ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Firmware Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Advanced Micro Devices

Firmware Memory Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

This opportunity includes enabling of new PHY designs at the microarchitecture, firmware/hardware co‑design, and algorithm design level. Be a part of a team that delivers industry‑leading IP and ...

Cimarron

Firmware Engineer

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

This customer designs and builds small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital ... Optimize firmware for power efficiency, performance, and memory constraints in resource-limited ...

Firefly Aerospace

Firmware Engineer I

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

Participate in code reviews, maintain high-quality code standards, and document firmware designs and processes. * Contribute to system-level debugging, performance profiling, and validation of ...

Firefly Aerospace

Firmware Engineer II

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Participate in code reviews, maintain high-quality code standards, and document firmware designs and processes. * Contribute to system-level debugging, performance profiling, and validation of ...

Firefly Aerospace

Firmware Engineer II

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

Participate in code reviews, maintain high-quality code standards, and document firmware designs and processes. * Contribute to system-level debugging, performance profiling, and validation of ...

Cedarparktexasedc

Firmware Engineer III

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Participate in code reviews, maintain high-quality code standards, and document firmware designs and processes. * Contribute to system-level debugging, performance profiling, and validation of ...

Firefly Aerospace

Firmware Engineer I

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

Participate in code reviews, maintain high-quality code standards, and document firmware designs and processes. * Contribute to system-level debugging, performance profiling, and validation of ...

Firefly Aerospace

Firmware Engineer I

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

Participate in code reviews, maintain high-quality code standards, and document firmware designs and processes. * Contribute to system-level debugging, performance profiling, and validation of ...

Medium

Lead Firmware & FPGA Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$180 - $230/hr

Acron Aviation designs, engineers, and manufactures certified avionics systems that support safety ... Job Title Lead Firmware & FPGA Engineer - Surveillance Position Summary The Lead Firmware & FPGA ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFirmware Designer Jobs

Firmware Designer information

See salary details

$75K

$167.4K

$205K

How much do firmware designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for firmware designer 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 a firmware designer?

Firmware Designers are professionals who develop and implement the low-level software that controls electronic devices and hardware systems. They write code, often in languages like C or C++, that operates directly with hardware components such as microcontrollers, sensors, and communication modules. Their work ensures that devices function reliably and efficiently, bridging the gap between hardware and higher-level software. Firmware Designers often collaborate with hardware engineers and software developers to create integrated, optimized products.

Are firmware designers in demand?

Firmware designers are in high demand due to the growth of embedded systems in industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, and healthcare. They often require skills in programming languages like C and C++, and knowledge of hardware interfaces, with job opportunities increasing as technology advances. The role typically offers competitive salaries and opportunities for specialization in areas like IoT and real-time systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a firmware designer?

To thrive as a Firmware Designer, you need a solid understanding of embedded systems, proficiency in C/C++ programming, and typically a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with microcontroller architectures, debugging tools, version control systems, and occasionally certifications in embedded software development are highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with hardware and software teams. These abilities ensure reliable, efficient firmware development and successful integration with hardware products.

What are some common challenges firmware designers face when integrating hardware and software components?

Firmware Designers often encounter challenges when ensuring seamless communication between hardware and software. These challenges include dealing with hardware constraints such as limited memory or processing power, debugging issues that may arise from timing mismatches, and adapting to evolving hardware specifications. Close collaboration with hardware engineers and thorough testing are essential to identify and resolve integration issues early in the development process. Staying updated with the latest tools and industry standards also helps in overcoming these challenges efficiently.

What is the difference between Firmware Designer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectFirmware DesignerFirmware Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; certifications are optionalSimilar educational background; certifications like Certified Firmware Engineer are uncommon but beneficial
Work EnvironmentDesign-focused, often in R&D or product development teamsDevelopment and testing, often in engineering teams working on product deployment
Industry UsageUsed across electronics, consumer devices, automotive, and IoT sectorsCommonly found in embedded systems, consumer electronics, and automotive industries
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on designing firmware architecture and initial developmentEmphasizes implementation, testing, and maintaining firmware code

Firmware Designers primarily focus on creating and designing firmware architecture, while Firmware Engineers are more involved in coding, testing, and maintaining firmware. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are integral to embedded systems development, but their day-to-day tasks and focus areas differ slightly.

More about Firmware Designer jobs
What job categories do people searching Firmware Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Firmware Designer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Firmware Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,438 per year, or $80.5 per hour.

Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer / C / RTOS / CAN & USB Protocols / Irvine

Motion Recruitment Partners, LLC

Irvine, CA • On-site

$128K - $169K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Our client in the EV/AV space is urgently looking for a Sr. embedded firmware enngineer with strong experience with C, RTOS and communication protocols like CAN, USB or UART, SPI, I2C to add to thier growing team here in Irvine.
The Firmware Designer is responsible for designing, implementing, testing, and maintaining firmware for embedded systems. This role requires a deep understanding of both hardware and software to ensure that the firmware effectively controls hardware components and performs as required. The Firmware Designer will work closely with hardware engineers, software developers, and other team members to create reliable and efficient firmware solutions.
Responsibilities:
1. Firmware Development:
  • Design and develop firmware for embedded systems based on system requirements and specifications
  • Write and optimize code in low-level programming languages such as C
  • Implement and test firmware features to ensure they meet design specifications and performance criteria
  • Develop test suites for verification
  • Automate test cases
2. Hardware Integration:
  • Collaborate with hardware engineers to understand hardware architecture and ensure firmware effectively interfaces with hardware components
  • Debug and troubleshoot issues related to hardware and firmware interaction
3. Testing and Validation:
  • Develop and execute test plans to validate firmware functionality and performance
  • Perform unit testing, integration testing, and system-level testing to identify and resolve issues
  • Analyze and address bugs and performance issues and make necessary adjustments to improve firmware quality
4. Documentation and Reporting:
  • Create and maintain detailed documentation for firmware design, development processes, and testing procedures
  • Provide regular updates and reports on project status, including any issues, risks, and resolutions
5. Continuous Improvement:
  • Stay current with advancements in firmware development technologies and best practices
  • Identify areas for improvement in existing firmware and propose solutions to enhance functionality and efficiency
6. Collaboration and Communication:
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, software developers, and product managers, to ensure successful integration of firmware with other system components
  • Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and team meetings to contribute to project planning and execution

Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
Experience: Proven experience in firmware development for embedded systems, including hands-on experience with microcontrollers, processors, and peripheral interfaces
Skills:
  • Proficiency in low-level programming languages such as C, C++, and assembly
  • Strong understanding of embedded systems architecture, hardware-software interaction, and real-time operating systems (RTOS)
  • Experience with debugging tools and techniques for embedded systems.
  • Familiarity with version control systems such as Git, Jira and Docker
  • Familiarity with scripting
  • Familiarity with building tools
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with additional programming languages and tools relevant to firmware development
Experience with scripting and test case development
Knowledge of communication protocols (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART) and hardware debugging tools (e.g., oscilloscopes, logic analyzers)
Experience with Agile development methodologies
Offer
  • 135-150K Base
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short / Long term Disability
  • 100 % match, 401K Retirement Plan
  • Vacation and Sick Time
  • 11 Holiday Pay

Apply