Demo

Software Engineer

Horizontal Talent
Foster, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 7/31/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/31/2026
Join a cutting-edge autonomy team building embedded software and test infrastructure for safety-critical systems in an innovative, fast-paced environment. This onsite contract role in Foster City, CA offers the opportunity to work on high-performance embedded Linux software, automation frameworks, and hardware/software sensor emulation that support advanced vehicle validation.
Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and maintain production-quality C applications for embedded Linux with a focus on low-latency, high-performance user-space and kernel-space solutions
  • Create Python-based automation tools and frameworks to improve test execution, integration, and performance validation
  • Build and enhance sensor emulation capabilities and support existing validation assets and test frameworks
  • Integrate embedded software with FPGA-based systems and ECU hardware using interfaces such as Ethernet, I2C, SPI, and CAN
  • Investigate and resolve hardware and software issues through end-to-end verification and troubleshooting
  • Partner cross-functionally to support the development of reliable, safety-focused automated test infrastructure
Skills
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • 4 years of relevant industry experience in embedded software development
  • Strong C development experience focused on performance and low-latency applications
  • Extensive Linux development background, including networking and system-level programming
  • Proficiency with Python and test automation tools such as Pytest
  • Experience with Git, build systems such as Bazel, and unit testing frameworks such as GTest
  • Hands-on experience with embedded hardware/software integration using Ethernet, I2C, SPI, and CAN
  • Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to support reliable product verification
Preferred Skills
  • Experience with Linux kernel development and device driver implementation
  • Background developing embedded software for ARM cores using Xilinx SDK and MPSoC platforms
  • Familiarity with Yocto or PetaLinux
  • Exposure to FPGA development, SystemVerilog, or HDL verification
  • Knowledge of high-speed protocols such as PCIe and MIPI CSI-2
  • Understanding of Precision Time Protocol (PTP / IEEE 1588) and Automotive Ethernet
  • Ability to read electronic schematics and familiarity with PCB design and manufacturing workflows

Horizontal is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds who bring unique perspectives, skills, and experiences. We believe inclusive teams help create better solutions, and we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that Horizontal Talent may contact you regarding your application using automated technology, including phone calls, SMS/text messages, or email, which may be delivered by our virtual AI recruiter, Alex.

Salary.com Estimation for Software Engineer in Foster, CA
$87,842 to $106,890
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Software Engineer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Software Engineer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$97,257 - $120,701
Income Estimation: 
$123,167 - $152,295
Income Estimation: 
$90,609 - $105,383
Income Estimation: 
$117,524 - $131,245
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Horizontal Talent

  • Horizontal Talent Washington, DC
  • Join our team as a Senior Systems Engineer, where you'll play a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing a Linux-based high-performance computing environm... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Horizontal Talent Washington, DC
  • Overview We are seeking a highly skilled Public Affairs Specialist to support a fast-moving, high-visibility federal science policy initiative focused on s... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Horizontal Talent Minneapolis, MN
  • If you're a meticulous Technology Project Manager eager to elevate your career in the dynamic world of financial technology, we have an exciting opportunit... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Horizontal Talent Minneapolis, MN
  • Upgrade complex microservice based .Net 8 code to .NET 10 ensuring zero regression and improved performance. Create unit tests to validate continued functi... more
  • 2 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Software Engineer jobs in the Foster, CA area that may be a better fit.

  • Innominds Software Westlake Village, CA
  • Role: Firmware QA Engineer Location: Westlake Village, CA (Onsite) Duration: Longterm Skills: Firmware Testing, Free RTOS, Zephyr seeking a Firmware QA Eng... more
  • 10 Days Ago

  • TalentAlly Ventura, CA
  • ***Remote/Hybrid Opportunity*** Job Summary VSolvit LLC is seeking an experiencedMid-Level Full Stack Software Engineerto join our dynamic and growing team... more
  • 22 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!