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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
AI Infrastructure DC Design Engineer III
$98K - $154K *
Unlock potential by leading the design of complex data hall infrastructure. This role combines technical expertise with project leadership, mentoring, and cross-team coordination to deliver innovative...
2 weeks ago
AI Infrastructure DC Design Engineer III
$98K - $154K *
Shape the future of data center infrastructure by leading complex design projects, mentoring teams, and ensuring adherence to quality standards while driving innovative solutions in a collaborative en...
2 weeks ago
AI Infrastructure DC Design Engineer III
$98K - $154K *
Grow your career with a leading role in designing complex data hall infrastructures. Leverage your expertise to lead projects, mentor teams, and ensure adherence to design standards while optimizing d...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Engage in designing and optimizing AI solutions to enhance automation and analytics, collaborating across teams to integrate advanced AI capabilities into core products, while ensuring ethical standar...
2 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Grow your career with a dynamic role focused on coding, cloud resources, and database support. Lead automation projects, solve unique challenges daily, and collaborate with teams to deliver practical...
2 days ago
Senior Software Engineer II - Agentic SDLC
$170K - $185K *
Champion innovative software solutions by leading complex projects, mentoring engineers, and driving technical excellence across teams. Collaborate on strategic initiatives to enhance reliability and...
2 days ago
$150K - $250K *
Develop cutting-edge ML workflows and infrastructure, influence company direction, and tackle complex engineering challenges in a fast-paced environment, boosting productivity and innovation across te...
Reposted 1 month ago
Staff Software Engineer, Trajectory Generation & Controls
$135K - $160K *
Shape the future of autonomous driving by leading trajectory generation and controls. Collaborate across teams to deliver safe, optimized solutions while enhancing vehicle performance through innovati...
4 days ago
Forward Deployed Engineer | Remote | Texas
$120K - $145K *
Champion innovative AI solutions by integrating and deploying cutting-edge applications. Collaborate with teams to enhance customer experiences and drive value through advanced technology in a dynamic...
Reposted yesterday
$100K - $120K *
Drive the development and integration of advanced nuclear energy systems by applying systems engineering methods to translate objectives into clear, verifiable requirements and solutions, while collab...
3 days ago
$157K - $238K *
Join a team that's redefining security by leveraging AI to enhance application safety. You'll assess vulnerabilities, develop innovative security solutions, and shape the AI security strategy across t...
3 weeks ago
$157K - $238K *
Lead the charge in enhancing application security by integrating AI-driven solutions, conducting assessments, and shaping the AI security strategy across the organization. Collaborate with cross-funct...
3 weeks ago
$170K - $190K *
Develop and scale backend systems for a data infrastructure platform, focusing on PostgreSQL, Kafka event pipelines, and GraphQL APIs. Collaborate across teams to enhance data usability and support cl...
2 weeks ago
Senior Controls Engineer, Manufacturing
$110K - $130K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of dental technology by leading software development for specialized machines, shaping the future of custom prosthetics manufacturing in a dynamic, high-growth env...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Product Owner / Senior Product Owner - Engineering Tools
$78K - $98K *
Shape the future of AEC workflows by leading product ownership and Agile delivery for an Engineering Tools team. Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to prioritize needs, validate outcomes...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate incident response capabilities by developing dashboards and alerts, optimizing cloud performance, and ensuring security compliance. Collaborate with product teams to enhance IAM needs while dr...
3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Developer Experience
$180K - $233K *
Champion developer infrastructure solutions by optimizing workflows, enhancing build systems, and driving collaborative projects. Engage with diverse teams to tackle complex challenges in software dev...
Reposted 1 month ago
$103K - $176K *
Innovate solutions by leading mechanical engineering projects to enhance production processes. Collaborate with stakeholders to design, implement, and optimize equipment and systems, ensuring safety a...
4 days ago
$200K - $245K *
Champion innovative software solutions by leading the design and implementation of scalable systems and APIs. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences while mentoring engineers and driving...
1 month ago
$101K - $152K *
Lead the charge in designing innovative electrical systems for energy projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create code-compliant solutions focused on efficiency and reliability across...
4 weeks ago
Senior iOS Engineer, Connectivity
$172K - $203K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to architect, design, and develop advanced iOS functionality, enhancing seamless Bluetooth communication for millions of users while maintaining code quality an...
Reposted 1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Develop and implement integrations between Army work-request and financial systems with IBM Maximo, ensuring seamless data flow and automated reconciliation while adhering to secure coding practices a...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer - Software Defined Networking (SDN)
$148K - $201K *
Lead the charge in enhancing software-defined networking capabilities by assessing, modernizing, and securing codebases. Collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to ensure robust, maintainable soft...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Software Engineering - Engineering Tools
$120K - $148K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AEC software by leading engineering talent and enhancing workflows. Drive innovation in Autodesk Revit add-ins and tools while fostering a collaborative enviro...
1 week ago
$113K - $170K *
Lead the charge in transforming customer integrations by driving technical discovery, scoping complex implementations, and ensuring successful onboarding for high-stakes accounts. Collaborate closely...
1 week ago
What does an embedded software or firmware design engineer do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.