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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$125K - $160K *

Join a team that's redefining autonomous defense systems. You'll design, build, and optimize mission-critical applications, ensuring real-time performance and security across the full software stack i...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $171K *

Shape the future of naval technology by designing and testing advanced electrical systems for launch control. Collaborate with a dynamic team to innovate and support critical defense projects, ensurin...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Drive the development and evaluation of innovative ADAS features, collaborating across teams to ensure project success from concept to production while managing schedules and risk assessments effectiv...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $155K *

Join our dynamic team to drive innovation in real-time embedded software development. Leverage your expertise in C/C++ and collaborate across functions to enhance our technology's impact in a fast-pac...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $165K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of aviation by leading the industrialization of complex mechanical and electromechanical products. Drive manufacturing excellence from development to production...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Transform railway systems by leading RAM engineering activities across all project phases, ensuring reliability and performance meet operational and contractual standards while collaborating with mult...

Edmonton, ABIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Develop and optimize firmware for high-speed IO cables and thermal loopbacks, collaborating with cross-functional teams to transform concepts into products while ensuring robust documentation and supp...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $155K *

Champion robust Design-for-Test methodologies to enhance ASIC and SoC production quality. Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless integration and drive manufacturing test readiness for high-volume...

Irvine, CARemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in assembling and testing technical systems within a dynamic lab environment. Collaborate with teams to ensure integration meets project specifications while enhancing your technical s...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$138K - $165K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in DFT architecture for ASIC and SoC designs. Collaborate across functions to enhance test integration, support manufacturing readiness, and ensure high-quality s...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$81K - $103K *

Unlock potential by developing innovative embedded software solutions that transform advanced radio hardware into intelligent communication systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle r...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $187K *

Join us to design and develop cutting-edge FPGA solutions for advanced missile systems. Leverage your expertise in digital design and signal processing to innovate within a dynamic team, enhancing nat...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of vending technology by developing and optimizing C++ firmware for embedded systems. Collaborate with engineers to enhance performance and ensure seamless integr...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$112K - $135K *

Champion the development and launch of innovative datacenter hardware by collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure quality, design compliance, and timely production. Drive projects from conc...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Optimize our design process by leading cohesive API architecture and innovative product launches. Collaborate closely with engineering to create systems that enhance user experience and drive impactfu...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $155K *

Unlock potential by leading technical initiatives in power management, focusing on DC/DC buck converters. Collaborate with R&D and customers to ensure successful product adoption through expert design...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $220K *

Drive the development of innovative full-stack applications for a cutting-edge identity platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex technical challenges and enhance system perfo...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$111K - $166K *

Lead the charge in optimizing lab operations for a cutting-edge hardware team. Own infrastructure, equipment lifecycle, and logistics to ensure seamless technical engagements with customers in a fast...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $110K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in hardware engineering for next-gen sensing solutions. Collaborate across functions to deliver quality products, ensuring reliability and compliance while utiliz...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$138K - $165K *

Optimize cross-functional program management to drive innovative semiconductor solutions from concept to market, ensuring seamless execution and strategic alignment across teams in a fast-paced, growt...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$154K - $225K *

Manage the design and implementation of cutting-edge FPGA solutions for high-end routers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver next-generation networking systems while supporting product...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$80K - $95K *

Explore opportunities as a Design Engineer III, leading mechanical design for outdoor power equipment. Drive innovation from concept to production, ensuring robust, manufacturable designs while collab...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $110K *

Create innovative hardware solutions by leveraging your expertise in analog and digital circuit design. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product development and ensure quality in next...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $105K *

Engineer innovative test equipment for medical devices, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop robust testing processes and maintain...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Engage with us to design and test innovative electrical systems for complex autonomous platforms. Collaborate with a dynamic team to tackle technical challenges in power management, embedded systems...

2 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.