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Embedded Systems Firmware Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

This role requires a firmware engineer comfortable working across the entire embedded systems spectrum -- from low-level MCU peripheral bring-up to SoC-level system integration -- rather than ...

A Firmware Engineer is a key contributor in the development of embedded firmware for high-power ... Proficiency in C / C++ for embedded systems. * Experience with microcontrollers, DSPs, or embedded ...

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Firmware Engineer II

Kent, WA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware for microcontroller-based systems used in vehicular gate operators. * Develop production-quality firmware in C/C++ for real-time embedded systems ...

Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware for microcontroller-based systems used in vehicular gate operators. * Develop production-quality firmware in C/C++ for real-time embedded systems ...

Firmware Engineer II

Kent, WA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware for microcontroller-based systems used in vehicular gate operators. * Develop production-quality firmware in C/C++ for real-time embedded systems ...

Embedded Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$118K - $155K/yr

... engineer to help design and build the distributed embedded system that powers these machines ... You'll work across firmware, real-time control, device orchestration, reliability, telemetry, and ...

... engineer to help design and build the distributed embedded system that powers these machines ... You'll work across firmware, real-time control, device orchestration, reliability, telemetry, and ...

Embedded Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$118K - $155K/yr

... engineer to help design and build the distributed embedded system that powers these machines ... You'll work across firmware, real-time control, device orchestration, reliability, telemetry, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Embedded Systems Firmware Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$83.6K

$138.8K

$186.6K

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

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded systems firmware engineer in Seattle, WA is $138,848.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,200.00 and $160,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an embedded systems firmware engineer?

Embedded Systems Firmware Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain the low-level software (firmware) that controls hardware devices in embedded systems. Their work involves writing code that interacts directly with hardware components such as microcontrollers, sensors, and communication interfaces. They ensure that embedded devices, like medical equipment, automotive controllers, or consumer electronics, operate efficiently and reliably. These engineers must have a strong understanding of both hardware and software principles, as well as proficiency in programming languages like C or C++.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded systems firmware engineer?

To thrive as an Embedded Systems Firmware Engineer, you need a strong background in computer engineering, proficiency in programming languages like C/C++, and experience with microcontroller architectures, often backed by a relevant degree. Familiarity with hardware debugging tools, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and version control systems such as Git is typically required. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication skills are essential for effective collaboration and troubleshooting. These competencies ensure robust firmware development, smooth integration with hardware, and reliable performance in critical embedded applications.

What are some common challenges embedded systems firmware engineers face when integrating new hardware components?

One frequent challenge for Embedded Systems Firmware Engineers is ensuring seamless compatibility between new hardware components and existing firmware. This often involves debugging communication protocols, adapting drivers, and handling timing issues unique to the hardware. Engineers must collaborate closely with hardware designers and test engineers to resolve integration problems efficiently. Staying updated on new technologies and tools is essential to address these challenges effectively and maintain system reliability.

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

AspectEmbedded Systems Firmware EngineerEmbedded Software Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; knowledge of C/C++Bachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields; proficiency in C/C++, Python
Work EnvironmentHardware-focused, working closely with microcontrollers and embedded devicesSoftware-focused, developing applications for embedded platforms
Industry UsageAutomotive, consumer electronics, industrial automationConsumer electronics, IoT devices, medical devices

Both roles involve embedded programming, but Embedded Systems Firmware Engineers focus on low-level firmware development directly on hardware, while Embedded Software Developers often work on higher-level software layers. The roles overlap in skills and industries, but differ in focus and scope.

Embedded Software Engineer

Redmond, WA • On-site

Meta
Internet and IT • 10K+ employees

$184K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Reality Labs Research Software Team is looking for an Embedded Software Engineer to help bring all-day wearable AI research platforms to life through collaboration and commitment.Our prototype devices enable breakthrough research in contextualized AI — your firmware captures real-world sensor data, manages on-device compute pipelines, and provides the reliable hardware abstraction that makes research breakthroughs possible.This role requires a firmware engineer comfortable working across the entire embedded systems spectrum — from low-level MCU peripheral bring-up to SoC-level system integration — rather than specializing in a single domain. You will work across a rich technology stack including Zephyr RTOS on MCUs, AOSP/Linux on Qualcomm SoCs, multi-camera systems (SLAM, RGB, eye tracking), wireless communications (WiFi, BLE, Sub-GHz), IMU-based sensor fusion, and power-optimized embedded architectures for all-day wearable use. We are looking for someone who sees ambiguity as opportunity, nurtures a sense of ownership in themselves and others, and thrives in an honest and considerate environment. We embrace AI-native ways of working — using AI tools as force multipliers to accelerate development, testing, and iteration. We have many exciting problems to solve, and we depend on people who are comfortable with embracing a creative, thoughtful approach to short-term and long-term problem-solving to drive our innovation.
Embedded Software Engineer Responsibilities:
  • Own the design, development, and debugging of firmware, and embedded software, including sensing and imaging systems
  • Understand and implement firmware on microcontrollers and SoCs, leverage peripherals, manage power consumption, support boot loaders, and schedule real-time tasks (RTOS)
  • Collaborate in a team environment across multiple, research-focused, and engineering disciplines, making the architectural trade-offs required to rapidly deliver firmware solutions, communicating decisions and rationale clearly to a wide range of stakeholders
  • Drive firmware architecture and system bring-up across all phases of custom hardware development, including early requirement definition, firmware and embedded system design, proof-of-concept implementation, selection of MCUs and tools, and board bring-up
  • Define and champion embedded software development practices across teams and projects, including setting expectations, defining the backlog, and tracking progress of contingent staff
  • Provide architectural input in design reviews, influence technical direction across the firmware stack, and serve as a technical expert for the team on complex cross-domain problems for assigned subsystems
  • Leverage AI tools and workflows to accelerate firmware development, code generation, testing, and documentation — applying engineering judgment to determine when AI augmentation improves quality, speed, and team efficiency

Minimum Qualifications:
  • B.S. degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • 7+ years of software development experience in embedded systems, firmware, or a related field, or a PhD with 4+ years of experience in embedded systems, firmware, or a related field
  • 3+ years of embedded software development experience in industry settings
  • Experience with embedded software design and programming in C and C++
  • Experience with building drivers for custom hardware systems
  • Hands-on experience with hardware debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol decoders) and register-level system debugging
  • Experience designing firmware solutions from hardware data sheets, including serial protocol (synchronous/asynchronous) interface implementation
  • Experience with real-time operating systems (e.g., Zephyr, FreeRTOS, or an equivalent real-time OS)
  • Experience in independently architecting embedded systems spanning multiple processors or subsystems (e.g., MCU and SoC integration, multi-core designs)

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with wireless protocol stacks (BLE, Wi-Fi, or proprietary RF)
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Experience working with international manufacturing partners
  • AOSP experience outside of apps and in the native environment
  • M.S. degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • Experience in research or prototyping environments where requirements evolve rapidly
  • Experience with camera or imaging subsystems (ISP, MIPI CSI/DSI)
  • Experience using AI-assisted development tools (code generation, automated testing, AI-powered debugging) to accelerate embedded software workflows
  • Experience with SoC bring-up (ARM Cortex-A/M, Qualcomm, NXP, or similar)

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$184,000/year to $257,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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