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.
$98K - $168K *
Advance your career by leading the technical architecture and integration of innovative avionics display systems, ensuring safety and compliance throughout the full lifecycle of aerospace subsystems...
Reposted 1 week ago
Embedded Real Time Operating System Staff Software Engineer (QuRT OS, Zephyr)
$160K - $240K *
Pioneer advancements in embedded software by leading RTOS development and open-source contributions. Collaborate across teams to enhance Qualcomm's software ecosystem, driving innovation in mobile, au...
5 days ago
Embedded Software Engineer, Bluetooth & Wi-Fi
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of in-vehicle technology by developing embedded software for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi systems, enhancing user experience and vehicle connectivity. Collaborate with engineers to innovate an...
3 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Drive engineering excellence by leading a team in developing embedded systems and radar technologies, collaborating with cross-functional teams to innovate and ensure product quality, while fostering...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Lead Engineer, Embedded System Verification
$100K - $120K *
Engage in the design and execution of comprehensive testing strategies for optical transmission systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system integrity and performance, while drivi...
Yesterday
Lead Engineer, Embedded System Verification
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to design and execute comprehensive test plans for optical transmission systems, ensuring high performance and reliability through innovative verification practices and automation...
Yesterday
Lead Engineer, Embedded System Verification
$100K - $120K *
Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for optical transmission systems, ensuring system specifications are met through collaboration and automation. Validate performance and reliability while e...
Yesterday
New Product Development Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and development of innovative lithium-ion batteries, focusing on prototyping and manufacturing processes to enhance performance and safety in next-generation pou...
Reposted 6 days ago
Hardware Engineer, (Defense & Aerospace, North Reading, MA)
$111K - $178K *
Unlock potential by designing and developing advanced test instrumentation for Defense and Aerospace. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust, manufacturable hardware solutions that m...
1 week ago
Hardware Engineer, (Defense & Aerospace, North Reading, MA)
$111K - $178K *
Engineer innovative hardware solutions by leading PCB design and development efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality, manufacturable products that meet stringent defens...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of automotive technology by breaking down electrical systems and delivering innovative solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and manage component requirements...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$250K - $400K *
Explore innovative solutions in package design and development, tackling challenges in thermomechanical aspects and assembly speed for advanced wafer-scale packages, driving breakthroughs in AI and me...
2 weeks ago
$250K - $400K *
Transform the future of AI by owning the design and development of advanced wafer-scale packages, tackling unique challenges in thermomechanical aspects and assembly speed to enable unprecedented perf...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Join a team that's pushing boundaries in AI-driven software development. As a key product engineer, you will lead high-impact projects, collaborate across disciplines, and shape the user experience fr...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Engineer (Product Debug Team)
$117K - $176K *
Unlock your potential as you drive software stability across Qualcomm SoCs, engaging in the full product lifecycle from validation to commercialization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tack...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Embedded Systems
$150K - $180K *
Elevate your career by transforming embedded systems engineering through AI. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize low-level software, enhance model training, and drive innovative soluti...
1 week ago
Software Engineer, Embedded Systems
$150K - $180K *
Join our team to leverage your embedded systems expertise in enhancing AI models. You'll tackle complex engineering challenges, optimize systems, and drive initiatives that transform software methodol...
1 week ago
Embedded Software Engineer - RISCV
$184K - $356K *
Engineer innovative solutions as an embedded software engineer, shaping next-gen RISCV controllers for GPUs. Collaborate globally to deliver complex software for diverse products, driving excellence i...
Reposted 6 days ago
Software Engineer Manager II, Firmware Laptops and Tablets
$207K - $300K *
Empower your career by leading a dynamic team of engineers in developing innovative embedded software solutions. Drive technical excellence and collaboration across global projects, shaping the future...
1 week ago
Senior Electrical Engineer - FPGA Firmware
$110K - $130K *
Transform the future of space technology by leading FPGA firmware development for innovative power beaming spacecraft. Collaborate across teams to ensure mission-critical designs meet rigorous standar...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Redefine engineering excellence by executing complex tasks in electronics manufacturing, optimizing Circuit Card Assemblies (CCAs) and fostering improvement initiatives within a collaborative team env...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Reimagine digital signal processing as a Senior DSP/RTL Engineer, driving algorithm development and efficient RTL implementation for phased array solutions. Shape system capabilities from concept to s...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Take ownership of FPGA development for aerospace systems, driving design, verification, and testing essential for cutting-edge satellite and spacecraft technology. Collaborate through all phases of ci...
3 weeks ago
$118K - $142K *
Drive FPGA development in cutting-edge hardware for aerospace systems. Collaborate through all phases of circuit design, verification, and deployment, ensuring robust performance and communication wit...
3 weeks ago
$113K - $136K *
Elevate FPGA development by collaborating through design, testing, and verification processes. Contribute innovative solutions for advanced aerospace systems in a dynamic environment, including high-s...
3 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.