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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$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by developing and sustaining software for High-Performance Computing systems. Utilize your Python skills and work with SQL technologies in a collaborative environment focused on au...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate high-performance computing by developing and sustaining software solutions. Collaborate on innovative projects using Python, SQL, and automation tools to enhance system efficiency and precisio...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $170K *

Drive innovation in Physical IC Design, enhancing AI/ML ecosystems through advanced PCIe Switch Products. Collaborate with top engineers to ensure optimal performance and successful tape-out from RTL...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$143K - $230K *

Shape the future of AI/ML ecosystems by implementing high-performance digital IC designs. Collaborate across teams to optimize and support cutting-edge PCIe Switch products for mega data centers. Driv...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$143K - $230K *

Engineer innovative Digital IC designs, focusing on AI/ML ecosystems and high-performance RTL using Verilog/SystemVerilog. Collaborate across teams and support silicon validation efforts in a dynamic...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$117K - $195K *

Drive advanced systems engineering for complex spacecraft, focusing on Flight Software integration, verification, and validation. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure compliance and support on...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $155K *

Lead hardware validation for AI and HPC systems, ensuring reliability and performance across global data centers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive new product introductions and enhance...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive innovation in high-performance AI hardware as you lead the design of advanced PCIe platforms, ensuring robust architecture that meets the demands of modern AI applications in a collaborative and...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Drive the engineering and lifecycle management of aviation weather systems, ensuring accurate meteorological data for safe flight operations. Collaborate with teams to streamline processes and enhance...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$138K - $165K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering exceptional technical support and training. Leverage your expertise in optical communications to resolve customer issues, conduct trials, and enhance product...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$89K - $115K *

Explore innovative solutions in laser technology, driving product development and improving system performance while tackling engineering challenges and collaborating across teams to enhance our next...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing cutting-edge test solutions for Radiation Hardened ICs in the Space Industry. Collaborate closely with engineers to define test requirements, design load boa...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$142K - $211K *

Innovate with us as a Package Design Verification Specialist, driving quality assurance and refining processes for advanced packaging solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance work...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$129K - $239K *

Elevate hardware design and system engineering by leading advanced processing system development. Ensure technical integrity and compliance while driving innovation through digital transformation prac...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$170K - $230K *

Join a team that's redefining SoC design by owning subsystem development, integrating third-party IP, and optimizing PPA for next-gen architectures. Contribute across all design stages and drive impac...

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2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in developing groundbreaking RF heterogeneous integration technologies, contributing to high-frequency and ultra-high-speed systems for diverse applications, and collaborating across m...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $170K *

Advance your career by leading design and development of cutting-edge RF devices, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating cross-functionally to drive high-quality product outcomes in a dynamic e...

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$140K - $160K *

Lead the charge in developing and validating RTOS-based automotive ECUs. Oversee a team focused on board bring-up, debugging, and sustaining software across multiple hardware generations while collabo...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $185K *

Champion the design of disposable components for life-science instruments, leveraging expertise in plastics, injection molding, and usability to create innovative, user-friendly solutions. Collaborate...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Build innovative software for embedded systems by migrating to Rust, designing drivers, and collaborating in an agile environment. Contribute to diverse industries, enhancing comfort and health outcom...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $105K *

Transform prototype development by leading fabrication, assembly, and safety in our lab. Coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality mockups and test conformities while ensuring a cultur...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as you design and implement electrical systems for cutting-edge robotic factories, ensuring reliability and efficiency while contributing to sustainable, clean power generation on...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $130K *

Lead the charge in designing and implementing secure, scalable network infrastructures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance, reliability, and security while driving project...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$171K - $247K *

Transform the future of consumer hardware by leading high-density PCBA design and SMT integration. Drive innovation and efficiency across product lines, ensuring reliability and performance at scale w...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$152K - $241K *

Optimize core infrastructure for firmware teams through automation and robust tooling. Collaborate with engineers to enhance efficiency across development processes. Engage in problem-solving to eleva...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

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.