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Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Videndum

Embedded Firmware Engineer III

Cary, NC · On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

Embedded Firmware Engineer III Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Embedded Firmware Engineer III to develop embedded firmware for professional battery, power, and LED lighting products ...

Videndum plc

$100 - $150/hr

Embedded Firmware Engineer III Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Embedded Firmware Engineer III to develop embedded firmware for professional battery, power, and LED lighting products ...

Vitesse Systems

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Webster, TX · On-site

$79K - $150K/yr

The Embedded Firmware Engineer will work with a talented multidisciplinary team of engineers to help design cutting edge robotic systems and electromechanical hardware for clients in a wide variety ...

SCRAM Systems

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Greenwood Village, CO · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled Embedded Firmware Engineer to design, develop, and optimize low-level software for advanced embedded systems. This role involves working across the full firmware stack ...

Prolim Global

Firmware Engineer (Embedded)

Lockport, NY · On-site

$97K - $133K/yr

Prolim is hiring for a Firmware Engineer for a leading client Location ... Lockport, NY Contract: Long term Mandatory Skills: * 5 to 7 years relevant experience with Embedded ...

New

Videndum

Embedded Firmware Engineer III

Cary, NC

$101K - $138K/yr

Embedded Firmware Engineer III Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Embedded Firmware Engineer III to develop embedded firmware for professional battery, power, and LED lighting products ...

SCRAM Systems

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Greenwood Village, CO · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled Embedded Firmware Engineer to design, develop, and optimize low-level software for advanced embedded systems. This role involves working across the full firmware stack ...

Vitesse Systems

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Webster, TX · On-site

$79K - $150K/yr

The Embedded Firmware Engineer will work with a talented multidisciplinary team of engineers to help design cutting edge robotic systems and electromechanical hardware for clients in a wide variety ...

Anduril Industries

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

About the Role We are looking for a Firmware Engineer to develop low-level embedded software and help build the tests that verify it works. You'll work alongside senior engineers to update ...

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Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer information

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

As of Sep 7, 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.

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Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,008 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

Sr. Embedded Firmware Engineer Contractor

Cohu

San Diego, CA • On-site

$75 - $85/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description


Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer Contractor
Thermal Control System Development
Company: Cohu, Inc.
Location: San Diego, CA
Duration: 3 Month Contract (potential extension)
Work Arrangement: This is a full-time contractor position on-site role (minimum of 32 hours per week) at Cohu's semiconductor test handler & thermal systems innovation center located in San Diego, CA (Rancho Bernardo).
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Embedded Firmware Engineer Contractor to develop firmware for a high-performance multichannel thermal control system based on an STM32H7 microcontroller. The controller performs fast simultaneous temperature acquisition, executes multiple independent PID control loops, and communicates system data through a 100 Mbps Ethernet interface.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer who is equally comfortable developing embedded firmware and troubleshooting hardware in the laboratory.
Responsibilities
  • Develop bare-metal firmware for an STM32H7-based thermal control platform.
  • Implement simultaneous temperature acquisition from I2C and RTDs
  • Develop, implement, and tune multiple independent PID-based control loops.
  • Support hardware bring-up, integration, and validation activities.
  • Debug peripherals and interfaces like ADCs, I2C, PWM, Ethernet, and GPIOs.
  • Work closely with hardware engineers to diagnose and resolve board-level and system-level issues.
  • Participate in system testing, performance characterization, and firmware optimization.

Required Qualifications
  • BS degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or closely related field and 7+ years of embedded firmware development experience OR MS degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or closely related field and 4+ years of embedded firmware development experience.
  • Experience developing and tuning temperature control systems, power control systems, or other real-time feedback control applications.
  • Strong C programming skills.
  • Extensive experience with development on STM32H7 devices.
  • Experience implementing PID or other closed-loop control algorithms.
  • Experience with hardware bring-up, prototype validation, and schematic review.
  • Proficiency using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and digital multimeters to troubleshoot firmware and hardware integration issues.

Expected Deliverables
During the contract period, the contractor is expected to deliver:
  • Successful bring-up and validation of the STM32H7-based hardware platform.
  • A reliable, production-ready thermal control firmware architecture supporting multiple independent control channels and meeting measurement accuracy specifications.
  • Ethernet communication infrastructure supporting at least 50 Mbps data throughput.
  • Well-structured, maintainable, and thoroughly commented source code suitable for long-term product support and future development.
  • Firmware designed for robustness, reliability, fault detection, and recovery in a production environment.
  • Technical documentation sufficient to support future maintenance, testing, and product release activities.

Compensation: The estimated base pay range for this position is $75 -$85 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related factors. This range represents Cohu's good faith estimate of what it reasonably expects to pay for this contractor position.
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About Cohu

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Software development

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Poway, CA, US

Year founded

1947

Social media

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