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Contract Firmware Jobs in San Ramon, CA (NOW HIRING)

Technical Program Manager

Foster City, CA · On-site

$79.78 - $88.64/hr

Lead manufacturing firmware activities, including factory flashing, provisioning, secure-key injection, end-of-line testing, version control, and contract manufacturer coordination. * Manage release ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Firmware information

See San Ramon, CA salary details

$83.8K

$187.1K

$229.1K

How much do contract firmware jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract firmware in San Ramon, CA is $187,115.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $159,800.00 and $229,100.00 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 cities near San Ramon, CA are hiring for Contract Firmware jobs?

Cities near San Ramon, CA with the most Contract Firmware job openings:

Technical Program Manager - Firmware

Foster City, CA • On-site

Kforce Technology Staffing
IT Services • 1 - 5K employees

$150K - $194K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client that is seeking a Technical Program Manager - Firmware in Foster City, CA.
Overview:
As a Technical Program Manager, you will operate with a high degree of autonomy, setting the standard for program execution across the organization. You will be a trusted partner to senior engineering and product leadership, driving strategic initiatives that span multiple teams, systems, and business lines.
Responsibilities:
* Lead end-to-end program management for large-scale, multi-team engineering initiatives with significant business impact, from strategy through delivery
* Serve as a strategic partner to VP- and Director-level engineering and product leaders, influencing roadmaps, resourcing decisions, and organizational priorities
* Define and evolve program management frameworks, processes, and best practices across the engineering organization
* Drive alignment across complex dependency landscapes involving multiple teams, external partners, and competing priorities
* Anticipate and proactively manage risks, escalations, and trade-offs at a program and portfolio level
* Communicate clearly and confidently to executive audiences - translating technical complexity into business impact and vice versa
* Actively participate in architectural and technical scoping discussions, providing informed input on feasibility, sequencing, and delivery risk
REQUIREMENTS:
* 7+ years of experience in technical program management, with a proven record of delivering complex, org-wide engineering programs
* Deep expertise managing multi-team software programs across the full SDLC, including large-scale platform, infrastructure, or product initiatives
* Strong technical foundation - able to engage credibly in architectural discussions, understand system design trade-offs, and evaluate technical risk
* Exceptional communication and executive presence - skilled at influencing without authority and navigating organizational dynamics
* Experience building or improving program management processes and tooling at an organizational level
* Proven ability to manage ambiguity, drive clarity, and make sound decisions under pressure in fast-paced environments
* Ability to use AI tools to make informed technical decisions regarding a given design or code changes
* Knowledge of how agentic AI models work and how to execute programs with AI chatbots
* Technical expertise in understanding the following technologies
* Wireless Technologies - 4G/5G/Multi-WAN Load Balancing
* Networking Technologies - UDP/TCP, NAT Traversal, Network Security (mTLS, etc.)
* Data Pipelines - Experience with Kafka (kafkajs), Protobuf serialization, and AWS cloud infrastructure (API Gateways)
The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.
We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.
Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.
This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.
Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
By clicking ?Apply Today? you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages or emails from Kforce and its affiliates, and service providers. Note that if you choose to communicate with Kforce via text messaging the frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You will always have the right to cease communicating via text by using key words such as STOP.

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About Kforce

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kforce is a professional staffing services firm that is located in Tampa, Florida, US. Operational since 1962, it specializes in flexible and direct hire staffing in Technology and Finance & Accounting, engaging over 23,000 highly skilled professionals annually with more than 4,000 customers. Kforce operates within various industry sectors such as healthcare, financial services, communications, and government. Their mission is to have a meaningful impact on all the lives they serve, with a focus on integrity, respect, and trust.

Industry

It services and finance and insurance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Tampa, FL, US