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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Software Development Engineer II
$68K - $113K *
Elevate your career by developing cloud-based applications that solve real customer challenges. Collaborate with a dynamic team to own features from design to deployment, enhancing your technical skil...
1 week ago
Principal Electrical and Firmware Systems Architect
$175K - $225K *
Optimize the electrical and firmware architecture for advanced laser and photonic systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex requirements into actionable designs, ensuring h...
1 week ago
Senior Applications Engineer - Emulation
$146K - $293K *
Deliver innovative emulation solutions to clients, enhancing designs through guidance, improving methodologies, and collaborating with R&D to optimize product deployment and customer satisfaction...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Embedded Software Engineer - UAS
$110K - $130K *
Advance the capabilities of uncrewed aerial systems by designing, developing, and integrating software for sUAS throughout the development lifecycle, ensuring seamless operation and high performance i...
1 month ago
Technical Lead - Fellow Hardware Engineer, NPU
$286K - $362K *
Unlock potential by leading NPU architecture and SoC integration for automotive AI. Drive technical execution, influence cross-domain decisions, and ensure product delivery meets performance, power, a...
6 days ago
Principal Front-End Design Engineer
$160K - $190K *
Lead innovative AI-driven design solutions and methodologies for scalable IP and SoC development, enhancing engineering productivity and best practices across global teams while mentoring engineers an...
4 days ago
Senior Staff Embedded Software Engineer
$147K - $224K *
Innovate and lead the development of cutting-edge embedded software for unmanned systems, enhancing efficiency and scalability. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver high-quality solutions in dyna...
1 week ago
Senior Staff Embedded Software Engineer
$147K - $224K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative embedded software for unmanned systems, enhancing efficiency and scalability while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Optimize FPGA module design and documentation for diverse space applications. Collaborate with engineering teams throughout the design cycle, from requirements analysis to integration support, ensurin...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive the development of cutting-edge FPGA solutions in a collaborative team, enhancing safety and performance in aviation technology through innovative design, testing, and integration of embedded sy...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of analog design by developing cutting-edge CMOS circuits for mixed-signal and power-management applications. Take ownership of complex projects and collaborate w...
5 days ago
Sr Staff Firmware & Validation Test Engineer
$116K - $155K *
Transform validation strategies for advanced firmware, BIOS, and BMC technologies by driving comprehensive testing and analysis across next-gen hardware platforms, ensuring quality and reliability for...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Innovate software solutions by designing, developing, and testing advanced systems-level software. Collaborate on operational specifications and analyze requirements to enhance business processes and...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovative software solutions by designing, developing, and testing systems-level software. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet operational specifications and enhance SAP functionali...
1 week ago
$87K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of advanced systems through FPGA design and integration. Collaborate with experts to develop, verify, and document innovative solutions while enhancing your techn...
1 week ago
$87K - $130K *
Develop foundational skills in FPGA design and integration while collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to support advanced systems. This early-career role emphasizes learning and contributing to...
Reposted 1 week ago
Advanced Package Design Senior Staff Engineer
$141K - $211K *
Transform cutting-edge semiconductor packaging by leading design and development of high-speed IC solutions, ensuring optimal performance and manufacturability through collaboration across engineering...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Embedded Firmware Architecture
$166K - $180K *
Lead the charge in defining and implementing embedded firmware architecture, guiding a team of developers to establish standards and ensure quality across multiple programs while driving innovation an...
1 week ago
Electrical Engineer - Mixed Signal
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading the development of advanced analog and mixed-signal electronics for cutting-edge MEMS technology, collaborating across teams to drive innovation in optical systems for AI a...
2 weeks ago
Lead Firmware & FPGA Engineer - Aircraft Surveillance Products
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of avionics systems by leading firmware and FPGA development, ensuring compliance with aerospace standards while managing external partners and driving innovation through AI-enabled e...
5 days ago
Staff FPGA Digital Design Engineer Level 5 (AHT)
$194K - $292K *
Accelerate your career by designing cutting-edge FPGA solutions for advanced missile systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to innovate and enhance national defense capabilities through digital desig...
3 days ago
Staff FPGA Digital Design Engineer Level 5 (AHT)
$194K - $292K *
Engineer innovative FPGA designs for advanced missile systems, leveraging digital signal processing and Agile methodologies. Collaborate across teams to enhance national defense capabilities through c...
3 days ago
System Engineer - Infrastructure Sustainment
$100K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team as a Systems Engineer, tackling complex technical challenges while optimizing mission-critical infrastructure across multiple locations. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance se...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Partner with us to design and develop complex software systems, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with engineering teams to deliver reliable solutions across mission-critical environments...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $105K *
Unlock potential by supporting design and development of VPS power supply products, focusing on circuit testing, electrical evaluations, and documentation while collaborating across teams to deliver r...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
What does an embedded software or firmware design engineer do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.