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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$95K - $115K *

Solve complex design challenges by collaborating with customers and teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance product value and drive revenue. Engage in hands-on problem-solving and technical...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Champion innovative application support for multiphase processor power solutions, driving customer engagement and product excellence from design to post-ramp phases in a fast-growing market...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Drive application support for high-speed amplifiers, collaborating with customers to address inquiries, conduct evaluations, and develop designs. Take an active role in product characterization, deliv...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$98K - $147K *

Shape the future of software quality assurance by developing and maintaining evaluation systems, collaborating with engineering teams, and ensuring compliance with quality standards for software and f...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$170K - $200K *

Lead the architectural strategy for next-gen AI systems in immersive computing, focusing on hardware design for AI inference and imaging pipelines across VR, AR, and wearable devices, ensuring optimal...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$175K - $210K *

Lead the architectural strategy for next-gen AI systems in immersive computing. Shape hardware design for AI inference and imaging pipelines across VR, AR, and wearables, ensuring optimal performance...

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Empower high-performance GPU kernel development for ML models, optimizing compute efficiency and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance GPU architecture and performance across platforms...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$173K - $224K *

Drive mission-critical hardware engineering solutions for complex, secure environments. Lead integration, testing, and sustainment efforts while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance in...

3 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$70K - $130K *

Create innovative mechanical designs and solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve technical challenges and enhance product development through detailed CAD modeling and document...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$138K - $207K *

Unlock potential by managing manufacturing processes for pulser modules, driving prototype transitions to production. Collaborate with engineers and technicians to enhance assembly operations and ensu...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$135K - $160K *

Drive innovative packaging solutions for advanced power applications, ensuring quality and efficiency in design, development, and production processes while collaborating with cross-functional teams t...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by designing and improving automated manufacturing systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative mechanical solutions, ensuring reliability and efficiency in...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$232K - $368K *

Partner with us to shape innovative production test solutions for complex networking systems. Collaborate across teams to align strategies, enhance capabilities, and drive efficiency in testing proces...

California, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $162K *

Contribute to the development of cutting-edge emulation software for System-on-Chip designs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance compiler functionality and optimize design mapping, prim...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$88K - $105K *

Support the execution of complex engineered projects from conception to completion, collaborating with stakeholders to deliver customized solutions in industrial power distribution and control systems...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$170K - $242K *

Elevate your career by leading a dynamic engineering team in memory technology. Drive innovation and project execution while collaborating with R&D to deliver cutting-edge memory IP solutions from con...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$130K - $173K *

Empower innovation at the forefront of military technology by leading the design and assessment of advanced engine systems. Collaborate cross-functionally to shape strategies and enhance technical cap...

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's redefining hardware engineering for critical infrastructure. You'll take ownership of innovative projects, collaborating closely to enhance system reliability and performance while...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $130K *

Drive the successful execution of Flight Controls programs, ensuring technical, cost, and schedule objectives are met. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and customers while leading complex proje...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Oversee medium complexity projects, leveraging technical expertise and leadership skills to drive successful program milestones and continuous improvement while managing risks and collaborating with c...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$145K - $175K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of device cloud software by developing innovative lifecycle management solutions. Collaborate globally to integrate cutting-edge features across Apple's platforms...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$175K - $210K *

Join a team that's redefining SoC architecture and performance analysis. Lead innovative HW/SW optimization and AI workload integration while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive strateg...

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $400K *

Lead transformative projects by embedding with hardware teams to develop innovative agentic systems. Drive end-to-end solutions in a fast-paced environment, tackling critical challenges that shape the...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$92K - $154K *

Drive innovation in embedded flight software development, delivering real-time solutions for the Vulcan rocket. Collaborate in an agile environment, ensuring best practices while mentoring junior engi...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$92K - $154K *

Elevate your career as a hands-on developer, delivering innovative embedded flight software solutions for real-time systems on the Vulcan rocket, while collaborating in an agile environment and mentor...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.