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Firmware Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fend Incorporated

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 ...

Fend Incorporated

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 ...

Resideo

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 ...

Procom Services

Software Test Engineer

Chandler, AZ · On-site

... 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

See salary details

$75K

$167.4K

$205K

How much do firmware contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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.
Embedded Firmware Engineer

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Fend Incorporated

Arlington, VA

$118K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Fend protects the infrastructure that powers cities, delivers food, and keeps you and your family safe from physical harm. Fends products create a physical barrier to cyberattack and provides utility equipment owners the information they need to improve efficiency and reduce downtime. Fend keeps hackers out, completely, so people can be safe and customers can sleep at night. Fend needs you to help improve our hardware and software.

Fend has created a new category of security hardware and the software to help equipment owners better run their operations. Fend hires for the long term and provides opportunities for flexible work schedules and on-the-job training. Fend is very much a startup environment with new challenges every day. Fend is hiring new teammates after winning a major R&D contract.

Job Description

This position will work with the Chief Engineer to develop embedded software for this security appliance.

Your goals are to increase the number of applications that the hardware can be used for, continue to harden the appliance so it can run in an industrial environment for many years, and continue to improve the encryption technology that is being used.

Tasks can include writing code, testing and debugging of the hardware and software in the field, working with the manufacturer to program the device, and related development tasks.

As an early employee to the company you will be given a great deal of autonomy be expected to deliver results that get Fend closer to the project goals.

Compensation is in line with market rates and you will have an opportunity to earn equity in the form of stock options. Fend pays for medical and dental insurance, paid time-off, and paid holidays.

Daily Task includes and are not limited to

      Designing and testing embedded (what is it written in) software

      Test hardware in the field. There is less than 10 percent travel

      Set up a JIRA shop and promote agile development

      Regularly communicate progress with team members

      Communicate with contractors and suppliers to keep the project on track

      Speak with our clients on a regular basis to fully understand their needs and make sure we are delivering on them

      Mentor employees as company grows

      Participate in product demonstration to potential clients

      Follow information security procedures such as two factor authentication and other DoD NIST 800 Cybersecurity Standards

      We need you to jump in wherever you are needed

Qualifications

Required Skills and experience:

      Experience designing embedded firmware. We will look at a sample of your work

      US Citizenship is required

Desired Traits:

      Ability to learn and figure out solutions to novel problems.

      Ability to be both a focused independent worker and a contributor to a team.

      Strong written and verbal communication.

Preferred (not required) Skills, Education, and Background:

      Degrees in Electrical or Computer Engineering.

      Experience with AWS.

      Professional experience with building controls, industrial systems, utilities.

      Portfolio of software projects

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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