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Firmware Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Arlington, VA

$118K - $162K/yr

... with contractors and suppliers to keep the project on track Speak with our clients on a regular ... Experience designing embedded firmware. We will look at a sample of your work US Citizenship is ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

... contractors and suppliers to keep the project on track • Speak with our clients on a regular ... embedded firmware. We will look at a sample of your work • US Citizenship is required Desired ...

Showing results 21-40

Firmware Contractor information

See salary details

$75K

$167.4K

$205K

How much do firmware contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 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?

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 is a firmware contractor?

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
Infographic showing various Firmware Contractor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $167,438 per year, or $80.5 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description
  • Filling the technical position of Field-programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Firmware Engineer on the Software Defined Radio Systems (SDRS) program at the Navy Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic in Charleston, SC
  • Working alongside industry experts in the fields of SDR, software development, tactical communications, and electronic warfare
  • Emphasizing hardware description language (HDL) and application development for system-on-chip (SoC) hardware platforms but will span other aspects of embedded software development including documentation, design, implementation, integration, verification, review, toolchain automation, maintenance, etc.
  • Architecting software/firmware systems for embedded SoC hardware platforms
  • Designing, developing, and maintaining new and legacy logic components for use on FPGAs
  • Designing communications between distributed software components
  • Developing embedded Linux applications and drivers to integrate FPGAs with other software components
  • Packaging and using IP components in FPGA block diagram design
  • Designing and developing testbenches and test tools
  • Developing for and integrating with digital signal processors (DSPs)
  • Designing for partial reconfiguration
  • Using containers to dynamically program FPGAs
  • Automating software with scripts
  • Performing system demonstrations

FILLING THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON FUNDING

#LI-SF1

Requirements
  • 5-8 years experience 
  • Experienced in developing and maintaining FPGA firmware components
  • Proficient in VHDL and familiar with high-level programming languages (e.g. C/C++)

  • Comfortable developing in a Linux operating environment

  • Highly motivated and able to work both independently and in a team

  • Effective complex problem solving skills

  • Effective communication and analysis skills

  • In-depth knowledge of software development life cycles

  • Formal education or equivalent experience in a systems or software engineering discipline

Desired Skills
  • Experience in software development for embedded general purpose processors (GPPs) and/or DSPs

  • Experience with embedded software development including embedded Linux and SoC-based architectures

  • Experience with Xilinx FPGAs and Vivado/Vitis toolchain

  • Experience with embedded OS development such as Yocto, Buildroot, or PetaLinux

  • Experience with SDR platforms, frameworks, and software

  • Experience in scripting languages such as Bash and TCL

  • Familiar with use of MATLAB for signal processing and modeling

  • Familiar with containerization and virtualization (e.g. Kubernetes, Docker, Vagrant, Ansible, etc.)

  • Familiar with using modular open systems architectures such as CMOSS, SOSA, MORA, VICTORY, OpenVPX, etc. to achieve interoperability

Clearance Information

SRC IS A CONTRACTOR FOR THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, THIS POSITION WILL REQUIRE U.S. CITIZENSHIP AS WELL AS, A U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITY CLEARANCE AT THE SECRET LEVEL

Travel Requirements
  • Occasional CONUS travel (<10%) to support stakeholder meetings and systems integration and demonstration may be required
About Us

Scientific Research Corporation is an advanced information technology and engineering company that provides innovative products and services to government and private industry, as well as independent institutions. At the core of our capabilities is a seasoned team of highly skilled engineers and scientists with multidisciplinary backgrounds. This team is challenged daily to provide cutting edge technology solutions to our clients.

SRC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with a company match, life insurance, vacation and sick paid time off accruals with amounts increasing based on role and years of service, 11 paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and a work environment that encourages excellence and more. For positions requiring a security clearance, selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

EEO

Scientific Research Corporation is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in employment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state or local law.

Scientific Research Corporation endeavors to make www.scires.com accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact jobs@scires.com for assistance. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME