1

Contract Firmware Jobs in Bothell, WA (NOW HIRING)

Director - TeraWave RF Payloads

Seattle, WA · On-site

$272K - $382K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Define product architecture across RF, digital, power, thermal, mechanical, firmware, and ... Experience working with contract manufacturers and driving design transfer to manufacturing.

Director - TeraWave RF Payloads

Seattle, WA · On-site

$272K - $382K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Define product architecture across RF, digital, power, thermal, mechanical, firmware, and ... Experience working with contract manufacturers and driving design transfer to manufacturing.

Senior FPGA Prototyping Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120K - $225K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Hardware R&D Validation Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$45 - $70/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 experience with flashing/installing/updating BIOS, Firmware, Software and OS * Ability to read ...

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... You will work closely with architecture, RTL design, DFT, DV, firmware, physical design, and ...

Junior Silicon Validation Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Extend the compile and build flow to support custom firmware-style tests. * Serve as a technical ... Candidates with a history of multiple short-term contracts without sufficient explanation may not ...

New

Senior ASIC Emulation Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$170 - $250/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass‑producing the ... You will work closely with architecture, RTL design, DFT, DV, firmware, physical design, and ...

New

Senior ASIC Emulation Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$170K - $250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... You will work closely with architecture, RTL design, DFT, DV, firmware, physical design, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Firmware information

See Bothell, WA salary details

$83.8K

$187.2K

$229.2K

How much do contract firmware jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract firmware in Bothell, WA is $187,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $159,900.00 and $229,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract firmware engineer?

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

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 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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Firmware jobs in Bothell, WA?

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

Director - TeraWave RF Payloads

Blue Origin, LLC

Seattle, WA • On-site

$272K - $382K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Blue Origin rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.
At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!
Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.
We are seeking a Director to lead the development of a next-generation satellite communications payload including the Phase Array Antenna and RF gateways, from concept through manufacturing transfer. This leader will own a multidisciplinary team responsible for hardware architecture and design development, embedded software development, systems integration, validation, and production readiness.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead hardware, embedded software, and systems engineering teams developing compact, rugged, high-performance communications terminals.
  • Define product architecture across RF, digital, power, thermal, mechanical, firmware, and manufacturing domains.
  • Drive execution from prototype to high-volume production, including design for manufacturability, testability, reliability, and cost.
  • Partner with manufacturing and supply chain teams to select components, qualify suppliers, and transfer designs to a contract manufacturer or develop assembly processes.
  • Establish program plans, technical milestones, risk management, and cross-functional coordination with operations, quality, and product management.
  • Own system-level integration, bring-up, debugging, and validation strategy for hardware and firmware.
  • Ensure embedded software supports secure boot, device provisioning, field updates, telemetry, diagnostics, and factory test.
  • Build and mentor a high-performing team of engineers and technical leads.
  • Manage external partners, including contract manufacturers, test labs, and specialist consultants.
  • Create and maintain engineering processes for requirements management, change control, verification, and release readiness.

Qualifications:
  • 10+ years of experience in hardware and embedded systems development, with at least 6 years leading technical teams.
  • Proven success bringing complex connected hardware products from prototype to mass production.
  • Strong background in RF design, embedded systems, board design, system integration, and production test.
  • Experience working with contract manufacturers and driving design transfer to manufacturing.
  • Experience with RF-enabled products, high-speed digital design, power electronics, thermal design, and ruggedized consumer or industrial hardware.
  • Experience with Linux-based embedded platforms, real-time constraints, boot flows, device provisioning, and firmware update mechanisms.
  • Strong understanding of reliability engineering, root cause analysis, and failure analysis.
  • Ability to lead across hardware, firmware, operations, and quality functions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills, with a track record of delivering on aggressive timelines.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in electrical, mechanical or software engineering, or related field.
  • Experience with satellite communications, antenna systems, phased arrays, or wireless networking hardware.
  • Background in secure hardware, cryptography, anti-tamper, or device identity systems.
  • Familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements for consumer electronics and radio products.
  • Experience scaling production from low-volume engineering builds to millions of units.
  • Hands-on experience with manufacturing test development and factory yield improvement.

Base Pay Range for:
CA applicants is $272,861.00 - $382,004.70WA applicants is $272,861.00 - $382,004.70
Other site ranges may differ
Culture Statement
Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Export Control Regulations
Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Background Check
  • Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits
  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation
Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

What Blue Origin employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Blue Origin logo

About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000