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Firmware Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Firmware Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

What you'll do Firmware & Embedded Software Architecture Leadership * Own the end-to-end firmware/embedded-software architecture for TYLsemi chiplets. * Define the firmware/hardware interface ...

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Firmware Architect information

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$130K

$156.9K

$190K

How much do firmware architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for firmware architect in the United States is $156,875.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $144,500.00 and $165,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Firmware Architect do?

A Firmware Architect is responsible for designing and overseeing the development of embedded system software that controls hardware devices. They define the system architecture, ensure optimal performance, and create scalable, maintainable firmware solutions. This role requires expertise in low-level programming, hardware interfaces, and system optimization. Firmware Architects collaborate with hardware engineers, software developers, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless integration. Their work is critical in industries like automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial automation.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Firmware Architect?

A Firmware Architect typically spends their day designing system architecture for embedded products, collaborating with hardware and software engineering teams to define requirements, and reviewing code for technical accuracy and efficiency. They often lead design discussions, create technical documentation, and help resolve complex integration or debugging challenges. Additionally, they may mentor junior engineers, engage in code optimization, and guide the adoption of new tools or standards. This work requires a balance of hands-on technical expertise and strategic oversight to ensure project success and innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Firmware Architect position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Firmware Architect, you need a solid background in embedded systems, low-level programming (C/C++), and system architecture, often supported by a degree in computer engineering or related fields. Familiarity with hardware platforms, debugging tools (such as JTAG), RTOS environments, and industry certifications like Embedded Systems Certification (CES) is highly beneficial. Strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills help drive complex projects and mentor junior engineers. These abilities are essential for designing robust firmware solutions that integrate seamlessly with hardware and meet organizational goals.

More about Firmware Architect jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Firmware Architect jobs? The most popular types of Firmware Architect jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Firmware Architect jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Firmware Architect jobs are:
Infographic showing various Firmware Architect job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $156,875 per year, or $75.4 per hour.
Firmware Architect

$147K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Advanced Micro Devices rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 144 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING
At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences-from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you'll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world's most important challenges-striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond. Together, we advance your career.
THE ROLE:
As a Firmware Architect in the AMD Strategic Silicon Solutions group, you are responsible for defining and driving the architecture of complex, end-to-end firmware systems across AMD's custom silicon programs. You will shape foundational firmware layers, orchestrate cross-domain flows such as power management, boot and bring-up, security lifecycle management, and silicon feature enablement across diverse product types. You will collaborate closely with silicon architects, hardware designers, platform engineers, and customer engineering teams to build robust, scalable, and secure firmware solutions optimized for AMD and its most important partners.
THE PERSON:
You are a hands-on, detail-oriented embedded technologist who understands the intricacies of low-level firmware, hardware interactions, and system initialization flows. You excel at decomposing highly complex silicon behaviors into clear architectural interfaces and executable firmware components. You are experienced in leading architectural development for firmware subsystems, navigating ambiguity, and enabling smooth productization from early silicon to production-ready deployments. You are passionate about low-level engineering and thrive in environments where firmware plays a central role in system correctness, performance, security, and feature enablement.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Architect end-to-end firmware solutions for critical silicon flows including:
    • Power management and power-state coordination
    • Boot, reset, and silicon bring-up sequences
    • Security lifecycle flows (secure boot, attestation, key management, firmware authentication)
    • System management flows across multiple IP blocks
  • Define firmware architecture, interfaces, and component boundaries to enable scalable, maintainable implementations.
  • Collaborate with silicon, hardware, and system architects to translate hardware capabilities and requirements into firmware behavior, algorithms, and state machines.
  • Work with internal and customer engineering teams to define requirements, constraints, and optimization strategies for low-level control flows.
  • Lead the integration of firmware components across cross-IP systems ensuring correctness, performance, and robustness.
  • Drive silicon feature enablement from pre-silicon validation through post-silicon bring-up and final productization.
  • Partner with security, hardware, and software teams to ensure compliance with security requirements and industry best practices.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Deep familiarity with embedded firmware technologies including memory management concepts, low-level initialization, secure boot flows, and hardware-firmware interface design.
  • Strong debug and problem-solving skills across pre-silicon and post-silicon environments.
  • Experience architecting or designing firmware spanning multiple IP domains (power management controllers, security engines, system controllers, etc.).
  • Solid programming and software architecture foundation with a proven track record of designing or reviewing complex firmware or cross-IP system flows.
  • Experience with performance/timing analysis of firmware-driven hardware sequences.
  • Excellent documentation, communication, and technical presentation skills.
  • Ability to rapidly absorb new technologies and hardware/firmware paradigms.

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree (preferred) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent

This role is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
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Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.
AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants' needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.
AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD's "Responsible AI Policy" is available here.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

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