ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Staff Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in California

Abbott

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Alameda, CA

$149K - $196K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Lightmatter

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$175K - $220K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are hiring a talented software engineer to help us build the next generation of photonic AI ... Debug and troubleshoot embedded systems using tools such as GDB, JTAG, and logic analyzers.

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 14, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,375 per year, or $72.8 per hour.

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA

$177K - $265K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 539 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.

Job Description

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our organization is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter.

Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.

We are looking for you to join our team as a Staff Embedded Engineer Software based out of San Diego, CA.

What You'll Get to Do:

In this role you will design, develop, integrate and test software for our end-user customers and businesses, primarily focused on cryptographic software code bases. Specifically, you will be responsible for the design, architecture, development, and administration of embedded and real time systems. You will work with multi-disciplinary teams, such as with Systems Engineering, Cloud & Application, Test Automation, DevSecOps and Systems Test, in an Agile software development environment. You will analyze system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls.

This position is contingent upon Program Award, Clearance and Customer Approval

Staff Engineer Embedded Software Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or another STEM discipline with 12 years of related experience, or Master's degree with 10 years or a PhD with 8 years of experience

  • Experience with Crypto Systems or Rust

  • Proficient in C/C++

  • Proficient in Object Oriented programming

  • Proficient in all areas of the formal software lifecycle process from requirements to testing

  • Experience integrating low-level firmware and software in complex real-time multi-threaded embedded applications

  • Experience with RTOSdesigns and implementing secure software for embedded systems

  • Experience with ARM architectures and peripherals

  • Experience using Jira/Bitbucket/Git and the Agile software development process

  • Must currently hold a U.S Department of Defense (DoD) Secret level security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Xilinx platforms (Zynq, Ultrascale+, and VERSAL)

  • Familiarity with Xilinx tools (Vitis, Vivado)

  • Experience with Yocto/Petalinx

  • Familiarity with HAIPE, OTNK, and/or IKE

  • Familiarity with latest NSA Security Standards

  • Experience with Communication Protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, Ethernet)

  • Experience with TCP/IP and common network configurations

  • Experience implementing cryptographic mechanisms using dedicated software libraries

  • Familiarity with Linux kernel driver development/modifications

  • Familiarity with assembly language

  • Familiarity with bare metal embedded device drivers

  • Familiarity with PowerPC architectures and peripherals

  • Familiarity with VHDL/Verilog/FPGA

  • Familiarity with IBM tools (Rhapsody, DOORS, Clearcase)

  • Familiarity with Green Hills AdaMulti

  • Familiarity with Static Analysis and Unit Testing

  • Current active Top Secret Clearance

  • Current active SAP clearance

  • Currently engaged in Networked Information Solutions program portfolio(s)

Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00The 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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Northrop Grumman logo

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

View All Northrop Grumman Jobs

Apply