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Firmware Developer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Firmware Developer

Lexington, MA · On-site

$126K - $190K/yr

Firmware Developer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and ...

As an Embedded Firmware Engineering Manager, you will play a critical role in leading the development, design, testing, and optimization of firmware for our advanced motion control systems. Essential ...

Brady Engraving Solutions is seeking a talented, motivated, and passionate Firmware Engineer to join our team! In this role, you will design, develop, and maintain high-performance embedded systems ...

ABOUT THE JOB The Imaging team is seeking a Firmware Engineer to help design a new product lines. In this role, you will work closely with an interdisciplinary technical team to define, complete the ...

Embedded Firmware Engineering Manager

Canton, MA · On-site

$108K - $149K/yr

As an Embedded Firmware Engineering Manager, you will play a critical role in leading the development, design, testing, and optimization of firmware for our advanced motion control systems. Essential ...

ABOUT THE JOB The Imaging team is seeking a Firmware Engineer to help design a new product lines. In this role, you will work closely with an interdisciplinary technical team to define, complete the ...

Firmware Engineer

Lexington, MA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB The Imaging team is seeking a Firmware Engineer to help design a new product lines. In this role, you will work closely with an interdisciplinary technical team to define, complete the ...

Firmware Engineer

Lexington, MA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB The Imaging team is seeking a Firmware Engineer to help design a new product lines. In this role, you will work closely with an interdisciplinary technical team to define, complete the ...

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Firmware Developer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$84.6K

$122.6K

$196K

How much do firmware developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for firmware developer in Massachusetts is $122,572.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,900.00 and $132,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data science, or executive engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, leadership responsibilities, and work in high-demand industries or companies. Compensation at this level typically includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior firmware developers, especially those with specialized skills in embedded systems, real-time operating systems, or working in high-demand industries like aerospace or defense, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Achieving this level often requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-paying regions or companies with complex hardware and software integration responsibilities.

Are firmware engineers paid well?

Firmware engineers typically earn competitive salaries due to their specialized skills in embedded systems, programming in languages like C and C++, and knowledge of hardware integration. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and industry, but overall, firmware development is considered a well-paying field within software engineering roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Firmware Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Firmware Developer, you need a solid background in embedded systems, proficiency in C/C++ programming, and a degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. Experience with microcontroller architectures, debugging tools (like JTAG or ICE), and version control systems such as Git is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across hardware and software teams. These skills are crucial for developing reliable, efficient firmware that enables hardware devices to function correctly and meet user requirements.

What are Firmware Developers?

Firmware Developers are engineers who design, develop, and maintain low-level software that directly controls hardware devices. Their work typically involves writing code in languages like C or C++ to ensure hardware components operate as intended, often within embedded systems such as microcontrollers and consumer electronics. Firmware developers collaborate closely with hardware engineers and may also troubleshoot or update firmware to enhance device performance. Their role is crucial in industries like automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial automation.

What is the difference between Firmware Developer vs Embedded Software Engineer?

AspectFirmware DeveloperEmbedded Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Embedded Systems EngineerBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing low-level code for hardware devices, often working in hardware labs or development teamsDeveloping software for embedded systems, often in cross-functional teams, with focus on hardware-software integration
Industry UsageUsed in consumer electronics, automotive, IoT devices, and industrial equipmentCommon in automotive, medical devices, consumer electronics, and industrial automation

Firmware Developers and Embedded Software Engineers share similar skills and work environments, focusing on hardware-related software development. The main difference lies in their scope: Firmware Developers typically work on low-level code directly interacting with hardware, while Embedded Software Engineers may handle higher-level embedded applications. Both roles are essential in industries like automotive, IoT, and consumer electronics.

Are firmware developers in demand?

Firmware developers are in high demand due to the growth of embedded systems in industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, and IoT. Skilled professionals with knowledge of programming languages like C and C++, and experience with hardware integration, are particularly sought after in the job market.

What are some common challenges Firmware Developers face when working on embedded systems projects?

Firmware Developers often encounter challenges such as optimizing code for limited memory and processing power, integrating with diverse hardware platforms, and ensuring reliable communication between software and hardware components. Debugging can be especially tricky due to limited visibility into low-level operations, requiring specialized tools like JTAG debuggers or oscilloscopes. Collaboration with hardware engineers and cross-functional teams is essential to address hardware-software integration issues and to ensure timely delivery of stable, efficient firmware.
What job categories do people searching Firmware Developer jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Firmware Developer jobs in Massachusetts are:
Infographic showing various Firmware Developer job openings in Massachusetts as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,572 per year, or $58.9 per hour.
Firmware Developer

Firmware Developer

KBR

Lexington, MA • On-site

$126K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 369 rated engineering


Job description

Title:

Firmware Developer

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.

Why Join Us?

  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.

  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.

  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

KBR is seeking a Firmware Developer to join our team in Lexington, MA. In this role, you would be responsible for developing FPGA firmware in Verilog to support implementation of prototype advanced communications systems. Part of tasking will entail supporting technical exchange meetings, test planning, procedure reviews, and providing technical reports to management and our MIT LL customer. An active DoD Secret clearance is required.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Development of firmware in Verilog

  • Support of system integration and testing activities

  • Troubleshooting of issues during integration and testing

Required Qualifications:

  • Active DoD Secret clearance

  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

  • 5 years applicable experience

  • Experience with Verilog

  • Experience with Python in integration and test environments

  • Experience with the ISE design suite (Xilinx / AMD)

  • Good oral and communication skills

  • Outgoing and energetic with the ability to work within a team environment

Desired Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with VHDL

  • Familiarity with SpeedGoat

  • Familiarity with Matlab and/or Simulink

  • Possess strong oral and written communications skills, and must be able to present findings/results to internal and external organizations

  • Willing and able to travel (up to 25%, typically CONUS)

Work Environment:

  • Location: On-site with the possibility of hybrid arrangement

  • Travel Requirements: Willing and able to travel (up to 25%, typically CONUS)

  • Working Hours: Standard

Basic Compensation:

For MA only, the salary range is approximately $126,900 - $190,400 USD annually. The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998