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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

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our IT recruiting agencies and staffing companies can help. We help companies that are looking to hire Embedded Software Engineers for jobs in Santa Clara, California and in other cities too. Please ...

Rivian

Staff Embedded Software Engineer, Autonomy

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$206K - $258K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Role Summary As a Staff Software Engineer specializing in safety-critical self-driving embedded software, you will play a vital role in the design, development, and deployment of software that ...

Rivian

Staff Embedded Software Engineer, Autonomy

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$206K - $258K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Role Summary As a Staff Software Engineer specializing in safety-critical self-driving embedded software, you will play a vital role in the design, development, and deployment of software that ...

Rivian

Staff Embedded Software Engineer, Autonomy

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$206K - $258K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Role Summary As a Staff Software Engineer specializing in safety-critical self-driving embedded software, you will play a vital role in the design, development, and deployment of software that ...

Synovix, Inc.

Embedded Software Engineer

Woodland Hills, CA · On-site

$103K - $194K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Real-time embedded software Location: Northridge, CA Position Overview Synovix is seeking two experienced Embedded Software Engineers to support an on-site missile and ...

New

Transcend Softech LLC

Embedded Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$141K - $185K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Location: Irvine, California (onsite) Duration: Long Term Contract/Full time option as well. Job Overview: We are looking for an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to ...

Purple Hires Inc

Embedded Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$141K - $185K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Location: Irvine, California, 100% onsite (In-Person Interview) Domain - Avionics/Aerospace Domain Below is the detailed for your reference - Job Overview: We are looking ...

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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 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.

Senior / Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Waabi

San Francisco, CA • Hybrid

$148K - $249K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

The Embedded Software team owns our low-level software integration platform, coordinating communications amongst modules, low level control algorithms and safety assurance processes. Most of the work the Embedded team does requires access to the actual hardware, whether it be boards or vehicles. The intent of this position is to build best in class capabilities around embedded software development.
 
You will...
- Implement low-level, safety critical embedded software for truck control functions such as engine control, steering and braking.
- Integrate sensors and vehicle actuation feedback with our localization and control systems in order to implement redundant safety features.
- Collaborate with our hardware, safety and systems teams on design, build and validation of highly reliable next generation systems.
- Develop software according to industry-best practices for safe, reliable and robust code.
- Support the bring up and operation of the autonomous platform, both remotely and on-site.
- Work with our other software and autonomy engineers on implementing the low-level functions necessary to drive success in the autonomous vehicle field.
 
Qualifications:
- An experienced (5+ years) developer who codes embedded software on low level ARM microcontrollers and processors (sometimes with an RTOS) with one hand while wielding an oscilloscope probe with the other.
- A developer who cares about building beautiful (but pragmatic) reusable embedded code and the systems to test and maintain that code.
- A technical leader who enjoys mentoring junior developers and engineers and collaborating across teamsSomeone who has deep experience with any of  C/C++/Rust (we primarily use Rust).
- Experienced working on safety-critical, hi-reliability software projects following relevant industry safety standards.
 
Requirements: This position is an onsite/hybrid position that will require onsite 3-5 days per week. This position will be hands-on partnering closely with our Compute, Hardware, and Sensor teams.
The US yearly salary range for this role is: $148,000 - $249,000 USD in addition to competitive perks & benefits. Waabi (US) Inc.'s yearly salary ranges are determined based on several factors in accordance with the Company's compensation practices. The salary base range is reflective of the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Note: The Company provides additional compensation for employees in this role, including equity incentive awards and an annual performance bonus.
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.
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