  • Interface with the customer and internal leadership to report status and technical challenges/opportunities
  • Collect and present program metrics and identify areas for recovery
  • Coordinate between the Chief Engineer, Systems Engineers, Software Architect, Software Systems Engineers, Integration & Test Lead, Software Engineering Lead, Program Manager, and customer to ensure the integrity and executability of the program technical baseline

Basic qualifications Sr Staff Embedded Software IPT Lead (Level 6):

  • Bachelors in STEM with 14+ years of embedded software engineering or related experience; or a Masters in STEM with 12+ years of the same, or a PhD in STEM with 10+ years of the mentioned experience
  • Experience leading an Integrated Product Team of 20 or more
  • Experience with Cost Account Management (CAM) & EVMS duties and responsibilities
  • Risk/Opportunity/Issue management experience related to complex hardware and software subsystems
  • Experience with integration of electronics into a system of systems
  • Active US Government DoD Secret security clearance with ability to get cleared for SAP

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with complex issue resolution with internal and external stakeholders
  • Masters in STEM degree
  • Experience with Flight Software
  • Extensive experience with software and system architecture

#LI-MA1

Primary Level Salary Range: $192,800.00 - $289,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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