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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$125K - $135K *

Unlock potential by crafting seamless user experiences across platforms. Lead research, design solutions, and collaborate with teams to enhance customer interactions and drive product innovation in a...

Austin, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$112K - $169K *

Help us enhance healthcare integration by designing and implementing HL7 interfaces for Perinatal Systems. Collaborate with clients and vendors to streamline hospital IT systems, ensuring efficient da...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$102K - $170K *

Elevate your career by leading innovative data engineering solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define scalable architectures and drive AI initiatives, ensuring alignment with enterpr...

New Brunswick, NJRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$102K - $170K *

Unlock innovative data solutions by leading integration strategies and architectural decisions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, secure data and AI solutions while driving...

New Brunswick, NJRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$229K - $260K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing a robust OTA update system, ensuring seamless deployment across diverse environments while mentoring engineers and driving technical excellence in distrib...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on validating and optimizing Azure developer desktops. You'll design automated tests, ensure security compliance, and enhance performance metrics...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$138K - $205K *

Lead strategic sales initiatives by identifying opportunities in Digital Engineering and embedded sectors. Build relationships with mid-size and enterprise clients, driving the sales process from pros...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$82K - $110K *

Help us enhance user experience by developing and maintaining Firefox features for OS integration. Collaborate with a distributed team to tackle complex engineering tasks and contribute to a high-qual...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $216K *

Lead the charge in managing a software engineering team, driving the design and delivery of secure satellite ground communication services while fostering best practices and ensuring alignment with mi...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $180K *

Lead the charge in driving agile execution across product and engineering teams, managing digital product launches and enhancing client value through innovative solutions. Collaborate cross-functional...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in designing and optimizing scalable Workforce Management processes and tools, enhancing operational efficiency and planning accuracy across global Customer Excellence teams...

Tennessee, USRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $145K *

Elevate security standards by leading bug bounty programs, conducting audits, and enhancing software supply chain security. Collaborate across teams to build innovative tools that protect users and en...

RemoteRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's redefining technical support for enterprise customers. You'll own escalations, advocate for clients, and build scalable processes while collaborating with engineering to enhance our...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $145K *

Drive the design, development, and optimization of AI solutions for mission-critical federal programs, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance decision-making and automate processes using...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$157K - $298K *

Transform digital experiences as a Full Stack AI/ML Developer, collaborating across teams to design and implement innovative solutions that leverage AI/ML capabilities, ensuring impactful user experie...

Connecticut, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Drive the advancement of enterprise Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) capabilities in contested environments, leading technical studies and architectural development to enhance operat...

Washington, DCRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$140K - $260K *

Empower creators by developing innovative payment systems that enhance user experience. Join a dynamic team focused on building robust backend solutions and driving impactful projects in subscription...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$105K - $120K *

Join a team that's driving successful ERP and CRM software implementations. Lead projects, coordinate teams, and ensure timely delivery while achieving sales and profit targets. Collaborate with stake...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $130K *

Empower engineering teams by building robust test automation solutions that enhance productivity. Design and own comprehensive frameworks that streamline workflows, and collaborate with product teams...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$117K - $235K *

Innovate in remote sensing research by leading complex projects, implementing cutting-edge solutions, and driving technical excellence in space-based applications. Collaborate with multidisciplinary t...

Albuquerque, NMRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Transform customer experiences by leveraging your expertise in computer vision and AI sales strategies. This role entails managing the full sales cycle, driving revenue, and collaborating cross-functi...

Columbus, OHRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$156K - $196K *

Optimize core processing systems by writing and reviewing production code, enhancing reliability and performance. Lead initiatives to improve transaction routing and authorization, while mentoring eng...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$124K - $232K *

Empower your career with a pivotal role in developing innovative learning solutions for Global Operations, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and collaboration to enhance training effectiveness and...

RemoteRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$106K - $284K *

Reimagine healthcare technology by leading the development of secure, scalable microservices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance digital solutions that transform patient experiences an...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$106K - $284K *

Join a team that’s redefining pharmacy and healthcare through innovative digital solutions. As a Staff Software Development Engineer, you'll lead in creating next-generation platforms, ensuring qualit...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.