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.
Staff Engineer, PCBA DFM, Hardware
$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
Systems Software Engineer - Infrastructure
$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
$95K - $115K *
Transform mission capabilities as a Hardware Engineer, collaborating in a multi-discipline team to innovate and implement cutting-edge radar technology for Space Domain and Missile Warning systems...
6 days ago
Senior Embedded Software Engineer, Android OS
$174K - $252K *
Engineer innovative solutions to enhance Linux kernel performance and functionality. Collaborate across teams to design, develop, and optimize kernel drivers for cutting-edge XR devices while managing...
3 weeks ago
$99K - $136K *
Partner with us to design and develop innovative software solutions for aerospace applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high performance and quality standards in a dynamic, a...
6 days ago
$83K - $125K *
Lead the charge in designing high-reliability PCBs for aerospace and defense. Collaborate across disciplines to transform complex schematics into robust, production-ready solutions while ensuring comp...
1 week ago
Senior Aircraft Systems Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading avionics certification projects, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations. Collaborate with teams to develop complex designs and mentor junior engineers while delivering re...
1 week ago
$83K - $125K *
Drive innovation as a PCB Layout Designer, collaborating across disciplines to create high-reliability circuit card assemblies for aerospace and defense applications. Transform complex designs into pr...
1 week ago
$100K - $115K *
Champion innovative software solutions by designing, developing, and maintaining critical applications and automation frameworks. Collaborate with diverse engineering teams to enhance CI/CD processes...
1 month ago
Senior Staff Digital Systems & Emulation Engineer
$145K - $175K *
Drive advanced pre-silicon emulation and digital system validation for next-gen power management products, collaborating across teams to translate requirements into real-time prototypes and ensuring r...
2 weeks ago
Principal Engineer Product Management - Software and Digital Platforms
$157K - $227K *
Innovate solutions as a senior product manager driving alignment across teams, defining software and digital platform requirements, and ensuring product feasibility from inception through launch, cate...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Principal Engineer Product Management - Software and Digital Platforms
$157K - $227K *
Transform market insights into compelling product requirements and harmonize cross-functional collaboration to ensure seamless execution of software and digital platforms. Drive product strategy from...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Principal Engineer Product Management - Software and Digital Platforms
$157K - $227K *
Join a team that shapes the future of software and digital platforms. As a senior leader, you'll define product requirements, drive cross-functional alignment, and influence platform strategy to meet...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Staff Electrical Engineer - Advanced Electronics & FPGA Systems
$110K - $130K *
Advance your career by leading the design and development of cutting-edge electronic systems for radar and defense applications. Drive innovation through high-speed digital circuit design, FPGA system...
4 days ago
Senior Technical Staff Engineer - Hardware
$91K - $232K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of advanced hardware systems. Drive innovation in embedded control, RF/microwave circuits, and collaborate across teams to deliver cutting-edg...
2 weeks ago
Staff Security Architect (Product/Device Security)
$130K - $155K *
Unlock potential by leading security architecture initiatives, shaping secure product designs, and driving cross-functional collaboration to enhance product security across multiple engineering discip...
1 week ago
Staff Security Architect (Product/Device Security)
$135K - $160K *
Shape the future of product security by leading architecture and engineering practices, resolving complex security challenges, and aligning security strategies with business objectives across diverse...
1 week ago
Sr Principal Software Development Engineer
$115K - $151K *
Pioneer innovative software solutions for semiconductor test systems, leading architectural direction and technical strategy. Collaborate globally to enhance product capabilities and mentor engineerin...
1 week ago
$93K - $143K *
Drive the design and development of software systems across platforms, ensuring robust architecture and performance. Collaborate with stakeholders to troubleshoot issues and enhance system integration...
2 days ago
Embedded Software Engineering Intern
$83K - $93K *
Join our dynamic team to develop innovative solutions using real sensor data. Collaborate with engineers to enhance optical and reliability testing, while gaining hands-on experience in embedded softw...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of server technology by developing innovative hardware solutions. Collaborate with experts to tackle complex challenges and deliver cutting-edge designs that meet...
2 weeks ago
Product Security Engineer - Embedded
$105K - $168K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing the security of embedded medical devices. Collaborate with R&D to implement security measures, conduct assessments, and ensure compliance with global standard...
6 days ago
Product Security Engineer - Embedded
$105K - $168K *
Partner with us to enhance the security of embedded medical devices. Collaborate with R&D to implement security measures, conduct assessments, and ensure compliance with industry standards throughout...
6 days ago
Electrical Engineer - Embedded Systems
$95K - $115K *
Transform ideas into reality by designing and building flight-critical embedded systems. Own the entire process from circuit design to firmware, ensuring high reliability and performance in aerospace...
3 days ago
$115K - $200K *
Engage in hands-on mechanical design, driving prototypes from concept to reality. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to integrate systems, utilizing CAD tools and rapid prototyping for in...
Reposted 3 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.