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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$130K - $160K *

Create seamless user experiences by developing robust APIs and integrating third-party software. Collaborate with teams to design systems that prioritize performance and maintainability while tackling...

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2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$117K - $161K *

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Kentucky, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Lead and develop dynamic engineering teams to enhance communication systems that improve health equity outcomes for underserved patients. Drive technical direction, manage shared codebases, and collab...

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4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

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Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

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Georgia, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$90K - $92K *

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Pittsfield, MARemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $150K *

Engineer innovative embedded systems solutions, driving design and optimization from concept to production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and performance in the power i...

Markham, ONRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

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5 days ago

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$185K - $230K *

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2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$153K - $213K *

Lead the charge in building a high-throughput decision engine for innovative card products. Collaborate across teams to design scalable systems, ensuring robust performance and mentoring junior engine...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $200K *

Elevate transformation efforts by guiding a strategic portfolio in AI-native engineering. Drive operational excellence and innovation across programs, ensuring delivery success and client satisfaction...

New York, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

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3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

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3 weeks ago

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$110K - $130K *

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1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$114K - $190K *

Join our team to design and enhance core mainframe products, leveraging your expertise in C, C++, and z/OS. Collaborate with global clients and mentor peers while driving innovation in a dynamic envir...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive the development of scalable software platforms, leveraging AI tools and modern methodologies to enhance performance and quality. Collaborate cross-functionally to build impactful solutions that...

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6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Innovate within a dynamic team to automate and streamline Windows deployment, utilizing your expertise in scripting and system integration to enhance operational efficiency for a federal client...

Raleigh, NCRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$220K - $340K *

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2 weeks ago

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$171K - $300K *

Take ownership of architecting and developing AI-driven backend solutions for Access Security, enhancing identity intelligence and risk detection while collaborating with cross-functional teams to del...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of cloud-native applications by designing and developing scalable solutions that enhance Workforce Management and Customer Experience. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliv...

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2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$195K - $290K *

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California, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Elevate the technical architecture vision and execution across a product portfolio, driving the transition to a scalable, cloud-native SaaS environment while integrating AI, data, and security. Collab...

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2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$200K - $383K *

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1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$157K - $174K *

Elevate technical execution in GMP manufacturing by leading complex workstreams for comparability strategies, tech transfers, and process improvements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensur...

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1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $160K *

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Los Angeles, CARemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 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.