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Firmware Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr Embedded Engineer

Aurora, IL · Hybrid

$99K - $135K/yr

Architect and implement firmware solutions optimized for real-time sensor data acquisition ... We focus on the professional channel, serving over 100,000 contractors, installers, dealers, and ...

Sr Embedded Engineer

Golden Valley, MN · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Develop firmware for a variety of embedded products. You will create project and technical report ... We focus on the professional channel, serving over 100,000 contractors, installers, dealers, and ...

... 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 ...

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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:
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.
Firmware-Savvy CNO Developer (TS/SCI w/Poly) with Security Clearance

Firmware-Savvy CNO Developer (TS/SCI w/Poly) with Security Clearance

Parsons

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

$103K - $181K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Parsons rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 369 rated engineering


Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next! At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible. Job Description: Parsons is seeking a talented Reverse Engineer / Embedded Software Developer who wants to apply and grow their skills on mission-critical work. If you are passionate about reverse engineering (RE), embedded development, and vulnerability research-and you want to work with and learn from leading subject matter experts-this role offers a strong next step in your career. You will join a high-impact team supporting a critical national security mission. In this role, you will perform hands-on reverse engineering and embedded software development to build capabilities our customer urgently needs. You'll collaborate closely with experienced embedded developers, vulnerability researchers, and RE experts, gaining mentorship while contributing directly to the mission. What You'll Be Doing: * Conduct reverse engineering of embedded systems, binaries, and firmware.
* Design, develop, and implement embedded software capabilities in C.
* Apply vulnerability research and CNO skills to discover and implement novel solutions.
* Work on-site at a contractor facility, fully integrated into a small, expert team.
* Collaborate with senior subject matter experts and leverage their mentorship to expand your skills.
* Contribute to efforts that directly enhance national security and protect critical systems. What Required Skills You'll Bring: * 5+ years of professional experience in software engineering, reverse engineering, or vulnerability research (or 3+ years of experience with a Master's degree)
* Demonstrated experience with reverse engineering (e.g., binaries, firmware, or embedded systems)
* Strong proficiency in the C programming language
* Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph What Desired Skills You'll Bring: * Experience with vulnerability research (e.g., exploit development, fuzzing, or security analysis of embedded systems)
* Familiarity with common RE tools and environments (e.g., IDA Pro, Ghidra, binary analysis platforms)
* Experience in CNO or related cybersecurity operations Security Clearance Requirement: An active Top Secret SCI w/Polygraph security clearance is required for this position. This position is part of our Federal Solutions team. The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what's next to deliver the solutions our customers need now. Salary Range: $103,500.00 - $181,100.00 We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle! Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status. We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY! Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/ .

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