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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$160K - $230K *

Transform mission-critical applications by collaborating with AI engineers to enhance performance, scalability, and security. Drive technical excellence and mentor peers while navigating dynamic feder...

Reston, VARemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$236K - $300K *

Unlock potential by leading the evolution of our design system, transforming it into a dynamic foundation for AI-powered workflows. Collaborate across design and engineering to create seamless, high-q...

San Francisco, CARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$124K - $170K *

Lead the charge in innovative software solutions for healthcare, collaborating with diverse teams to enhance patient care and meet customer needs through cutting-edge technology and creative problem-s...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$96K - $154K *

Develop and maintain quality software for internal stakeholders, focusing on Python and AWS. Collaborate in an Agile environment, define architecture, and mentor junior developers while enhancing lega...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$180K - $200K *

Elevate the engineering department by driving delivery, managing teams, and ensuring production quality. Lead hands-on development while fostering innovation in AI-driven systems to enhance operationa...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Grow a dynamic team driving OpenRouter’s provider ecosystem, managing innovations across diverse models and endpoints, ensuring quality and efficiency in inference services for millions of requests da...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by driving high-quality growth experiences for users. Collaborate across teams to enhance marketing and activation surfaces, while leveraging cutting-edge technology to optimize small...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Innovate solutions in software development, driving impactful changes across applications and frameworks. Lead initiatives to enhance functionality, ensure quality, and optimize performance in e-comme...

Indiana, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $130K *

Explore opportunities as a Senior Software Engineer driving our Virtual Care Platform, ensuring operational excellence and enhancing patient experiences through effective troubleshooting, automation...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of rail vehicles by designing innovative structures and components. Leverage your expertise in 3D CAD and materials to create efficient, compliant designs that en...

Montreal, QCRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$112K - $196K *

Pioneer advanced electrical systems design and validation for mission-critical hardware, leading cross-functional efforts in RF integration, mechanical design, and production readiness while addressin...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$112K - $196K *

Transform the future as you design and validate cutting-edge electrical systems. Own the full hardware lifecycle and lead technical direction, ensuring top-level performance across mission-critical pr...

Scottsdale, AZRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$112K - $196K *

Join a founding team to architect and develop advanced multi-radio systems, integrating various wireless technologies into high-performance hardware for critical communication applications. Drive inno...

New York, NYRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$112K - $196K *

Champion your career by designing and validating complex electrical systems, ensuring high performance across hardware lifecycles while leading technical initiatives within a collaborative engineering...

Boston, MARemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $153K *

Lead the enhancement and administration of enterprise endpoint security technologies, collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize security processes and improve detection capabilities in a g...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $125K *

Unlock your potential as you design and enhance cutting-edge cloud solutions for diverse web and mobile platforms. Collaborate across teams to translate product vision into robust software while drivi...

Illinois, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Innovate your career by designing and developing safety-critical firmware for vehicle control systems. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to enhance performance and ensure compliance with forma...

Toronto, ONRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $135K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of renewable energy through the design of utility-scale solar PV and battery storage systems. Collaborate with experienced engineers and drive the successful exec...

Denver, CORemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of power systems engineering. As a key member, you'll design and develop scalable analysis modules, driving innovation in distribution system analysis and optimiz...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Join us to empower enterprise customers with innovative sourcing solutions, manage complex RFPs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive procurement success while leveraging cutting-edge...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$121K - $142K *

Elevate automation in software engineering by building AI-driven tools and systems. Collaborate with a focused team to enhance reliability and speed in package and image management, shaping the future...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $200K *

Champion innovation by developing scalable backend solutions and troubleshooting complex issues within our Cyber-Physical Systems platform. Collaborate with global teams to enhance performance and ens...

New York, NYRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $144K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing advanced building automation systems for critical infrastructure projects, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance while managing teams and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$225K - $265K *

Partner with us to lead a high-performing engineering team, driving innovation and efficiency in our travel marketplace. You'll manage project lifecycles, enhance collaboration, and champion a custome...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in technical excellence by independently managing complex DDC implementations, mentoring junior engineers, and driving continuous improvement initiatives in mission-critical data cente...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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.