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Firmware Developer Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

The Principal Firmware Engineer works independently and collaboratively, exercising significant judgment within broadly defined procedures and practices. This position builds productive internal ...

About the Role As a Firmware Engineer on the AssetWatch Hardware Team, you will develop production embedded firmware while contributing directly to electrical design, hardware bring-up, validation ...

Advanced Controls Engineer

Westerville, OH · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

Design, review, testing, integration assistance to firmware developers * Documentation: Program commentary, user guides for service and troubleshooting * Product testing: Unit testing, system ...

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Firmware Developer information

See Columbus, OH salary details

$72.4K

$104.9K

$167.7K

How much do firmware developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for firmware developer in Columbus, OH is $104,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,500.00 and $113,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a firmware developer?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a firmware developer?

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 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 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 automotive, consumer electronics, and IoT. Skills in C, C++, and real-time operating systems are particularly valuable, and job opportunities are expected to remain strong as technology continues to advance.

What are popular job titles related to Firmware Developer jobs in Columbus, OH?

For Firmware Developer jobs in Columbus, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Firmware Developer jobs in Columbus, OH look for?

The top searched job categories for Firmware Developer jobs in Columbus, OH are:

Infographic showing various Firmware Developer job openings in Columbus, OH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $104,864 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Principal Engineer Firmware

Vertiv Co

Delaware, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Vertiv rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

373rd of 496 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Position Summary

The Principal Firmware Engineer provides advanced technical expertise in the development of embedded control software applications and infrastructure. This role is responsible for solving complex problems, setting technical direction, and mentoring other firmware engineers. The Principal Firmware Engineer works independently and collaboratively, exercising significant judgment within broadly defined procedures and practices. This position builds productive internal/external working relationships and is a key technical leader within the organization.

This position will be based onsite at Vertiv's Delaware, OH location.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and implementation of advanced firmware and software components.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to other firmware engineers, fostering skill development and best practices.
  • Set technical direction for firmware projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
  • Write clear, maintainable code conforming to company standards.
  • Maintain revision control using modern tools and promote best practices in source code management.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, debug, and test product features.
  • Provide comprehensive design, unit test, and integration test documentation artifacts.
  • Drive continuous improvement in firmware development processes and methodologies.
  • Participate in code reviews and technical discussions.
  • Other tasks and activities as required by management.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent work experience. Advanced degree preferred.
  • Extensive experience with embedded operating systems.
  • Advanced working knowledge of C/C++, Python, and BASH languages (at least one required).
  • Deep understanding of embedded systems, device drivers, control algorithms, process synchronization, and related topics.
  • Knowledge of network and server management protocols such as SNMP, SSH, TCP/IP.
  • Ability to read and interpret circuit board schematics.
  • Strong hardware and firmware debugging and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Experience with source-code revision control tools.
  • Demonstrated experience mentoring or leading other engineers.
  • Preferred Qualifications
    • Experience with software design principles, including functional design of software components and libraries, object-oriented concepts, and Agile methods.
    • General understanding of computer security vulnerabilities and protection techniques.
    • Well-developed cultural and communications skills.
    • Ability to work across all levels of the organization.
    • Experience with batteries and data centers is a plus.
    • Knowledge of source code version control tools like Git.
    • Experience working with and building Yocto for embedded devices.
    • Experience with TI microprocessors.

The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv's Core Principles & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.

OUR CORE PRINCIPLES: Safety. Integrity. Respect. Teamwork. Inclusion.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

High-Performance Culture

Customer Focus

Operational Excellence

Innovation

Financial Strength

VERTIV BEHAVIORS

Own it

Act with urgency

Foster a customer-first mindset

Think big and execute

Lead by example

Drive continuous improvement

Learn and seek out development

Promote transparent & open communication

About Vertiv

Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) brings together hardware, software, analytics and ongoing services to enable its customers' vital applications to run continuously, perform optimally and grow with their business needs. Vertiv solves the most important challenges facing today's data centers, communication networks, and commercial and industrial facilities with a portfolio of power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions and services that extend from the cloud to the edge of the network. Headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, USA, Vertiv employs around 34,000 people and does business in more than 130 countries. Visit Vertiv.com to learn more.

Work Authorization

No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to help.join@vertiv.com


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