1

Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

A Houston-based professional engineering firm is seeking a Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer to lead the architecture, design, development, verification, and maintenance of advanced safety ...

Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

A Houston-based professional engineering firm is seeking a Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer to lead the architecture, design, development, verification, and maintenance of advanced safety ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Lebanon, NH ยท On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Simbex is seeking an Embedded Firmware Engineer to develop production firmware for next-generation IoT wearable devices. In this role, you will build embedded software for low-power connected systems ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Lebanon, NH ยท On-site

$115K - $158K/yr

Simbex is seeking an Embedded Firmware Engineer to develop production firmware for next-generation IoT wearable devices. In this role, you will build embedded software for low-power connected systems ...

Salary: $120,000 to $140,000 Simbex is seeking an Embedded Firmware Engineer to develop production firmware for next-generation IoT wearable devices. In this role, you will build embedded software ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Ripon, WI ยท On-site

$104K - $142K/yr

Overview The Embedded Firmware Engineer with Alliance Laundry Systems will focus on writing, designing and testing embedded firmware for electronic controls for commercial laundry equipment. The ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$102K - $139K/yr

About the Role Sentient Industries is seeking an Embedded Firmware Engineer to join our team in Austin, TX. In this role, you'll develop and maintain production firmware for power electronics and ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$102K - $139K/yr

About the Role Sentient Industries is seeking an Embedded Firmware Engineer to join our team in Austin, TX. In this role, you'll develop and maintain production firmware for power electronics and ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Morrisville, NC ยท On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

Embedded Firmware Engineer Full-time Morrisville, NC, US Exclusive confidential search -- details shared with qualified applicants. Become a Key Player as an Embedded Firmware Engineer You will ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer information

See salary details

$73.5K

$122K

$164K

How much do embedded firmware contract engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded firmware contract engineer in the United States is $122,008.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer do?

An Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer designs, develops, and tests low-level software (firmware) that runs on embedded systems, such as microcontrollers and other hardware devices. They typically work on a contract basis, helping companies build, optimize, or troubleshoot firmware for products like IoT devices, consumer electronics, automotive systems, or industrial equipment. Their responsibilities can include writing code in languages like C or C++, debugging hardware-software interactions, and collaborating with hardware engineers. Contract engineers may also be involved in documentation and ensuring that the firmware meets performance and reliability requirements.

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

To thrive as an Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer, you need expertise in embedded systems programming (usually C/C++), microcontroller architecture, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools such as JTAG debuggers, oscilloscopes, and version control systems (like Git), as well as experience with RTOS and communication protocols, is often required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and handling evolving project requirements. These skills ensure reliable firmware development, efficient troubleshooting, and the successful delivery of client projects in fast-paced environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Embedded Firmware Contract Engineers when joining new projects?

Embedded Firmware Contract Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating with existing codebases, adapting to unfamiliar hardware platforms, and quickly understanding client-specific development processes. Since contract roles typically require rapid onboarding, engineers must be adept at troubleshooting, reading documentation, and collaborating closely with both hardware and software teams. Effective communication and flexibility are key to overcoming differences in project methodologies and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality firmware solutions.

What is the difference between Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer vs Embedded Software Developer?

AspectEmbedded Firmware Contract EngineerEmbedded Software Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related; experience with firmware developmentBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related; programming skills in C/C++
Work EnvironmentContract roles in hardware-focused companies, often in manufacturing or IoT sectorsFull-time or freelance roles in software firms, tech companies, or embedded systems teams
Industry UsageCommon in electronics, IoT, automotive, and industrial sectorsWidespread across tech, consumer electronics, and embedded systems industries

The Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer typically works on short-term projects focused on firmware development for hardware devices, requiring specialized hardware knowledge. In contrast, the Embedded Software Developer often works on longer-term software projects, developing embedded applications across various industries. Both roles require programming skills and understanding of embedded systems but differ mainly in contract vs. full-time employment and project scope.

More about Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer 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 $122,008 per year, or $58.7 per hour.
Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer

Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer

USA Firmware

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

A Houston-based professional engineering firm is seeking a Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer to lead the architecture, design, development, verification, and maintenance of advanced safety-critical medical device firmware. This role focuses on Class I, II, and III medical devices, including neuromodulation platforms, implantable pulse generators, and artificial pancreas systems. The position requires leadership in embedded firmware development, risk and reliability analysis, secure design, wireless communication systems, and low-power embedded architectures.
The Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams across software, electrical, and mechanical disciplines to deliver high-quality products on schedule. The role also includes mentoring engineers, leading project execution strategy, driving technical innovation, and serving as a customer-facing technical leader.
Key responsibilities include:
  • Firmware architecture, coding, testing, integration, and verification
  • Safety-critical embedded systems development
  • Low-power embedded design and optimization
  • Development of wireless and wired communication interfaces (BLE, UART, I2C, USB, NFC)
  • Cybersecurity implementation and FOTA update strategies
  • Risk assessment, technical planning, and lifecycle management
  • Cross-functional collaboration and technical mentorship

Candidates should have extensive experience with C/C++, Python, ARM Cortex architectures, RTOS and bare-metal systems, medical device development processes, and relevant regulatory standards such as IEC 62304 and ISO 14971.
Requirements
  • MS degree in a relevant engineering or technical field, or equivalent experience
  • 15+ years of experience in embedded firmware or related specialized engineering fields
  • Minimum 10 years of experience working within a requirements-driven structured development process
  • Strong experience with embedded microcontrollers, bare-metal systems, and RTOS environments
  • Proficiency in C/C++, Python, and assembly language programming
  • Experience with ARM Cortex architectures and low-power embedded system design
  • Experience with communication interfaces including UART, I2C, USB, BLE, and NFC
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) updates
  • Experience with firmware architecture, device drivers, testing, integration, and verification
  • Familiarity with software development tools such as Jira, Git, GitHub, and BitBucket
  • Working knowledge of IEC 62304, ISO 13485, ISO 14971, and other relevant medical device standards
  • Experience with safety-critical applications and medical devices preferred
  • Strong troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and risk assessment skills
  • Excellent communication, leadership, collaboration, and mentoring abilities
  • Proven ability to lead projects through the full software development lifecycle from architecture through release and maintenance

Benefits
Company-paid Vision and Dental insurance
Discounted Medical insurance
401(k) matching program
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge medical device technologies
Collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment
Exposure to a wide variety of advanced medical device projects
Continuous learning and professional growth opportunities
Leadership and mentorship opportunities within technical teams
High-impact work focused on improving patient outcomes and quality of life