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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$202K - $253K *

Shape the future of cardiometabolic care by driving backend architecture and cross-functional collaboration. Lead technical direction, mentor engineers, and deliver scalable solutions that enhance mem...

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2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

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5 days ago

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$85K - $100K *

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1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$205K - $285K *

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1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $155K *

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3 weeks ago

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$126K - $210K *

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Columbus, GARemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $200K *

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4 days ago

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$180K - $220K *

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2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$125K - $160K *

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$122K - $227K *

Develop and secure AI/ML evaluation infrastructure, ensuring robust testing and validation of systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security practices and methodologies, driving...

New Jersey, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$135K - $160K *

Lead the charge in solving critical engineering challenges, driving technical direction, and fostering team growth. Collaborate across departments to enhance systems, ensuring reliability and innovati...

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2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$200K - $322K *

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3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $100K *

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3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

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2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

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1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$166K - $238K *

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5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$150K - $180K *

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2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

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Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$174K - $252K *

Lead the development of large-scale infrastructure solutions, optimizing cloud technologies and enhancing software products. Collaborate with teams to deliver mission-critical services for diverse cus...

Cambridge, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Design and engineer solutions that empower retail enterprises to integrate seamlessly with our platform, enhancing delivery operations and driving product excellence through proactive ownership and in...

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3 weeks ago

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$110K - $130K *

Innovate and drive AI agent development for clinical trial platforms, integrating LLMs through the .NET stack. Engage in hands-on engineering to deliver end-to-end AI features, enhancing patient-centr...

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Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.