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Firmware Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an experienced System Architect with 10+ years of professional experience ... Lead system design of complex software, hardware and firmware solutions that define future Sol-Ark ...

Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

Firmware architecture, coding, testing, integration, and verification * Safety-critical embedded systems development * Low-power embedded design and optimization * Development of wireless and wired ...

Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

Firmware architecture, coding, testing, integration, and verification * Safety-critical embedded systems development * Low-power embedded design and optimization * Development of wireless and wired ...

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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 Jun 11, 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 cities are hiring for Firmware Architect jobs? Cities with the most Firmware Architect job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Firmware Architect jobs? The most popular types of Firmware Architect jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Firmware Architect jobs? The top employers for Firmware Architect jobs are:
What states have the most Firmware Architect jobs? States with the most job openings for Firmware Architect jobs include:
Infographic showing various Firmware Architect job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,875 per year, or $75.4 per hour.

Senior Firmware Security Architect (Hybrid)

Nightwing

Greenville, SC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.
Senior Firmware Security Architect
We are seeking an exceptional Senior Firmware Security Architect to lead the development and support of advanced microelectronics devices at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation. This pivotal role combines deep technical expertise in embedded systems with security-first engineering principles to protect critical infrastructure at the hardware-firmware boundary.
As a technical leader on our team, you'll architect, develop, and oversee secure firmware solutions while mentoring engineers and driving our hardware security roadmap forward.
What You'll Do
  • Lead firmware development for advanced security microelectronics, from architecture through production and support
  • Design and implement secure boot chains, cryptographic systems, and hardware root-of-trust solutions
  • Oversee hardware design partnerships and guide manufacturing processes to ensure security requirements are met
  • Develop and maintain UEFI firmware, Windows/Linux drivers, and embedded software for security-critical applications
  • Architect cryptographic systems incorporating signature verification, encryption, attestation, and authentication mechanisms
  • Implement security best practices throughout the development lifecycle, including threat modeling and secure coding standards
  • Debug complex issues using JTAG, emulation, and custom test infrastructure
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware engineers, security researchers, and product teams

Security Clearance:
Requires at least a Secret.
Qualified applicants may be subject to a security investigation and must meet minimum qualifications for access to classified information. U.S. Citizenship is required. Qualified applicants must meet the requirements to obtain and maintain a Secret government security clearance.
Required Qualifications
Experience & Expertise:
  • 10+ years of embedded systems development experience
  • Proven UEFI development experience
  • Deep familiarity with Intel architecture and UEFI Secure Boot
  • Extensive firmware development, testing, and validation experience
  • Windows and Linux driver development background
  • Experience managing hardware design, development, and manufacturing processes

Security Knowledge:
  • Strong understanding of cryptographic system design principles (signature verification, data encryption, message authentication, remote attestation)
  • Hands-on experience with modern commodity security technologies: TPM, Secure Boot, Measured Boot, hardware root-of-trust, Self-Encrypting Drives (SED)
  • Track record of implementing secure development practices

Technical Skills:
  • Expert-level proficiency in C/C++ and Python
  • Advanced hardware debugging techniques: JTAG, remote debugging, emulation, custom hardware test rigs
  • Strong systems-level understanding of hardware-software interactions

Ideal Candidate
You are a security-minded engineer who thinks like an attacker but builds like a defender. You're passionate about the intersection of hardware and software security, stay current with emerging threats and mitigations, and excel at translating complex security requirements into elegant technical solutions.
Our Interviews:
Our interviews are technical. Be prepared to tell us about your technical background and testing experience, as well as to work through some of our questions on a computer or whiteboard. We hope candidates find our questions to be thought provoking, but we don't ask brain teasers or tricks. This is a chance to have a dialog with our team, and we hope you will enjoy it!
At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we'll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.
Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.