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Firmware Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer

Houston, TX · 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 · 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 ...

Sr. Firmware Engineer

Katy, TX · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Architect firmware-to-hardware and firmware-to-sensor interfaces, defining data flow, timing, synchronization, and communication protocols across subsystems. * Develop signal-processing and noise ...

Staff Firmware Engineer

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$134K - $168K/yr

Firmware Architecture & Design: • Lead the design and development of firmware for embedded systems, including creating and optimizing firmware architecture to meet system requirements. • Develop ...

Staff Firmware Engineer

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$134K - $168K/yr

Firmware Architecture & Design: • Lead the design and development of firmware for embedded systems, including creating and optimizing firmware architecture to meet system requirements. • Develop ...

Principal Engineer, Firmware

Longmont, CO · On-site

$161K - $275K/yr

Drive firmware architecture for next-generation SSD platforms, ensuring development teams have clear direction, specifications, and design standards to execute against * Design, develop, and test ...

This role focuses on low-level firmware development, embedded systems architecture, hardware/software integration, and real-time systems. The ideal candidate has strong experience developing ...

New

Staff Firmware Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

Set technical direction - Define and own the long-range firmware architecture, partnering with technical leadership to drive the roadmap and set engineering standards across embedded subsystems.

Contribute to firmware architecture and embedded software development for battery-powered wearable consumer devices from concept through production. * Own critical portions of the firmware stack ...

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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 2, 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:
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Infographic showing various Firmware Architect job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,875 per year, or $75.4 per hour.
Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer

Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer

USA Firmware

Houston, TX • On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

A Houston-based professional engineering firm is seeking a Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer to lead the architecture, design, development, verification, and maintenance of advanced safety-critical medical device firmware. This role focuses on Class I, II, and III medical devices, including neuromodulation platforms, implantable pulse generators, and artificial pancreas systems. The position requires leadership in embedded firmware development, risk and reliability analysis, secure design, wireless communication systems, and low-power embedded architectures.
The Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams across software, electrical, and mechanical disciplines to deliver high-quality products on schedule. The role also includes mentoring engineers, leading project execution strategy, driving technical innovation, and serving as a customer-facing technical leader.
Key responsibilities include:
  • Firmware architecture, coding, testing, integration, and verification
  • Safety-critical embedded systems development
  • Low-power embedded design and optimization
  • Development of wireless and wired communication interfaces (BLE, UART, I2C, USB, NFC)
  • Cybersecurity implementation and FOTA update strategies
  • Risk assessment, technical planning, and lifecycle management
  • Cross-functional collaboration and technical mentorship

Candidates should have extensive experience with C/C++, Python, ARM Cortex architectures, RTOS and bare-metal systems, medical device development processes, and relevant regulatory standards such as IEC 62304 and ISO 14971.
Requirements
  • MS degree in a relevant engineering or technical field, or equivalent experience
  • 15+ years of experience in embedded firmware or related specialized engineering fields
  • Minimum 10 years of experience working within a requirements-driven structured development process
  • Strong experience with embedded microcontrollers, bare-metal systems, and RTOS environments
  • Proficiency in C/C++, Python, and assembly language programming
  • Experience with ARM Cortex architectures and low-power embedded system design
  • Experience with communication interfaces including UART, I2C, USB, BLE, and NFC
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) updates
  • Experience with firmware architecture, device drivers, testing, integration, and verification
  • Familiarity with software development tools such as Jira, Git, GitHub, and BitBucket
  • Working knowledge of IEC 62304, ISO 13485, ISO 14971, and other relevant medical device standards
  • Experience with safety-critical applications and medical devices preferred
  • Strong troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and risk assessment skills
  • Excellent communication, leadership, collaboration, and mentoring abilities
  • Proven ability to lead projects through the full software development lifecycle from architecture through release and maintenance

Benefits
Company-paid Vision and Dental insurance
Discounted Medical insurance
401(k) matching program
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge medical device technologies
Collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment
Exposure to a wide variety of advanced medical device projects
Continuous learning and professional growth opportunities
Leadership and mentorship opportunities within technical teams
High-impact work focused on improving patient outcomes and quality of life