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Volunteer Embedded System Design Jobs in California

Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$215K - $260K/yr

Lead the design, implementation, and validation of embedded software systems to meet stringent performance and safety requirements for reliable and successful long-duration missions. * Technical ...

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Volunteer Embedded System Design information

What is the difference between Volunteer Embedded System Design vs Volunteer Firmware Developer?

AspectVolunteer Embedded System DesignVolunteer Firmware Developer
CredentialsBasic knowledge of embedded systems, possibly some certificationsSimilar credentials, often with programming certifications
Work EnvironmentHands-on hardware and software integration, often in non-profit or educational settingsPrimarily coding and debugging firmware, often in collaborative projects
Industry UsageUsed in IoT, robotics, and hardware projectsFocused on firmware development for embedded devices
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in embedded projects, volunteering opportunitiesLooking for firmware-specific volunteer roles in embedded systems

Volunteer Embedded System Design involves designing and integrating hardware and software for embedded projects, often requiring hardware knowledge. Volunteer Firmware Developer focuses on writing and debugging firmware code for embedded devices. Both roles share similar skills but differ in scope: design versus coding. Understanding these differences helps volunteers choose roles aligned with their skills and interests in embedded systems projects.

How to get experience with embedded systems?

To gain experience as a volunteer in embedded system design, work on personal or open-source projects using microcontrollers like Arduino or Raspberry Pi, and learn programming languages such as C or C++. Building practical skills through hands-on projects, internships, or online courses helps develop understanding of hardware-software integration and embedded development tools.

Will AI replace embedded systems?

Embedded system design professionals focus on creating specialized hardware and software for devices; AI is more likely to augment rather than replace these roles. AI can automate certain tasks within embedded systems, but human expertise remains essential for development, integration, and ensuring reliability in complex applications.

Are embedded systems in high demand?

Embedded systems design is a growing field with increasing demand across industries such as automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics. Skilled professionals with knowledge of microcontrollers, real-time operating systems, and programming languages like C and C++ are sought after to develop and maintain these systems. The demand is driven by advancements in IoT, automation, and connected devices.

What are some typical projects and collaborative opportunities for a Volunteer Embedded System Design role?

As a Volunteer Embedded System Design professional, you'll often work on projects such as prototyping sensor devices, developing firmware for microcontrollers, or supporting open-source hardware initiatives. These projects usually involve collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including software developers, electrical engineers, and project coordinators. You'll have the chance to contribute directly to impactful solutions, gain hands-on experience, and expand your professional network. Volunteer roles often provide flexibility and mentorship, making them excellent opportunities for skill development and career growth.

What are Volunteer Embedded System Designers?

Volunteer Embedded System Designers are individuals who offer their expertise in creating, programming, and testing embedded systems without monetary compensation, often for non-profit organizations or community projects. They work with microcontrollers, sensors, and software to develop functional prototypes or products that address specific needs. These volunteers may participate in projects like building assistive devices, environmental monitors, or educational kits. Their work not only supports important causes but also helps them gain valuable experience and contribute to technological advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Volunteer Embedded System Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer Embedded System Designer, you generally need a background in electrical or computer engineering, solid programming skills (such as C/C++), and experience with microcontrollers. Familiarity with development tools like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, oscilloscopes, and relevant IDEs, as well as knowledge of PCB design and debugging, is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure you can design, implement, and troubleshoot reliable embedded systems that meet project goals, even in resource-constrained volunteer environments.

What is the hourly rate for embedded developer?

The hourly rate for an embedded system design developer typically ranges from $30 to $80, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Entry-level developers may earn closer to $30-$40 per hour, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn over $70-$80 per hour.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded System Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Embedded System Design jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Volunteer Embedded System Design jobs? Cities in California with the most Volunteer Embedded System Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Volunteer Embedded System Design job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.
Engineer Embedded System Engineering

Engineer Embedded System Engineering

Western Digital

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Company Description

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy.

As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That's where we come in.

We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide.

This isn't theoretical work. It's real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today.

We're looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level.

Join us and let's shape the future of data.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Embedded System Engineer to provide electronics support to firmware, manufacturing, and customer facing teams for all HDD products:
  • Provide firmware support. Collaborate with firmware development teams to ensure new hardware features are utilized completely and correctly. Work with the FW and HW design team to quickly resolve any electronic issues to ensure product schedules are not gated - includes working with the FW team to come up with a Firmware solution for hardware use cases.
  • Provide Manufacturing Support. Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure electronic issues are quickly resolved to not impact yield, quality, or shipments to customers. Develop tools and data mining strategies to monitor and assess failure trends in manufacturing.
  • Provide Customer Support. Collaborate with FAE and WWFA teams to ensure issues do not delay qualification or impact customer satisfaction. Data mining of customer data for failure trends.
  • Embedded System Engineers have broad system level knowledge and some subject matter expertise in one or more areas of the design. They should be aware of technical advances within their area of specialization and may contribute to setting the direction necessary for the group to continuously improve its ability to solve problems and provide support.
  • Embedded System Engineers should utilize methodical problem-solving processes.  They are proficient in using debug tools and techniques. They should own and maintain the tools utilized in their area of expertise. They should be able to independently solve complex problems in their area of expertise.
  • Engineers should meet their goals with some direction and supervision. They should proactively provide status with clear and concise summaries of complex problems.
Qualifications

REQUIRED

  • BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Computer Engineering
  • Experience with failure modes to triage system failures, and use of tools to isolate failure(s) of a particular design area: Blink Codes, error logs (ShowStop/Debug Snapshots), Bus Traces, firmware Event Trace Logging (ETL), debug PCBA design 
  • Experience with high speed signal guidelines of printed circuit boards and ability to identify potential signal integrity problems when reviewing schematics
  • Proficient in Hardware debug using oscilloscopes, signal generators, logic analyzers, bus analyzers, hardware embedded trace, test muxes, GHS Probe, and Serial Debugger.
  • System level knowledge of HDD with understanding of both firmware and hardware.

SKILLS

  • Experience programming using C++ code.
  • Ability to modify code for design-of-experiments.
  • Ability to develop and maintain test scripts written in TCL and Python. 
  • Strong Problem Solving including practical knowledge of A3 and 8D methodologies.
  • Strong communication. Especially the ability to collaborate across engineering organizations, geographies, and cultures. Also, the ability to provide clear and concise summaries of complex problems.
Additional Information

WD is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person's gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person's assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" poster. Our pay transparency policy is available here.

WD thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

WD is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at [email protected] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

Based on our experience, we anticipate that the application deadline will be 10/10/2026 (3 months from posting), although we reserve the right to close the application process sooner if we hire an applicant for this position before the application deadline. If we are not able to hire someone from this role before the application deadline, we will update this posting with a new anticipated application deadline.

#LI-TD1

Compensation & Benefits Details

  • An employee's pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
  • The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting.  We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York.  This range may be modified in the future.
  • If your position is non-exempt, you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws.  You may also be eligible for shift differential pay, depending on the shift to which you are assigned.
  • You will be eligible to be considered for bonuses under either WD's Short Term Incentive Plan ("STI Plan") or the Sales Incentive Plan ("SIP") which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance, depending on your role and your performance. You may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to WD's Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.

  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program; employee stock purchase plan; and the WD Savings 401(k) Plan.
  • Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Notice To Candidates: Please be aware that WD and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to WD Ethics Helpline or email [email protected].