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Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer Jobs in Forest, VA

Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer information

See Forest, VA salary details

$61.6K

$102.3K

$137.5K

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

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded firmware contract engineer in Forest, VA is $102,328.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,400.00 and $118,300.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer jobs in Forest, VA?

For Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer jobs in Forest, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer job openings in Forest, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,328 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Electrical Engineering Technology Instructor

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


Liberty University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Faculty are essential to Liberty University's mission of Training Champions for Christ. It is expected that a faculty member model a personal commitment to the goals and values of Liberty University, engage in an active commitment to, and experience of, personal spiritual formation within a biblically informed Christian worldview. Faculty should view their teaching, engagement with students, and scholarship as a means to a significant educational end. They should strive to employ a variety of techniques for the development of good learning conditions, view each student as a unique individual, and insofar as it is possible, provide for individual differences, abilities, and interests.
The School of Engineering is seeking an instructor in electrical engineering to teach courses in the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology Program. An ideal candidate must have earned a master's degree from an accredited institution in electrical engineering or a related field with expertise in the following areas: Electrical Systems, Analog and Digital Electronics, Industrial Automation and Control, Embedded Systems, and PLC Fundamentals.
The Instructor's primary role is to teach in their areas of expertise, maintain the integrity of course and instructional programs, and ensure that their delivery is in alignment with the University's mission and vision for the student experience. As such, faculty are responsible for creating an academic atmosphere of mutual respect and consideration for individual dignity. Faculty members may be asked to aid in the development of curriculum in the residential and distance education environments, as well as engage in research/scholarship or creative activity that varies depending upon the expectations of their respective college or school and any additional activities involving service to students and their professional discipline.
Faculty attain the rank of Instructor based upon scholarly and professional achievements. An earned master's degree at an accredited
institution in an area relevant to the faculty member's area of teaching; at least 18 hours of graduate credit in the specific teaching field is required. This is the initial rank for faculty in, but not having completed, doctoral programs, and those with master's degrees considered terminal and without teaching experience.
Instructors are contracted for 10 months (30 load hours, respectively). Release from contracted teaching load is determined each semester by the Dean, per Liberty University Faculty Handbook.
Time Type
Full time
Location
Onsite
Pay Range
Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. The actual compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's rank, contract length, skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education/training and other factors, as reasonably determined by the University.
The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance.
$61,100.00 - $81,000.00
The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University's hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the "religion" component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.

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