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Firmware Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AtlasIED

Sr. Firmware Engineer

Sandy, UT · On-site

$113K - $150K/yr

Support or liaise with outside contractors on projects that involve DSP or embedded firmware. * Perform system analysis, planning, design, development and test of limited-scope projects and/or ...

Wilcox Industries

Senior Firmware Engineer

Rochester, NH · On-site

$117K - $155K/yr

S government defense contractor, and this position requires access to export-controlled technology. Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to access U.S. government-controlled technology ...

F5, Inc.

Sr. Manager, Firmware

Liberty Lake, WA · On-site

$216K - $325K/yr

Build and mentor a diverse team of firmware engineers, set clear objectives, and develop career ... Plan capacity, skill mix, and external partnerships (contractors, tooling, labs, vendors) to meet ...

SARA Inc

Firmware Engineer - 1587

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

... contractors in Colorado Springs, CO. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs ...

Wilcox Industries

Senior Firmware Engineer

Rochester, NH · On-site

$117K - $155K/yr

S government defense contractor, and this position requires access to export-controlled technology. Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to access U.S. government-controlled technology ...

SARA Inc

Firmware Engineer - 1587

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

... contractors in Colorado Springs, CO. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs ...

Utilidata

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

Collaborate cross-functionally with external contractors, cloud infrastructure, AI/algorithms, and ... Experience shipping firmware in high-reliability industries (medical, automotive, aerospace ...

Utilidata

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

Collaborate cross-functionally with external contractors, cloud infrastructure, AI/algorithms, and ... Experience shipping firmware in high-reliability industries (medical, automotive, aerospace ...

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All JobsFirmware Contractor Jobs

Firmware Contractor information

See salary details

$75K

$167.4K

$205K

How much do firmware contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for firmware contractor in the United States is $167,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $143,000.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Firmware Contractor vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectFirmware ContractorFirmware Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires relevant certifications, experience, and sometimes freelance or contractual licensingUsually holds a degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields; full-time employment often with company-specific training
Work EnvironmentContract-based, often remote or on-site project-specific rolesFull-time or permanent positions within companies or R&D teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies hiring temporary or project-specific firmware development supportEmployed by organizations to develop, test, and maintain firmware regularly

Firmware Contractors typically work on a temporary basis, focusing on specific projects, while Firmware Engineers are full-time employees involved in ongoing firmware development and maintenance within organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Firmware Contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Firmware Contractor, you need expertise in embedded systems programming, proficiency in languages like C/C++, and a background in electrical or computer engineering. Familiarity with hardware debugging tools, version control systems (such as Git), and real-time operating systems (RTOS) is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure reliable, efficient firmware development and seamless collaboration with hardware and software teams.

What are some common challenges faced by firmware contractors when integrating their work with hardware teams?

Firmware contractors often encounter challenges related to hardware-software integration, such as incomplete hardware documentation, evolving hardware designs, or unexpected hardware bugs. Effective communication with hardware engineers is crucial to address these issues quickly and to ensure that firmware is optimized for real-world device constraints. Contractors may also need to adapt to different development environments and toolchains depending on the client's setup. Regular sync meetings and thorough testing on actual hardware are essential practices to ensure smooth collaboration and successful project outcomes.

What are Firmware Contractors?

Firmware contractors are professionals who specialize in developing, testing, and maintaining firmware, which is the low-level software programmed into hardware devices. Unlike full-time employees, contractors are typically hired on a temporary or project basis to address specific needs, such as creating new firmware for a product or updating existing code. Their work involves close collaboration with hardware and software teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance of electronic devices. Firmware contractors often have expertise in languages like C or C++, and work across industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, and IoT.
More about Firmware Contractor jobs
What job categories do people searching Firmware Contractor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Firmware Contractor jobs are:
Firmware Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firmware Contractor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,438 per year, or $80.5 per hour.
Staff Firmware Engineer | 1099 Independent Contractor

Staff Firmware Engineer | 1099 Independent Contractor

Dojo Five

Minneapolis, MN • Remote

Contractor

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Staff Firmware Engineer | 1099 Independent Contractor

Dojo Five | Remote – Contiguous US

About Dojo Five

Dojo Five is on a mission to drive the firmware industry forward. We partner with companies to modernize their embedded software development—integrating the right tools, techniques, and culture to deliver reliable, high-performance firmware. Our vision: 10,000 Successful Modernization Initiatives by 2035.

