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Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ayar Labs

Sr. Engineer, Embedded Firmware

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160K - $192K/yr

Sr. Engineer, Embedded Firmware Location: San Jose, CA (on-site 3-4 days per week) Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pioneers of co-packaged optics ...

Gates

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Rochester Hills, MI · On-site

$112K - $130K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking a skilled Embedded Firmware Engineer with a strong foundation in embedded software architecture, algorithm development, and device-level communication protocols. This ...

RTL Networks

Embedded Firmware Developer

CA · On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

Embedded Firmware Developer Location: NAWS China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA preferred Salary: $150,000 ... term contracts. By providing a wide array of professional services and products, we help our ...

ORAU

Software Engineer- Embedded/Firmware

Knoxville, TN

$91K - $125K/yr

Overview ORAU is conducting the search on behalf of Type One Energy for a permanent, fulltime Software Engineer (Embedded/Firmware) in Knoxville, Tennessee. Location: Knoxville TN Salary: Highly ...

HP IQ

Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $225K/yr

About The Role HP IQ's Connectivity team is seeking an Embedded Firmware Engineer with strong hands-on experience across RTOS and embedded Linux platforms. You'll bring up new hardware, develop and ...

ORAU

Software Engineer- Embedded/Firmware

Knoxville, TN

$91K - $125K/yr

ORAU is conducting the search on behalf of Type One Energy for a permanent, fulltime Software Engineer (Embedded/Firmware) in Knoxville, Tennessee. Location: Knoxville TN Salary: Highly Competitive ...

Eaton

Embedded Firmware Specialist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$122K - $179K/yr

As an Embedded Firmware Specialist, you will contribute to shaping and evolving the firmware ... You will collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams to drive alignment across ...

ORAU

Software Engineer- Embedded/Firmware

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$91K - $125K/yr

Overview ORAU is conducting the search on behalf of Type One Energy for a permanent, full-time Software Engineer (Embedded/Firmware) in Knoxville, Tennessee. Location: Knoxville TN Salary: Highly ...

SERES

Embedded Firmware Engineer II

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$120K - $164K/yr

Embedded Firmware Engineer II Duties and Responsibilities * Develop and maintain firmware on STM32 / TI / Renesas MCU platforms * Implement and debug low-level drivers (ADC, GPIO, PWM, SPI, I2C, UART ...

SERES

Embedded Firmware Engineer II

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$120K - $164K/yr

Embedded Firmware Engineer II Duties and Responsibilities * Develop and maintain firmware on STM32 / TI / Renesas MCU platforms * Implement and debug low-level drivers (ADC, GPIO, PWM, SPI, I2C, UART ...

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Embedded Firmware Contract Engineer information

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$73.5K

$122K

$164K

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

As of Aug 17, 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 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,008 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

Sr. Engineer, Embedded Firmware

Ayar Labs

San Jose, CA • On-site

$160K - $192K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Sr. Engineer, Embedded Firmware
Location: San Jose, CA (on-site 3-4 days per week)
Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pioneers of co-packaged optics (CPO), we are using light instead of electricity to move data faster, further, and with a fraction of the energy needed to fuel the explosive growth of AI models.
Backed by industry giants like NVIDIA, AMD and Intel and manufactured in partnership with the world's leading semiconductor ecosystem, Ayar Labs' co-packaged optics solution is key to unleashing next-generation AI scale-up architectures.
We are seeking an exceptional Firmware Engineer
to own the firmware development lifecycle for our groundbreaking products.
In this critical role, you will drive firmware design from inception to customer deployment, ensuring seamless hardware validation and integration. This is a unique opportunity to leverage your expertise in embedded systems, multi-chip package environments, and high-speed SerDes to shape the future of optical interconnect.
Essential Functions:
  • Firmware Architecture: Collaborate closely with analog/mixed-signal, digital, and photonic block designers to develop sophisticated control algorithms for our photonic circuits and establish the micro-architecture and embedded requirements for our multi-chip package systems.
  • Drive embedded firmware development: Design, develop, and optimize firmware for controlling complex electronic-photonic chips featuring multiple high-speed SerDes.
  • Provide Technical Leadership: Mentor and guide junior engineers, contributing to their professional growth and development.
  • Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner effectively with diverse teams, including hardware, software, validation and systems engineers, to achieve project goals.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's in Electrical/Computer Engineering or a related field with 2+ years of experience.
  • Proven expertise in bare-metal embedded firmware development, with strong programming skills in C.
  • Hands-on, proactive approach with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment.
  • Experience with various microcontrollers and firmware debugging tools.
  • Proficiency with modern version control workflows (e.g., Git).
  • Familiarity with project management tools (JIRA), and CI/CD tools.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in embedded firmware development for high-speed electronics and photonics applications.
  • Silicon bring-up experience for high-speed SerDes and photonics applications.
  • Experience in scripting with high level language like Python.
  • Experience with Make-based build flows.
  • Writing firmware optimized for ARM CPUs.
  • Ability to own architecture and development of firmware modules from scratch.

Salary range: $160,000 - $192,000
NOTE TO RECRUITERS:
Principals only. We are not accepting resumes from recruiters for this position. Remuneration for recruiting activities is only applicable subject to a signed and executed agreement between the parties. Please don't send candidates to Ayar Labs, and do not contact our managers.
Ayar Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, sex, national origin, race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. It is the policy of Ayar Labs to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Veterans are more than welcome and encouraged to apply.

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