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Contract Firmware Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

DURATION: 8 month contract with potential for extension/conversion Overview: The Firmware Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, implementing, testing, and maintaining firmware and ...

New

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... engineering teams. * Demonstrated ability to debug complex hardware/firmware issues. Nice to haves

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... engineering teams. * Demonstrated ability to debug complex hardware/firmware issues. Nice to haves

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... Build hardware platforms that allow software and firmware teams to develop before first silicon.

Electrical Engineer

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$115K - $150K/yr

... contract manufacturers for design-for-manufacturing optimization. Provide on-site and remote manufacturing programming support, requiring expertise in compilation toolchains, firmware flashing ...

Electrical Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

... contract manufacturers for design-for-manufacturing optimization. Provide on-site and remote manufacturing programming support, requiring expertise in compilation toolchains, firmware flashing ...

Electrical Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

... contract manufacturers for design-for-manufacturing optimization. Provide on-site and remote manufacturing programming support, requiring expertise in compilation toolchains, firmware flashing ...

Electrical Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

... contract manufacturers for design-for-manufacturing optimization. Provide on-site and remote manufacturing programming support, requiring expertise in compilation toolchains, firmware flashing ...

Sr. Electrical Design Engineer III

Kirkland, WA · Hybrid

$118K - $159K/yr

... firmware, and software groups, with shared resources across multiple engineering teams. The role is initially structured as a 6-month contract with potential for extension or conversion, offering ...

Sr. Electrical Design Engineer III

Kirkland, WA · Hybrid

$118K - $159K/yr

... firmware, and software groups, with shared resources across multiple engineering teams. The role is initially structured as a 6-month contract with potential for extension or conversion, offering ...

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... You will own FPGA prototyping, firmware enablement, first-silicon bring-up, and hardware validation ...

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... You will own FPGA prototyping, firmware enablement, first-silicon bring-up, and hardware validation ...

Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract opportunity for a Hardware R&D Validation Engineer ... Firmware & Environment Management: Flash and debug firmware (MCU/FPGA), manage Linux-based test ...

Hardware Debug Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

Contract * Installed, troubleshot, and maintained Server & Client computer components * Hands on ... Firmware, Software and OS * Ability to read schematics and board files. * Experience using ...

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Showing results 1-20

Contract Firmware Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$85.4K

$190.5K

$233.3K

How much do contract firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract firmware engineer in Seattle, WA is $190,548.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $162,700.00 and $233,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

Are contract firmware engineers in demand?

Contract firmware engineers are in high demand due to the growth of embedded systems, IoT devices, and hardware development. Companies seek professionals skilled in C, C++, and real-time operating systems to support product development and maintenance on flexible schedules. The demand is expected to remain strong as technology continues to advance.

How much does a contract firmware engineer get paid?

Contract firmware engineers typically earn between $50 and $100 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Senior or specialized engineers with expertise in embedded systems and real-time operating systems may command higher rates. Compensation can also vary based on contract duration and industry sector.

What are the most commonly searched types of Firmware Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Firmware Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Firmware Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Contract Firmware Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Firmware Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Firmware Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Contract Firmware Engineer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Contract Firmware Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Firmware Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 5% Temporary, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $190,548 per year, or $91.6 per hour.

Senior Firmware Engineer

Actalent

Kirkland, WA • Hybrid

$70 - $80/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

HIRING ASAP! If interested in more information/direct feedback, please reach out to me directly at ghilson@actalentservices. com and attach your resume and contact information.

Below are some details about the position:

  • BENEFITS: YES
  • PAY: $70-80 an hour depending on experience
  • SCHEDULE & ENVIRONMENT: Hybrid
  • DURATION: 8 month contract with potential for extension/conversion
Overview:

The Firmware Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, implementing, testing, and maintaining firmware and software solutions for hardware products. This role involves developing new applications and enhancing existing systems to support product development, validation, and launch readiness activities.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, test, and maintain firmware and software applications.
  • Fine-tune and improve complex software implementation projects.
  • Gather and analyze system requirements, document specifications, and develop software solutions to meet business and client needs.
  • Analyze and review enhancement requests and technical specifications.
  • Implement system software and customize solutions based on project requirements.
  • Prepare detailed software specifications, test plans, and test cases.
  • Develop new code and create test data for validation and testing activities.
  • Modify and enhance existing programs while conducting unit testing to ensure functionality.
  • Create migration packages for system testing, user acceptance testing, and implementation.
  • Conduct quality assurance reviews and support software validation efforts.
  • Perform post-implementation testing, troubleshoot issues, and resolve bugs identified during validation.

MUST HAVES

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 10+ years of experience in firmware, software, or embedded systems development.
  • Strong foundation in computer science principles, including data structures, algorithms, and software design.
  • Experience designing and developing large-scale software systems.
  • Proven experience troubleshooting, debugging, and unit testing both new and legacy production systems.
  • Strong programming skills with demonstrated experience in problem diagnosis and resolution.

NICE TO HAVES

  • Extensive experience with firmware and embedded systems development and debugging.
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming.
  • Experience with PowerShell and Python scripting.
  • Knowledge of hardware diagnostics, protocol analysis, and root cause investigation.
  • Strong technical documentation and reporting skills.
  • Experience working with prototype hardware and pre-production products.
Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Redmond, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $80.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Redmond,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 2, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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