Embedded Software Engineer
Hybrid San Diego Full-time Mid-level Embedded & Firmware
At a glance
Mid-level Embedded & Firmware role at Zoox. San Diego · full-time · $164,000–$223,000 base.
SalaryStated by Zoox
$164,000 – $223,000
Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.
This role, from ZooxOur estimate for the market: $123,638–$175,500Median $137,500
Above the market median of $137,500 for mid-level embedded & firmware roles in San Diego.
Worked out from 11 postings that stated pay, median $137,500. Last updated Oct 2, 2026.
RoleEmbedded & Firmware
SeniorityMid-level
LocationSan Diego
WorkplaceHybrid
EmploymentFull-time
Base pay$164,000–$223,000
PostedJun 10, 2026 · 4mo ago
Role brief
techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Develop, debug, test and improve software across several real-time embedded platforms
- Build board support packages covering compilers, bootloaders, drivers and real-time operating systems
- Create reusable low-level frameworks and interfaces that make embedded application work easier to test and port
- Bring new platforms online by resolving hardware and low-level software issues with electrical engineers and suppliers
- Contribute from early prototypes and requirements through implementation and validation
What you bring
- A computer science or electrical engineering degree, or equivalent experience
- At least three years building real-time embedded software for distributed electromechanical systems
- Strong C and C++ skills, plus practical experience with microcontrollers or microprocessors
- Experience with Linux or a real-time operating system, and with lab or data-acquisition equipment
Who this fits
This role suits an embedded engineer who likes working close to hardware and building robust, reusable software. It is a mid-level, full-time hybrid position in San Diego.
From the employer
Zoox is looking for an embedded software engineer to join our Firmware Platforms team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing, extending, and maintaining support for multiple embedded platforms for the Zoox vehicle. You will work closely with electrical engineers, embedded software engineers, and validation engineers to enable support for new advanced platforms and accelerate application development across multiple projects. We are looking for people who are passionate about diving deep into the hardware and creating robust and reusable software.
Responsibilities
- Architect, develop, debug, optimize, review, and test software for multiple real-time embedded platforms
- Develop and maintain board support packages for multiple platforms, including compiler, bootloader, drivers, and real-time operating system
- Build low-level frameworks, interfaces, and infrastructure to make our embedded application development faster, simpler, more portable, and more testable
- Bring-up of new embedded platforms by working with electrical engineers, suppliers, and vendors to identify and solve hardware and low-level software issues
- Contribute to all phases of the software development cycle, including prototyping, requirements capture, design, implementation, and validation
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or equivalent experience
- 3+ years of experience developing real-time embedded software for distributed electromechanical systems
- Strong embedded C++/C programming experience
- Strong experience with micro-controllers and/or microprocessors
- Programming skills in C and C++, Linux, QNX, FreeRTOS, or SafeRTOS
- Experience with common lab equipment and data acquisition equipment(DACs, debuggers, power supplies, multimeters, etc.)
Bonus Qualifications
- Experience with automotive communication protocols and stacks (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, Wifi, LTE, 5G, NFC, UWB, etc.)
- Ability to read and provide feedback on PCB schematics