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Contract Firmware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Firmware Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$128K - $168K/yr

We have signed contracts with leading electric utilities across the United States and production of ... Role Description Form Energy is hiring a Senior Firmware Engineer to be part of our growing ...

Senior Firmware Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$141K - $187K/yr

Develop GUI for firmware testing using Python or other programming languages. * Utilize instruments ... contracts and we are offering opportunities to leverage your technical experience and interpersonal ...

Senior Firmware Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$141K - $187K/yr

Develop GUI for firmware testing using Python or other programming languages. * Utilize instruments ... contracts and we are offering opportunities to leverage your technical experience and interpersonal ...

Senior Firmware Engineer

Fremont, CA

$141K - $187K/yr

Develop GUI for firmware testing using Python or other programming languages. * Utilize instruments ... contracts and we are offering opportunities to leverage your technical experience and interpersonal ...

Skills C programming, Microcontroller, embedded software, rtos, Medical Device Top Skills Details C ... is a Contract position based out of Santa Clara, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this ...

San Jose, CA Duration: 6+ months contract Samsung SOC R&D Lab in San Diego is looking for Cellular Engineer - 5G/4G Lab/Field test to join the team of passionate engineers with start-up spirit to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Contract Firmware Engineer information

See California salary details

$74K

$165.2K

$202.3K

How much do contract firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract firmware engineer in California is $165,245.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,100.00 and $202,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by contract firmware engineers and how can they be addressed?

Contract Firmware Engineers often encounter challenges such as rapidly adapting to new hardware platforms, understanding legacy codebases, and meeting tight project deadlines. To address these, it helps to review documentation thoroughly, leverage debugging and simulation tools, and communicate proactively with project stakeholders. Additionally, collaborating closely with hardware engineers and other team members can help resolve integration issues quickly. Staying organized and maintaining flexibility are key to successfully delivering firmware projects as a contractor.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract firmware engineer?

To thrive as a Contract Firmware Engineer, you need strong experience in embedded systems design, proficiency with C/C++ programming, and a solid understanding of hardware-software integration. Familiarity with tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, debuggers, and version control systems like Git is typically required, along with knowledge of popular microcontroller platforms. Excellent problem-solving skills, flexibility, and effective communication are highly valued in this contract-based role. These skills are essential for delivering high-quality firmware solutions on tight deadlines while collaborating with cross-functional teams in dynamic project environments.

What is a contract firmware engineer?

A Contract Firmware Engineer is a professional who develops and tests low-level software that interacts with hardware components, typically on a temporary or project-specific basis. They work with embedded systems, microcontrollers, and device drivers to ensure proper functionality. Contract roles often involve short-term assignments for specific projects or product development cycles. These engineers collaborate with hardware teams, troubleshoot firmware issues, and optimize code for performance and efficiency.

What are the most commonly searched types of Firmware Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Firmware Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Firmware Engineer jobs in California? For Contract Firmware Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Firmware Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Firmware Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contract Firmware Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Contract Firmware Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Firmware Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,245 per year, or $79.4 per hour.

Firmware Engineer

Whiz Global LLC

Rancho Cordova, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Role Details:

Title: Systems/Software Engineer II (DRAM Firmware/Integration Engineer)

Location: 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 / Integration Engineer to join the SSD Firmware Platform team. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in firmware development, DRAM integration, DDR4/DDR5 protocols, memory validation, and debugging. Prior Firmware Engineering experience is required, and experience in the semiconductor industry is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

·        Develop, validate, and integrate DRAM drivers for SSD firmware platforms.

·        Understand DRAM IP on the controller side and develop/validate read, write, gate training, and write leveling.

·        Configure and validate DRAM PHY IP.

·        Develop expertise in DRAM ECC.

·        Work with DDR4 and DDR5 protocols.

·        Configure DDR4/DDR5 mode registers and validate register settings.

·        Develop and validate DDR4/DDR5 initialization.

·        Develop and validate DDR power states and refresh policies.

·        Create test procedures and tools for DRAM validation and debugging.

·        Guide debugging efforts to resolve DRAM-related issues.

·        Collaborate closely with internal and external cross-functional teams.

·        Document technical requirements and track project schedules.

·        Provide technical expertise and support to engineering teams.


Required Qualifications:

·        Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.

·        Minimum 3+ years of experience in firmware engineering, DRAM integration, or related areas.

·        Strong understanding of DRAM architecture, operation, and integration.

·        Hands-on experience with DDR4 and DDR5 protocols.

·        Experience with DRAM PHY IP configuration and validation.

·        Knowledge of DRAM ECC.

·        Experience with memory testing tools and validation software.

·        Knowledge of signal integrity and high-speed signal fundamentals.

·        Hands-on experience with lab tools such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, and soldering equipment.

·        Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.

·        Excellent planning, documentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

·        Ability to work independently and in a team environment.


Preferred Qualifications:

·        Prior Firmware Engineering experience (highly preferred).

·        Experience in the semiconductor industry.

·        Experience with SSD firmware platforms.

·        Experience leading hardware or firmware debugging efforts.

·        Strong project management and leadership skills.


Key Skills:

·        DRAM Firmware Development

·        DRAM Integration

·        DDR4 / DDR5

·        DRAM PHY IP

·        DRAM ECC

·        Memory Testing & Validation

·        Firmware Debugging

·        Signal Integrity

·        Oscilloscopes & Lab Equipment

·        Embedded Systems

·        C / C++ (preferred for firmware development)

·        Hardware/Firmware Troubleshooting


What Makes a Strong Candidate:

·        Hands-on experience developing and validating DRAM firmware.

·        Strong expertise in DDR4/DDR5 initialization and mode register configuration.

·        Ability to debug complex DRAM issues.

·        Experience working in semiconductor or SSD firmware environments.

·        Excellent collaboration and communication skills.

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