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Temporary Embedded Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Element Science

Senior Firmware Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Our product, a wearable patch defibrillator, is designed for patients with a temporary elevated ... The embedded software runs on wearable medical devices to detect, record and analyze ECG signals ...

Element Science

Senior Firmware Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Our product, a wearable patch defibrillator, is designed for patients with a temporary elevated ... The embedded software runs on wearable medical devices to detect, record and analyze ECG signals ...

TEKsystems

Hardware Development Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$119K - $164K/yr

Skills Embedded software, Embedded c, Multithreading, Hardware, Rf engineering, Schematic, GPS ... This temporary role may be eligible for the following: * Medical, dental & vision * 401(k)/Roth

TEKsystems

Hardware Development Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$119K - $164K/yr

Skills Embedded software, Embedded c, Multithreading, Hardware, Rf engineering, Schematic, GPS ... This temporary role may be eligible for the following: * Medical, dental & vision * 401(k)/Roth

Shield AI

Staff Hardware Recruiter

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Proven success recruiting Electrical Engineers, Power Electronics Engineers, Embedded Hardware ... Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment ...

Shield AI

Staff Hardware Recruiter

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Proven success recruiting Electrical Engineers, Power Electronics Engineers, Embedded Hardware ... Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment ...

Mizuho OSI

Electrical Engineer

Union City, CA · On-site

Assign work to designers, technicians, or temporary workers as necessary. * Develop new ... Working knowledge of embedded controls with micro-processors. * Working knowledge of motors, motor ...

Mizuho OSI

Electrical Engineer

Union City, CA · On-site

Assign work to designers, technicians, or temporary workers as necessary. * Develop new ... Working knowledge of embedded controls with micro-processors. * Working knowledge of motors, motor ...

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All JobsEmbedded Engineer JobsTemporary Embedded Engineer JobsTemporary Embedded Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Temporary Embedded Engineer information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$73.4K

$161.2K

$225.5K

How much do temporary embedded engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary embedded engineer in Santa Clara, CA is $161,219.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,900.00 and $192,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary embedded engineer?

Temporary Embedded Engineers are professionals hired on a short-term contract basis to design, develop, or troubleshoot embedded systems, which are specialized computing systems integrated into larger devices or products. They typically work on projects requiring expertise in hardware, firmware, or software for embedded platforms, and may assist with prototyping, testing, or debugging during critical phases. Temporary Embedded Engineers are often brought in to address immediate needs, cover staff shortages, or provide specialized skills for a specific duration.

What are some common challenges temporary embedded engineers face when joining a new project mid-development?

Temporary Embedded Engineers often encounter challenges such as quickly understanding existing codebases, aligning with established development processes, and integrating into teams with established workflows. Adapting to proprietary hardware or unfamiliar toolchains can also be demanding. Success in the role often depends on strong communication skills, the ability to swiftly learn new systems, and proactively seeking clarification from team members to ensure seamless project contribution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary embedded engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Embedded Engineer, you need expertise in embedded systems design, proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with development tools like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, debuggers, and version control systems, as well as experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS), is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication are essential soft skills for quickly integrating into new teams and projects. These competencies enable rapid contribution to project goals, efficient troubleshooting, and seamless collaboration in fast-paced, time-limited assignments.

What is the difference between Temporary Embedded Engineer vs Embedded Software Developer?

AspectTemporary Embedded EngineerEmbedded Software Developer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; certifications like ARM or IoT are a plusUsually holds a degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related; certifications vary but often include embedded systems or programming languages
Work EnvironmentContract-based, often on-site or remote, working on specific projects for limited durationsFull-time or freelance, working on software development, debugging, and system integration
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and IoT sectorsPrevalent in consumer electronics, robotics, and embedded systems companies

The main difference is that a Temporary Embedded Engineer is hired for short-term projects focusing on embedded hardware and firmware, while an Embedded Software Developer typically works on long-term software development within embedded systems. Both roles require similar technical skills but differ mainly in employment type and project scope.

Are temporary embedded engineers in demand?

Temporary embedded engineers are in demand due to the growing need for specialized skills in hardware and firmware development across industries such as automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. Employers seek professionals with experience in C/C++, real-time operating systems, and debugging tools, making these roles valuable for project-based and short-term assignments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA?

The most popular types of Embedded Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Temporary Embedded Engineer jobs?

Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Temporary Embedded Engineer job openings:

Temporary Embedded Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Embedded Engineer job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $161,219 per year, or $77.5 per hour.

Electrical & Computer Engineer (Temporary/Contract)

Ceribell, Inc

Sunnyvale, CA

Contractor, Temporary

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Electrical/Computer Engineer to contribute to late-stage phases of electrical/computer bring-up and development for the next-generation of medical devices. We have working prototypes of most peripherals on various development platforms (Raspberry Pi and Arduino) and need an experienced embedded engineer to port, integrate, bring up, and test these on the target host, then help drive the design toward manufacturing readiness. This is a hands-on, fast-moving role in a design that is still evolving.

We are looking for someone comfortable with ambiguity, who can independently debug at the hardware/firmware boundary, and who can turn prototype code into reliable, testable integrations on the target platform.

This is a 6-month Contract role.

What You'll Do

  • Driver development & porting: Migrate proven peripheral prototypes from Raspberry Pi and Arduino development platforms onto the target platform and/or the analog-front-end MCU, adapting drivers, device-tree/bus configuration, and control logic to the target.
  • Bring-up & integration: Bring up peripherals on target hardware, validate electrical interfaces (I2C, MIPI-CSI, GPIO/PWM, audio), and integrate individual peripherals into a working system.
  • Control algorithms: Develop and tune peripheral control logic.
  • Troubleshooting & debug: Diagnose and resolve hardware/firmware issues on the bench using scopes, logic analyzers, and protocol tools; isolate whether issues are electrical, driver, or timing/configuration.
  • Test: Author and execute test procedures to verify peripheral functionality, performance, and reliability; capture results and support related documentation.
  • Manufacturing transfer (as needed): Support the eventual transfer of bring-up and test work toward production, including documentation and vendor coordination.
  • Collaboration: Work alongside internal engineers and other contractors; communicate status, risks, and technical trade-offs clearly.

What You'll Need

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of hands-on embedded development experience.
  • Strong embedded Linux experience on ARM SoCs, including device tree, kernel/driver configuration, and userspace/kernel debugging.
  • Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded targets; comfortable reading and adapting existing driver code.
  • Hands-on experience bringing up and integrating peripherals over I2C, MIPI-CSI/camera, GPIO/PWM, and audio (I2S/ALSA).
  • Demonstrated ability to port prototype code (e.g., Raspberry Pi / Arduino) onto a production-target host and MCU.
  • Strong bench-debug skills with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, and protocol/bus analyzers.
  • Ability to work independently through ambiguity and drive problems to resolution with minimal hand-holding.
  • Clear written and verbal technical communication, including assisting test-oriented techs with performing reliability / corner-case / etc. testing
  • On-site availability (3-5 days/week) for lab and bench work.

 Would Be Great If You Have:

  • Camera/imaging experience: V4L2, libcamera, ISP tuning, or MIPI-CSI-2 integration.
  • Experience with sensor fusion or closed-loop control (e.g., light-adaptive LED control).
  • Audio pipeline experience on embedded Linux (ALSA / device tree audio) or on MCUs.
  • Experience authoring and executing verification test procedures in a regulated environment.
  • Familiarity with schematic tools (Altium preferred) sufficient to read and redline. Schematics/layout ownership is not required for this role.
  • Version control (Git) and issue/project-tracking tools.

 

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