ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Firmware Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Amaze Systems Inc.

FIRMWARE ENGINEER

Mountain View, CA · On-site

Mountain View, CA (Hybrid) Type- Long-Term-Contract Key Roles & Responsibilities: * Collaborate with firmware teams to design and implement solutions for embedded systems. * Develop and maintain ...

Whiz Global LLC

Firmware Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

Rancho Cordova, CA (Onsite - No Remote) Duration: Long-term (40 hrs/week) Contract role - Need someone to work from office for 5 days in a week. Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled DRAM Firmware ...

Staffingine LLC

Firmware Developer

Houston, TX · On-site

Contract * Experience with developing firmware applications on ARM processors. * Expertise in ARM embedded architecture. * Expertise in C programming. * Experience working with UEFI Architecture and ...

Actalent

Firmware Engineer

Saint Paul, MN

$50 - $65/hr

Job Title: Senior Firmware Engineer The Senior Firmware Engineer will lead the design and ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Paul, MN. Pay and ...

Robert Half

Firmware Engineer

Germantown, WI · On-site

$63.65 - $73.70/hr

This Long-term Contract position is ideal for a senior-level candidate who enjoys building robust firmware, shaping technical direction, and partnering closely with multidisciplinary teams throughout ...

Xforia, Inc.

Sr Firmware Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$138K - $183K/yr

Role Description This is an on-site contract role for a Senior Firmware Engineer at Greenvity Communications in San Jose, CA. The Senior Firmware Engineer will be responsible for debugging ...

VDart, Inc.

Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer

Newark, DE · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Newark, DE (Onsite- 5 days a week) Duration: / Term: 6+ months - Contract Experience Desired: 08+ Years. Qualification: The Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer is a senior-level onsite contract role ...

New

Focus

Firmware Engineer

Alpharetta, GA · Remote

$60 - $70/hr

Role Type: 3-6+ Month Contract (with potential for extension) Location: Remote Travel: Occasional ... Firmware Maintenance & Debugging: Review, analyze, and correct existing firmware codebases to ...

Cimarron

Firmware Engineer

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Posting/External Job Title Firmware Engineer Location TX 78613 US (Primary) Remote/Onsite/Hybrid ... contract documentation requirements.

queueinc

Lead, Firmware Engineer

Newark, CA · Remote

Cross-team interfaces -- You own the firmware team's contracts with edge, hardware/CTO, and the broader software org, and communicate clearly across all of them. How the Lead level is assessed ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Firmware Jobs

Contract Firmware information

See salary details

$75K

$167.4K

$205K

How much do contract firmware jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract firmware in the United States is $167,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $143,000.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior firmware engineers or specialized hardware engineers in high-demand industries can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in embedded systems, and working in high-paying sectors like aerospace or defense. Such roles often require advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, and working in competitive environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Firmware Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Firmware Engineer, you need a solid background in embedded systems, programming languages like C/C++, and experience with microcontroller architectures, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or computer science. Familiarity with tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, version control systems (e.g., Git), and sometimes certifications in embedded development are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, clear communication, and the ability to quickly adapt to new projects or client requirements make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure efficient development, effective collaboration with hardware and software teams, and successful delivery of high-quality firmware solutions for diverse clients.

What contract job pays the most?

Contract firmware engineering roles tend to pay the highest among contract tech jobs due to specialized skills in embedded systems, real-time operating systems, and hardware integration. Senior-level positions with expertise in C/C++, debugging tools, and certifications like CISSP or PMP can command higher hourly rates, often exceeding $100 per hour depending on the industry and project complexity.

Will the firmware engineer be replaced by AI?

Firmware engineers design and develop low-level software for hardware devices, and while AI tools can assist with coding and testing, they are not expected to fully replace human engineers in this role. Skills in embedded systems, programming languages, and debugging remain essential, and human oversight is critical for complex hardware-software integration.

Are firmware developers in demand?

Firmware developers are in high demand due to the growth of embedded systems in industries like consumer electronics, automotive, and IoT. Skills in C, C++, and real-time operating systems are particularly valuable, and many companies seek professionals with experience in hardware-software integration and debugging. The role often requires knowledge of microcontrollers and development tools, making it a stable career choice with increasing opportunities.

