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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$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

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 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.