Firmware engineers develop the low-level software that enables electronic devices and hardware systems to operate reliably. Browse vetted Firmware Engineer opportunities on Ladders, including roles paying $100,000 or more across technology, automotive, aerospace, medical devices, telecommunications, and industrial sectors.
Firmware engineers write, test, and maintain software that runs directly on embedded hardware. Their work may include designing device drivers, integrating sensors and communication interfaces, optimizing performance, diagnosing hardware-software issues, and improving security and reliability. Depending on the role, engineers may collaborate with electrical, mechanical, systems, and product teams from early design through launch and ongoing updates.
Employers commonly seek experience with C or C++, embedded systems, microcontrollers, real-time operating systems, debugging tools, and hardware interfaces. Knowledge of Linux, Python, version control, testing practices, networking protocols, and safety or security standards can also be valuable. Requirements vary by industry and seniority, so review each listing for the specific technical background and qualifications.
Firmware engineers can advance into senior or staff engineering, embedded systems architecture, technical leadership, or engineering management. Specialized opportunities may focus on connectivity, robotics, automotive systems, consumer electronics, medical technology, or secure devices. Ladders helps experienced professionals discover vetted openings with compensation of $100,000 or more.
Search Firmware Engineer jobs by title, location, industry, and other preferences to find opportunities aligned with your experience. Compare role requirements and compensation details, then apply to positions that fit your career goals.
Staff Compiler Design Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Architect the technical direction of a cutting-edge compiler stack for AI silicon. Lead complex projects, mentor engineers, and ensure performance and correctness in a hands-on, team-driven environmen...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of power electronics by designing and developing innovative power supply systems. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance product efficiency and lead projects f...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Elevate your career by architecting and optimizing firmware for cutting-edge networking devices. In this senior role, tackle complex challenges in embedded systems, lead deep packet analysis, and set...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Develop and implement embedded software for spacecraft avionics, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure robust, mission-critical systems from design to flight operations. Drive innovation...
2 weeks ago
Embedded Software Engineer III
$125K - $150K *
Pioneer innovative embedded software solutions for aerospace systems, focusing on real-time monitoring, secure communications, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, Low-SW...
2 weeks ago
$104K - $114K *
Drive innovation by developing C++ software for remote-control and autonomous systems in heavy machinery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance capabilities and ensure efficient deploymen...
6 days ago
$85K - $161K *
Lead the design and development of innovative medical device firmware. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor engineers, and drive technical excellence to enhance patient outcomes through hig...
1 week ago
$115K - $155K *
Lead the charge in technical execution and integration within a dynamic engineering environment, ensuring alignment across product lines and driving efficient development in predictive maintenance and...
3 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's innovating high-speed communication systems through advanced forward error correction (FEC) algorithms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and optimize d...
Today
$100K - $120K *
Optimize high-speed optical communication systems by developing and evaluating advanced forward error correction (FEC) algorithms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient hardware...
Today
Staff Engineer, Product Software
$88K - $132K *
Drive the development of scalable systems and APIs that enhance our core infrastructure services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable and efficient designs that meet business ne...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Engineer, Product Software
$130K - $194K *
Execute scalable backend system designs and lead cross-functional teams to enhance product capabilities. Use your expertise in distributed systems and API development to solve complex engineering chal...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Engineer, Product Software
$118K - $176K *
Optimize scalable backend systems as a Software Engineer, bridging application logic with infrastructure execution. Drive API evolution using Ruby on Rails and Go, collaborating across teams to enhanc...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Engineer, Product Software
$118K - $176K *
Join a team that's dedicated to building reliable, scalable infrastructure platforms. You’ll design and maintain systems and APIs, analyzing business requirements to ensure they align with our core of...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$156K - $239K *
Lead the technical direction in connected firmware, driving innovation in wireless connectivity and app integration. Collaborate across teams to set standards and mentor engineers, ensuring high-quali...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $225K *
Innovate in RF engineering by designing subsystems for threat simulators, supporting verification efforts, and analyzing emerging RF seeker threats to enhance electronic warfare capabilities for the w...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $185K *
Lead technical innovation in the design and development of cutting-edge medical devices, collaborating cross-functionally to ensure manufacturability and compliance from concept through commercial rel...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Build innovative embedded software solutions that drive advanced RF systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop firmware and software for cutting-edge technology, ensuring high perform...
1 week ago
$126K - $176K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of hardware development by designing, validating, and documenting innovative electronic systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality r...
2 weeks ago
$124K - $185K *
Accelerate hardware development by designing, validating, and documenting electronic components. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality results and timely project delivery with...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Champion innovative software solutions by designing, developing, and maintaining embedded real-time systems. Collaborate closely with diverse teams to ensure robust performance and meet engineering ap...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $243K *
Empower innovation through effective design and development of scalable software solutions, enhance system performance, troubleshoot complex problems, and lead collaborative efforts in a dynamic team...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
The PCB Hardware Validation Engineer will focus on validating the functionality of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and ensuring adequate power margins across all interfaces. This role involves collectin...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director, Firmware Architecture & Delivery
$220K - $250K *
Transform the future of embedded firmware by leading architecture and delivery across a global portfolio. Drive technical standards, oversee development teams, and ensure seamless integration of firmw...
1 week ago
$185K - $200K *
Unlock your potential as a Hardware Engineering Manager, leading innovative hardware and robotics development. Drive strategy, mentor teams, and ensure scalable, reliable systems while collaborating a...
2 weeks ago
What does a firmware engineer do?
A firmware engineer develops and maintains software that runs on electronic hardware, such as microcontrollers and embedded devices. Responsibilities often include device drivers, hardware integration, debugging, testing, and performance or reliability improvements.
What skills are commonly required for firmware engineer jobs?
Commonly requested skills include C or C++, embedded systems, microcontrollers, debugging, hardware interfaces, and real-time operating systems. Some roles also value Linux, Python, communication protocols, automated testing, and experience in a particular industry.
Which industries hire firmware engineers?
Firmware engineers work in industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical devices, consumer electronics, telecommunications, robotics, and industrial technology.
What is the typical career path for a firmware engineer?
Professionals may progress to senior, staff, or principal engineering roles, specialize in an embedded technology area, become systems architects, or move into technical leadership or engineering management.
Where can I find Firmware Engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Ladders features vetted professional job opportunities paying $100,000 or more. Search its listings for Firmware Engineer roles and review each posting for compensation, qualifications, and location.