> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2311942-embedded-systems-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2311942-embedded-systems-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Embedded Systems Engineer - **Company:** Umbra Inc. - **Location:** Santa Barbara, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $150,000.0 - $180,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Board Bringup, C (Programming Language), Agile Methodology, Systems Engineering, Automation of Tests, Configuration Management, Software Quality, Code Review, Computer Engineering, Continuous Delivery, Continuous Integration, Datasheets, Software Debugging, Embedded C, Embedded Software, Firmware, Hardware Design, Integrated Development Environments, Joint Test Action (IEEE Standards), Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Engineering, System Testing, Systems Integration, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, PIC Microcontroller, Hardware Testing, Reliability of Systems, Git, System-level Testing, Bare Metal, Front End Software Development, Software Version Control, Hardware Debugging - **Published:** August 30, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/embedded-systems-engineer-santa-barbara-ca--f51278cb-1308-4e8d-a4b7-b49be10b2af4 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field. * 5+ years of professional experience in embedded systems or firmware development. * Experience developing and debugging embedded communication and control interfaces, including SPI, UART/SCI (e.g., RS-485), and GPIO/interrupts. * Strong proficiency in embedded C and/or Rust programming. * Experience working with bare-metal microcontrollers. * Hands-on experience with hardware bring-up and debugging on physical systems. * Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and data sheets. * Experience with debugging tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and debuggers (e.g., JTAG/SWD). * Experience with system integration and verification. * Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and collaborative development workflows. * Strong problem-solving skills and ability to execute independently. * Effective communication and ability to work in a cross-functional team environment. Desired Qualifications * Experience with RTOS-based embedded systems. * Familiarity with hardware/software integration at the system level. * Experience contributing to CI/CD pipelines or automated test infrastructure for embedded systems. * Experience developing or maintaining HALs, drivers, or shared firmware libraries. * Background in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability environments. * Comfort working in a fast-paced, hardware-centric development environment. * Demonstrated ownership of projects from concept through validation. * Experience working in Agile/PI planning environments. * Experience supporting system-level testing or qualification efforts., Adverse Events, Aerospace and Defense, Agile Programming Methodologies, Architectural Design, Avionics, Benchmarking, Boundary Scan, C Programming Language, Campaigns, Code Reviews, Communication Skills, Computer Engineering, Computer Firmware, Continuous Deployment/Delivery, Continuous Integration, Control Systems, Cross-Functional, Datasheets, Debugging Skills, Debugging Tools, Documentation, Documentation Design, Ecosystems, Electrical Engineering, Electricity, Embedded Systems, Git, Graphic Design, Hardware Administration, Hardware Debugging, Hardware Design, Hardware Development, Hardware-Software Integration, High Reliability, Identify Issues, Leadership, Leading Edge Technology, Legal, Logic Analyzer, Machine Tool, Microcontroller, Oscilloscope, Problem Solving Skills, Prototyping, RS-485, Realtime Operating System, Rust Programming Language, Schematics, Software Design, Software Engineering, Source Code/Configuration Management (SCM), System Integration (SI), System Test, Systems Engineering, Systems Reliability, Team Player, Technical Delivery, Test Automation, Test Design, Test Plan/Schedule, Testing, Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (UART), Wheel/Front-End Loader ## Description Umbra is seeking an Embedded Systems Engineer with a strong firmware background to support development of mission-critical satellite systems. This role focuses on bare-metal embedded development, system integration, and hardware bring-up, with opportunities to contribute across the full lifecycle-from prototype to flight-ready systems. You will work closely with electrical, software, and systems engineers to build and validate embedded solutions on real hardware. This role is ideal for someone who can take well-defined problems, execute quickly, and contribute to improving firmware infrastructure, tooling, and system reliability. This position is based on-site in our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office. Key Responsibilities * Design, implement, and debug low-level drivers (SPI, UART/RS-485, GPIO, timers, interrupts). * Participate in code reviews and MR support, ensuring code quality and maintainability. * Contribute to architecture/design documentation (e.g., RFCs, ADRs, timing diagrams, interface definitions). * Develop embedded firmware in C and Rust for bare-metal and RTOS-based microcontroller systems. * Bring up and debug hardware systems, including board-level validation and peripheral integration. * Support system integration and verification across avionics, radios, and other spacecraft subsystems. * Define and execute test plans for firmware and hardware validation. * Troubleshoot issues across firmware, hardware, and system interfaces. * Contribute to shared firmware infrastructure, including HALs, drivers, and reusable libraries. * Improve development workflows through contributions to repository structure, CI/CD, and test infrastructure. * Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, systems, and flight software engineers. * Document designs, test procedures, and debugging processes to ensure repeatability and reliability. * Support test campaigns and mission-critical milestones as needed. ## Related Videos - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [Single Server, Global Reach: Running a Worldwide Marketplace on Bare Metal in a Cloud-Dominated World](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1206-single-server-global-reach-running-a-worldwide-marketplace-on-bare-metal-in-a-cloud-dominated-world) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [Agile work at CARIAD – Creating a customer web application for controlling the vehicle ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/200-agile-work-at-cariad-creating-a-customer-web-application-for-controlling-the-vehicle) - [How to Avoid Tech Hype Traps - Josip Stuhli](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1817-how-to-avoid-tech-hype-traps-josip-stuhli) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers) - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer) - [Dev Digest 120 - Apple and peers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/455-dev-digest-120-apple-and-peers) - [Now is the time for industrialized software development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/601-now-is-the-time-for-industrialized-software-development)