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Firmware Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 - 1603

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 ...

SARA Inc

Firmware Engineer - 1603

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 ...

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Firmware Contractor information

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$75K

$167.4K

$205K

How much do firmware contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 74% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,438 per year, or $80.5 per hour.
Sr. Embedded Software/Firmware Engineer/Contractor

Sr. Embedded Software/Firmware Engineer/Contractor

A2e Technologies

San Diego, CA • On-site

$109K - $149K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Title: Sr. Embedded Software/Firmware Engineer/Contractor
Location: San Diego (92121)
Term: Long Term Contract
Duration: Long Term
Start: Immediately
  • Seeking Client facing Sr. Embedded Software/Firmware Engineer for a Hybrid role.
  • Contractor with a Can Do approach with the ability to come up to speed quickly technically.
  • Very collaborative with excellent communication skills and people skills

Requirements
  • Embedded Linux system development at both Application and Kernel module level
    • Yocto and PetaLinux
  • Experience working with a variety of different processing platforms (ARM SoCs, micro-controllers, etc.)
  • Strong background in architecting both bare-metal and multi-threaded systems
  • Proficiency with a Real-time OS (ThreadX, VxWorks, FreeRTOS, etc.)
  • C/C++ /Modern C++
  • Knowledge and experience interfacing to I/O hardware (USB, PCIe, Ethernet, SDIO, SPI, UART, I2c, etc.)
  • Experience with protocol stacks (TCP/IP, RTSP/RTP, USB, etc.)
  • Experience with board bring-up and use of lab equipment (logic analyzers, scopes, etc.)
  • Experience with a variety of SW development tools (GNU tools, Eclipse, Visual Studio, Green Hills, IAR, JTAG debuggers, etc.)
  • Proficiency in reading and understanding Schematics and Component Datasheets
  • Good knowledge of version management tools like Git
  • Experience with Agile methodologies (Kanban, Scrum)

Apply