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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$200K - $315K *

Create and implement robust security architectures across enterprise, cloud, and infrastructure environments, ensuring compliance with industry standards while guiding security initiatives and influen...

Carlsbad, CARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$152K - $190K *

Develop high-performance networking solutions using Rust for a secure client connector. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance code quality and implement impactful features while addressin...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$101K - $188K *

Drive the innovation of semi- and fully autonomous systems. Engage in research, algorithm development, and optimization to enhance AI and machine learning applications for diverse mission challenges...

Three Rivers, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$138K - $173K *

Drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure high-quality software delivery. Lead and mentor a team of engineers while optimizing processes and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous impro...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Engineer high-performance storage solutions for GPU-accelerated compute. Design control-plane services and tooling for Kubernetes workloads, ensuring reliability and scalability across hybrid and air...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $215K *

Empower the engineering team by driving project execution and integration for advanced vehicle development. Ensure alignment of resources, schedules, and technical goals while fostering collaboration...

Huntsville, ALRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$105K - $155K *

Architect robust AI-driven software solutions to enhance remote service tools, ensuring seamless connectivity and compliance with security standards. Collaborate across teams to build scalable applica...

Ann Arbor, MIRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$209K - $273K *

Advance your career by leading a high-performing engineering team, driving strategic execution and operational excellence while ensuring a reliable data platform aligns with enterprise goals and custo...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $160K *

Unlock potential by driving growth in industrial software and PLC solutions. Shape market strategies, build customer relationships, and collaborate with sales teams to enhance market penetration and a...

Round Rock, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $120K *

Unlock your potential as a Solutions Engineer, guiding sales teams with expert network security advice, conducting training sessions, and supporting customer needs while driving professional services...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Champion growth by leveraging your engineering expertise to drive sales, build relationships, and expand market presence in a dynamic territory. Collaborate with teams to create impactful strategies a...

St. Paul, MNRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$140K - $158K *

Partner with us to enhance design systems by building shared components and patterns. Collaborate with designers and engineers to create accessible, user-friendly interfaces that elevate product exper...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $200K *

Lead and develop a high-performing engineering team, driving real-time financial infrastructure projects while fostering individual growth and establishing engineering standards for scalable practices...

CanadaRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Optimize design processes and lead a team of Design Leads to ensure high-quality project deliverables. Collaborate with project managers to balance resources, enforce design standards, and drive conti...

Dallas, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $183K *

Innovate the future of healthcare technology by developing scalable applications that streamline specialty prescriptions. Collaborate with a skilled team to enhance user experience and drive efficienc...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$111K - $125K *

Elevate your career by leading impactful engineering projects, ensuring quality and budget adherence while leveraging advanced AI tools. Collaborate with a dynamic team to shape sustainable built envi...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Advance your career by providing critical support for robotic systems in healthcare. Collaborate with clinical teams to enhance user proficiency and ensure safe, effective procedures while driving inn...

Columbus, OHRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Transform healthcare by providing expert support and training for robotic systems, ensuring seamless adoption and proficiency among clinical users. Collaborate with teams to enhance user experience an...

Philadelphia, PARemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's pivotal in advancing robotic minimally invasive care. You'll support early users, provide technical expertise during procedures, and collaborate with engineering teams to enhance sy...

Boston, MARemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by providing expert clinical support and training for robotic systems, ensuring effective adoption and proficiency among users. Collaborate with teams to enhance product usage and dri...

Cleveland, OHRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$185K *

Accelerate software development by leading a team of engineers, driving technical strategy, and ensuring delivery of scalable, customer-focused solutions with operational excellence...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$184K - $356K *

Transform data processing architectures by optimizing performance and efficiency. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance user experiences and drive innovation in hardware-software co-design for cut...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $160K *

Innovate solutions for complex software challenges, guiding product design from concept to launch. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience and leverage AI for impactful work...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$172K - $229K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of autonomous vehicle software by diagnosing and deploying solutions. Join a dynamic team to enhance capabilities and resolve complex challenges in a high-stakes e...

Las Vegas, NVRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$135K - $160K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of autonomous driving by designing and implementing advanced behavior planning systems. Collaborate with experts to tackle complex challenges in dynamic environme...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

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.