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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$150K - $180K *

Drive the development of critical firmware for medication dispensing robots, ensuring precise motor control, safety, and reliability. Collaborate with leadership to enhance system architecture and int...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $155K *

Innovate and develop firmware for cutting-edge SoC products, ensuring seamless integration with hardware. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional solutions that meet customer ne...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Transform the future of autonomous vehicle control systems by developing and integrating cutting-edge embedded software solutions. Collaborate on safety-critical projects, ensuring robust performance...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$74K - $241K *

Redefine engineering excellence by leading innovative reverse engineering efforts. Join a dynamic team where your problem-solving skills drive national security solutions through advanced technology a...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $135K *

Help us advance our IoT solutions by developing firmware for connectivity modules, enhancing existing code, and collaborating across teams to ensure seamless device-to-cloud communication and robust p...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$150K - $210K *

Shape your expertise by developing advanced FTL architecture and algorithms, managing block lifecycle, and optimizing NAND performance for data integrity. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance SSD...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Champion the development of cutting-edge firmware solutions for automotive ECUs, ensuring real-time performance and security. Lead integration efforts and collaborate with teams to deliver high-qualit...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock your potential as you architect and develop cutting-edge core software solutions for automotive-grade real-time ECUs, ensuring performance and safety standards are met while leading a dynamic t...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Advance your career by developing embedded software for innovative ignition systems. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to enhance product creation, focusing on precise timing control and indu...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $105K *

Engineer innovative electronic solutions that enhance product performance and reliability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and test electronic circuits and systems, ensurin...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$155K - $209K *

Drive the future of device software as a hands-on technical lead, overseeing architecture and delivery for a team of firmware engineers. Own critical subsystems, ensuring safety and performance while...

Philadelphia, PARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$155K - $209K *

Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge firmware solutions, overseeing architecture and delivery while mentoring a team of engineers. Drive innovation in device software for secure home energy inte...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of OpenBMC firmware development, driving platform bring-up, feature implementation, and integration to enhance system functionality and reliability. Contribute your...

RemoteRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Join us to leverage your expertise in OpenBMC firmware development, collaborating on platform bring-up and feature innovation. Elevate your career while working closely with cross-functional teams to...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$166K - $249K *

Elevate your career by designing and developing embedded firmware for cutting-edge platform solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges in AI and communications, en...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$123K - $164K *

Join a dynamic team to develop innovative embedded software solutions, leveraging your expertise in C/C++ and real-time systems. Collaborate across teams while managing projects independently, contrib...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $135K *

Unlock excellence in PCB design and manufacturing by leading DFM initiatives, developing complex multilayer layouts, and shaping best practices across engineering teams to enhance product performance...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $135K *

Elevate PCB design excellence by leading DFM initiatives and developing high-density layouts. Collaborate across teams to ensure manufacturability and drive continuous improvement in processes and sta...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$68K - $110K *

Join a team that's enhancing embedded storage solutions by designing and debugging firmware for storage controllers, ensuring high performance and data integrity while collaborating cross-functionally...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Drive your career with a role focused on firmware validation, engaging in test strategy development, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the quality and performance of firmware thr...

Washington, USRemote

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic Security team to enhance cutting-edge Secure Boot technology, collaborate on embedded software for Apollo SoC, and refine development processes in an inspiring lab environment focused o...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Lead the development of embedded software solutions, collaborating across teams to design, implement, and troubleshoot systems. Engage in the full software lifecycle, ensuring robust integration with...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Drive innovation in embedded systems by developing firmware to enhance product performance. Collaborate across teams to create stable, efficient solutions while ensuring seamless connectivity and exce...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$180K - $200K *

Drive the development of core firmware for automotive MCUs, ensuring robust vehicle network access and secure updates. Collaborate on hardware bring-up and validation, integrating supplier code while...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$120K - $160K *

Join our team to develop cutting-edge RF sensing capabilities for autonomous defense platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and optimize firmware for next-gen radar s...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.