ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Firmware Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Procom Services

Software Test Engineer

Chandler, AZ

... Contractor Payroll) Flextrack (Vendor Management System) As a Software Test Engineer, in the Test ... Solid experience with firmware or software validation approaches and processes * Experience in one ...

Plaud

Mobile Engineer (Contractor) - Palo Alto

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$137.76 - $206.64/hr

Collaborate closely with hardware, firmware, backend, product, and design teams to deliver end‑to‑end features and ensure seamless integration across the system. * Contribute to technical design ...

Ztek Consulting INC

Embedded SW Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$141K - $185K/yr

Firmware validation and bring-up test tools. Documentation of initialization sequences, firmware ... Contractor approved to share its resume to client: Skills summary: Resumes will be rejected for the ...

Lattice Semiconductor

Dir, Legal

Austin, TX · On-site

... contracting for one of the semiconductor industry's most strategically important acquisitions. AMI's portfolio-spanning UEFI/BIOS firmware, BMC/server management software, security solutions, and ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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 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
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 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.

Sr. SSD Application Engineer , Milpitas, California, Full Time/Per , (MK)

Central Business Solutions

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Bounty Description
Industry: Semiconductors
Job Category: Engineering
Job Description:•Develop front-end firmware features necessary to meet the productspecification and customer requirements.
•Develop and modify existing firmware for SSD product requirements followingPCIe and NVMe protocols.
•Debug host interface related problems encountered during internal or customerfirmware testing.
•Perform root cause analysis and make appropriate changes to correct theproblem.
•Work directly with hardware designers to efficiently resolve customer issues. •Working with customers to manage SSD debug and qualification requirements incollaboration with SMI Engineering Teams, driving technical design-in/-win, anddebug hardware, firmware, and other platform-related barriers to adoption. •Interfacing with customers and internal platform partners to resolve productissues and leverage those learning to shape future product (controller /Firmware) definition.
•Evangelizes technical benefits of SMI Enterprise controllers and various businessmodels at the platform level; creates preference for SMI products within theplatform; enables customer and end-user adoption of solutions; and supportsecosystem and tools enabling to drive controller solution adoption •Advocating technical customer needs to internal stakeholders
•Driving internal teams to deliver to customer expectations
•Participates in customers meetings and presentations, acting as technicaladviser, consultant, analyst, and program manager for customer technicalinteractions in collaboration with SMI PM teams
•The AE will work closely with customers and partners to establish strongrelationships that deliver results and team business objectives in the data center/ enterprise segments
Minimum Requirements:
•Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, ComputerScience, or related fields.
•At least 3 years work experience in each of the following:
•Software/firmware applications engineering
•Experience in SSD controller/firmware architecture
•Experience with PCIe and NVMe protocols in firmware development anddebugging, including but not limited to host reset, power management,namespace, MSI-X, SMBus, ARP, NVMe commands etc.
•Experience in analyzing PCIe protocol traces to identify the root cause for frontend issues.
•Experience in the storage industry in SSD, HDD, storage systems, or a relatedtechnology.
•Strong experience in C/C++ programming and data structure
•Hands on experience with JTAG/ICE debuggers
•Experience with version control software like Git.
•Competent to work independently as well as in a small team collaborationenvironment.
•Must be willing to learn fast and execute as a team player.
•Good oral, written and presentation skills for communication and
documentation.
•Ability to work independently with a minimum of day-to-day supervision.
•The ability to operate logic analyzer, oscilloscope and bus protocol analyzer isvaluable.
•Experience with hardware peripherals, features, and development environmentsis also valuable.
•Compute and/or Storage System hardware and/or software using both Windowsand Linux based operating systems in the data center/enterprise.
•HDD/SSD systems/protocols and/or SAS/SATA/PCIe (NVMe).
•Familiarity with Datacenter architecture and interfaces, PCIe Switches, RAIDcontrollers, HBAs, Expanders, and JBODs/JBOFs.
•Knowledge of SSD hardware and firmware architecture.
•Microsoft and Linux datacenter OS debug experience.
•Fluent in reading and writing Mandarin preferred.
Benefits, Rewards and Culture
Employees are eligible to be recognized in the following ways:
•Highly competitive salaries differentiated by performance
•Annual merit increases
•RSU for eligible employees
•Year-end bonus
•Invention and Patent Awards
•401(k) Employer Matching
•Length of Service Awards
•We offer comprehensive health insurance plans for eligible employees anddependent
Security Clearance Required: No
Visa Candidate Considered: No
Compensation
Base Salary - USD $150,000 to $200,000
*** Never repost ***
Full-time
Benefits - Full
Relocation Assistance Available - Yes
Commission Compensation - No
Bonus Eligible - No
Overtime Eligible - No
Interview Travel Reimbursed - No
Candidate Details
Seniority Level - Mid-Senior
Management Experience Required - No
Minimum Education - Bachelor's Degree
Willingness to Travel - Never
Employer Name
VSV WINS
Why this employer is a great company
Client provide expert systems engineering, software development, and data analysis services for government agencies, DoD contractors, and commercial enterprises.

Apply