We're a team that takes quality seriously, celebrates continuous learning, and genuinely has fun doing it.

What Is an Evergreen Posting?

We may not have an immediate opening today—but we're always building relationships with exceptional engineers for upcoming projects. When the right project kicks off, we move fast. If your background is a strong fit, our team will reach out to start the process. We encourage you to apply and stay connected.

We are primarily seeking 1099 independent contractors at this time.

The Role

As a Staff Firmware Engineer at Dojo Five, you'll be a trusted technical leader—both for our clients and within our team. You'll tackle complex embedded systems challenges, guide architectural decisions, mentor engineers, and help set the standard for modern firmware development.

This isn't just a heads-down coding role. You'll engage directly with clients, lead projects end to end, and play an active part in shaping how Dojo Five grows.

What You'll Do
  • Set strategic direction for firmware best practices—for clients and for Dojo Five
  • Design, develop, review, and test firmware, products, and electronics
  • Define build systems, repository structures, and documentation standards
  • Lead projects: work breakdown, architecture, and delivery
  • Mentor and coach engineers; lead technical training
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to align on project goals and requirements
  • Represent Dojo Five's technical capabilities in client and sales discussions
  • Participate in recruiting, group interviews, and technical reviews
  • Contribute to branding, outreach, and marketing initiatives
  • Manage your time independently with accurate reporting
What We're Looking ForExperience
  • 10+ years of professional embedded systems development (15+ preferred)
  • 2+ years leading other developers (5+ preferred)
  • 3+ years of at least one of the following:
    • Customizing Embedded Linux via yocto, including board bring-up
    • Zephyr with STM32 or Nordic
Programming Languages
  • Required: C, C++, Python
  • Desired: Rust, Assembly (ARM, x86, PIC), VHDL, Verilog
Operating Systems
  • Desired: FreeRTOS, Zephyr, Embedded Linux (Yocto), Secure bootloaders
Protocols & Drivers
  • Required: UART/USART, I2C, SPI, BLE
  • Desired: CAN/CAN-FD, USB, Ethernet, WiFi, Cellular/LTE, Protobuf, MQTT, Flash
Processors
  • Required: Various ARM cores
  • Desired: Single, multi-core & heterogeneous SoCs; STM32, Nordic, NXP, SiLabs
Development Tools
  • Required: IDEs (VSCode, Eclipse, STM32CubeIDE), Docker/devcontainers, benchtop tools (oscilloscope, logic/protocol analyzers, power supplies, multimeter), Git, pytest, unit testing frameworks (Unity/CMock/Ceedling, Google Test/gMock), Agile (Scrum & Kanban), risk assessments
  • Desired: CI/CD pipeline configuration, CMake, binutils, serial consoles (minicom, screen)
You'll Thrive Here If You
  • Are passionate about best practices and modern development approaches
  • Communicate clearly and build trust with a wide range of stakeholders
  • Approach problems with curiosity, optimism, and kindness
  • Are a methodical thinker who can articulate trade-offs and lead others to good decisions
  • Prioritize outcomes over ego and lead through influence, not authority
  • Can take a client's vision—often from non-embedded experts—and make it real
  • Are proactive: you spot risks early and come prepared with solutions
  • Enjoy both leading people and doing deep technical work
Our Values

Always Learning · Humble Confidence · Always Deliver · Push Boundaries · Give a Sh*t · Have Fun

Remote Work Requirements

Work must be performed from a secure, fixed location with reliable high-speed internet within the contiguous United States.

Interview Process

Our process is designed to see how you think and work.

  • Conversational interviews: No AI tools, reference materials, or outside assistance permitted. We want to hear your thinking.
  • Coding exercise: AI tools are welcome—with disclosure. We want to see how you work with them in practice.

All interview stages require video with camera on (no virtual backgrounds). Candidates must provide proof of US-based residence and verify identity prior to or during the process.

Equal Opportunity

Dojo Five provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type—regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.