Embedded Software and Firmware Design Engineer Jobs

Explore embedded software and firmware design engineer opportunities on Ladders, featuring vetted professional roles that pay $100,000 or more. These engineers build the software that enables devices and electronic systems to operate reliably, from low-level firmware to real-time applications.

What Embedded Software and Firmware Engineers Do

Embedded engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software that runs on dedicated hardware. Work may include writing firmware, integrating sensors and peripherals, optimizing performance, and troubleshooting software-hardware interactions. Engineers often collaborate with electrical, systems, product, and quality teams to deliver dependable products.

Skills and Technologies

Employers commonly seek experience with C and C++, microcontrollers, embedded Linux or real-time operating systems, device drivers, debugging tools, and hardware interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, and CAN. Depending on the role, valuable strengths may include control systems, secure coding, networking, automated testing, and familiarity with development workflows such as Git and continuous integration.

Industries and Career Paths

Embedded software and firmware design engineers work across sectors including consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, industrial automation, medical devices, telecommunications, and robotics. Career paths can lead to senior or staff engineering positions, firmware or embedded systems architecture, technical leadership, and engineering management.

Find Your Next Embedded Engineering Role

Browse Ladders listings to discover vetted embedded software and firmware design engineer openings with compensation of $100,000 or more. Compare role requirements, technologies, and leadership scope to identify opportunities that match your experience and career goals.

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$132K - $238K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and integration of cutting-edge electrical systems for data centers. Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams to ensure high-performance solutions in power distributi...

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Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$200K - $300K *

Lead high-speed analog circuit design initiatives, focusing on broadband amplifiers, clock generation, and custom components. Collaborate on next-gen optical transceiver development while ensuring sys...

Irvine, CARemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive innovation by developing and supporting our trading system software, focusing on low latency and high throughput solutions during US evening hours in a dynamic remote environment...

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Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$180K - $250K *

Innovate the design and delivery of cutting-edge SaaS solutions powered by data, ML, and AI. Own key technical areas driving high-quality product features through collaboration, backend development, a...

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Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$152K - $287K *

Join a dynamic team of engineers to design and develop cutting-edge SoC kernel drivers and embedded software, collaborating closely with hardware experts to shape innovative ARM platform solutions for...

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3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$154K - $223K *

Join a team that's redefining energy solutions by leading the development of advanced control systems for microgrids and distributed energy resources, ensuring seamless integration and operational exc...

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3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$135K - $160K *

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3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $154K *

Lead the charge in high-quality process design for complex industrial projects, collaborating across disciplines to ensure effective delivery from concept to detail, while driving execution in a dynam...

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3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$150K - $180K *

Unlock your potential as a senior technical authority, leading enterprise connectivity solutions and driving network modernization initiatives. Collaborate with teams to enhance B2B connectivity and o...

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2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $185K *

Unlock potential by leading the architecture and development of scalable core platform systems that process transactions and integrate with financial institutions globally. Drive innovation and mentor...

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2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$180K - $195K *

Drive the development of the Hypori app for Windows while enhancing iOS and Android functionalities. Collaborate in an agile environment, focusing on secure software practices, troubleshooting, and de...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of electrical safety and engineering by leading global programs, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement across multiple sites while mentoring teams and enhancing oper...

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2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$132K - $251K *

Champion innovation in software development as a DevSecOps Software Lead, driving the design and implementation of advanced pipelines. Collaborate with teams to enhance efficiency and foster a culture...

Annapolis, MDRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $140K *

Unlock potential by architecting and enhancing next-gen research platforms, driving automation and reliability to provide researchers with cutting-edge tools. Collaborate in a dynamic environment brid...

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Reposted 5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$152K - $287K *

Engineer robust policy verification features for AI governance, ensuring accurate policy decisions and reliable integrations. Collaborate with security engineers to deliver production-ready components...

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Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Develop innovative kernel-mode drivers and integrate them with I/O subsystems. Bring your expertise to enhance Windows security software while collaborating with a talented team focused on AI, cyberse...

California, USRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$190K - $220K *

Partner with us to tackle complex engineering challenges, leveraging deep expertise in TypeScript, Postgres, and AWS. Collaborate closely with our VP of Engineering to innovate and deliver impactful p...

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Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Lead the development of scalable cloud applications while mentoring a team of engineers. Drive collaboration across departments and uphold high standards of software quality and security. Contribute t...

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Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$122K - $183K *

Transform the aerospace certification landscape by leading process development, ensuring compliance with DO-178C standards, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality softwa...

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Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Drive innovation in backend development and blockchain infrastructure, shaping the future of global payments. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences and scale solutions to millions while...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$171K - $288K *

Transform engineering productivity by leading cross-team strategies and architectures for embedded software. Drive measurable improvements in quality and release confidence while mentoring teams acros...

Milford, MIRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $105K *

Contribute to the development and support of advanced missile systems as a systems engineer. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the capabilities of critical defense technologies while...

Pittsfield, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Deliver innovative solutions by enhancing AI agent capabilities, debugging runtime issues, and building testing tools. Collaborate closely with client data and improve system performance in a dynamic...

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Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$152K - $259K *

Join a team that's redefining infrastructure management by leading a dedicated group focused on high availability, security, and automation. Drive innovation while mentoring talent and enhancing opera...

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2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $190K *

Innovate software solutions in dynamic environments, collaborating with operators and engineers to rapidly prototype and deploy mission-critical capabilities. Leverage your technical expertise to inte...

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2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does an embedded software or firmware design engineer do?question toggle

    They develop and maintain software that runs on dedicated hardware, including firmware, device drivers, and real-time applications. Their work often involves integrating hardware components, testing system behavior, and improving reliability and performance.

  • What qualifications are common for embedded software and firmware engineer jobs?question toggle

    Many roles seek a degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field, along with practical embedded development experience. Requirements vary by employer and may emphasize C or C++, microcontrollers, RTOS, embedded Linux, debugging, and hardware interfaces.

  • Which programming languages and tools are used in embedded engineering?question toggle

    C and C++ are widely used, with some roles also using Python, Rust, or scripting languages. Common tools and technologies include microcontroller development environments, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG debuggers, Git, and automated test systems.

  • What industries hire embedded software and firmware design engineers?question toggle

    Hiring industries include automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, industrial automation, medical devices, telecommunications, energy, and robotics.

  • How can I find embedded software and firmware design engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Search Ladders for vetted professional openings and review each listing’s compensation, experience requirements, technologies, and responsibilities. Job availability and salary depend on the employer, location, and seniority.