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Firmware Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RTL Networks Inc

Embedded Firmware Developer

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

Embedded Firmware Developer Location: NAWS China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA preferred Salary: The annual salary range for this position is $150,000 - $235,000. Please note that the salary information is a ...

RTL Networks

Embedded Firmware Developer

CA · On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

Embedded Firmware Developer Location: NAWS China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA preferred Salary: $150,000-$235,000 (DOE) Status: Full-time Clearance: Minimum active Secret to start and will be upgraded to Top ...

Fermilab

FPGA Firmware Developer

Batavia, NY

$99K - $130K/yr

Fermilab is seeking a FPGA Firmware Developer who will design, develop, verify, and integrate FPGA-based systems and embedded firmware. Responsibilities include architecture definition, RTL ...

Fermilab

FPGA Firmware Developer

Batavia, IL · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Fermilab is seeking a FPGA Firmware Developer who will design, develop, verify, and integrate FPGA-based systems and embedded firmware. Responsibilities include architecture definition, RTL ...

Staffingine LLC

Senior Firmware Developer

Houston, TX · On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

Senior Firmware Developer Job Location: Houston, Texas Job Type: Contract * Experience with developing firmware applications on ARM processors. * Expertise in ARM embedded architecture. * Expertise ...

RTL Networks Inc

Embedded Firmware Developer

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

Embedded Firmware Developer Location: NAWS China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA preferred Salary: The annual salary range for this position is $150,000 - $235,000. Please note that the salary information is a ...

Graphcore

Principal BMC Firmware Developer

Austin, TX · On-site

Job Summary We are seeking a Principal BMC Firmware Engineer to lead the architecture and development of OpenBMC-based management firmware for hyperscale AI server platforms. This role focuses on ...

Innogrit

Firmware Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Firmware Developer technical skills: * Good programming capability in C * Experience or good understanding of embedded systems * Experience or good understanding of PCIe/NAND/SMBus/UART/SPI protocols ...

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Firmware Developer information

See salary details

$77.5K

$112.2K

$179.5K

How much do firmware developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for firmware developer in the United States is $112,233.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $121,000.00 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.
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Firmware Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firmware Developer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $112,233 per year, or $54 per hour.
Embedded Firmware Developer

Embedded Firmware Developer

RTL Networks Inc

Ridgecrest, CA • On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Embedded Firmware Developer
Location: NAWS China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA preferred
Salary: The annual salary range for this position is $150,000 - $235,000. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. RTL Networks considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Status: Full-time
Clearance: Minimum active Secret to start and will be upgraded to Top-Secret. DOD Top-Secret Security Clearance preferred.
About Us: RTL Networks, Inc. is a rapidly growing company primarily focused on providing information technology (IT) support services and personnel to various commercial and government customers for extended-term contracts. By providing a wide array of professional services and products, we help our customers leverage technology and operate confidently in their technology environments to ensure resource predictability, security, and reliability to meet business objectives.
Summary:
RTL Networks has an exciting opportunity for an Embedded Firmware Developer to support NAVAIR China Lake.
Primary Responsibilities:
Essential responsibilities of the Embedded Firmware Developer include, but are not limited to:
  • Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use, and applied cyber skills/knowledge towards development of cyber resilient designs, components or systems and analyzed designs for cyber vulnerabilities.
  • May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems and develop specifications and performance requirements.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree and 3 to 10+ years of experience.
  • Minimum active Secret to start and will be upgraded to Top-Secret.
  • Experience in embedded Linux environments.
  • Familiar with TI Microcontroller chips.
  • Experience developing bootloaders, UBoot, and BIOS on ARM CPU's.
  • Development experience using Code Composer Studio.
  • Fluent in C, C++.
  • Skilled in the usage of MP Lab.
  • Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Analytical problem solving required.

Physical Demands:
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.
  • Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time.
  • Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must hold a security clearance at the Secret level. Minimum active Secret to start and will be upgraded to Top-Secret. US Citizenship is a requirement for clearance at this location.
NOTE:
  • The applicant selected for this position must have and be able to maintain an Active Security Clearance.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Applicants must have a valid driver's license for this position and will be subject to verification.
  • Chosen applicants must pass pre-employment drug screening, credit review, and a criminal background check.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin
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