What are contract firmware engineers?

Contract firmware engineers are professionals who specialize in designing, developing, and testing embedded software (firmware) for devices, usually on a temporary or project-specific basis. They are hired by companies to work on particular projects, bringing expertise in programming microcontrollers, optimizing code for hardware, and ensuring reliable device performance. Unlike full-time employees, contract firmware engineers typically work for a set period or until the completion of a project, offering flexibility and specialized skills to organizations needing firmware development support.

What is the difference between Contract Firmware vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectContract FirmwareFirmware Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires relevant certifications or experience in embedded systemsRequires a degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentTemporary or project-based, often freelance or consulting rolesFull-time employment within a company or organization
Industry UsageCommon in industries needing short-term expertise, such as startups or R&DStandard role in manufacturing, tech, and embedded systems companies
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for project-based work or freelance opportunitiesCompared for long-term career paths or full-time positions

Contract Firmware roles focus on short-term, project-specific embedded system development, often requiring specialized skills and certifications. Firmware Engineers typically hold full-time positions, developing and maintaining firmware as part of ongoing product development. Both roles involve embedded systems but differ mainly in employment type and duration.

What are some common challenges faced by contract firmware engineers in managing multiple client projects?

Contract firmware engineers often juggle projects for different clients, which can present challenges such as adapting to varying hardware platforms, coding standards, and documentation practices. Effective time management and clear communication with each client are essential to ensure that project milestones are met and expectations are aligned. Additionally, contract engineers must quickly learn new tools or development environments and stay updated with industry best practices to deliver high-quality, reliable firmware solutions on tight deadlines.
More about Contract Firmware jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Firmware jobs? Cities with the most Contract Firmware job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Firmware jobs? The most popular types of Firmware jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Firmware jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Firmware jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Firmware jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Firmware jobs are:
Contract Firmware jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Firmware job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,438 per year, or $80.5 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer

Elevate Outdoor Collective

Bellevue, WA • On-site

$90 - $110/hr

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Backcountry Access (BCA) is a market leader in avalanche safety equipment. The engineering & development team is specifically responsible for the development of new lifesaving products and technologies that snow recreationalists and professionals all over the world use to stay safe in avalanche terrain. The team is looking for a contract firmware engineer to assist in the development and implementation of firmware designed to work on BCA’s Avalanche Transceivers (beacons).

Essential Job Duties:

  • Develop firmware for class leading avalanche transceivers (beacons).
  • Create software architecture on Embedded SW and other entities like BT, apps (iOS, Android), and manufacturing devices.
  • Help implementation and testing on target HW at the BCA electronics laboratory based in SeaTac, WA.
  • Ability to work seamlessly through remote collaboration tools with a geographically decentralized team.
  • Ability to work on-site with engineering staff in the BCA electronics lab when necessary.
  • Participate in reviews of requirements, HW and other SW stakeholder documents.
  • Measurements with signal analyzer, oscilloscope and other lab equipment.
  • Collaborate with hardware engineers and assist with board testing and hardware bring up.
  • Collaborate with verification team to ensure full test coverage and debug as necessary.
  • Code & verify embedded systems for ARM & STM32 architecture.
  • Work closely with development leads and other engineers to gather requirements, prioritize development, and deliver business value.
  • Support legacy products and production support as needed.
  • Code optimization for size, speed, and current consumption.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience working in an embedded systems firmware development role.
  • Proficient in C and C++.
  • Experience working with microcontrollers, embedded RTOS (preferably ARM Mbed), and debuggers.
  • Date / RF Com protocols such as I2C, SPI, USART, GPIO, ADC, DAC, BLE, USB, CODEC, etc.
  • Ability to troubleshoot hardware and firmware using lab test equipment.
  • High level documentation skills.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with ARM Cortex-M4/7 architectures.
  • Knowledge of Git (GitHub) and git workflows.
  • Experience in developing custom bootloaders.
  • Experience in Python.
  • Experience with PIC microcontrollers and Microchip software ecosystem.
  • Experience with RF and signal processing.
  • Basic circuit design/understanding & soldering experience.
  • Knowledge of avalanche transceivers and their basic operation.
  • Active backcountry skier / snowboarder / snowmobiler. 

Apply