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Firmware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Apple Beats team is seeking a highly motivated Firmware Engineer with a strong foundation in engineering principles and a deep passion for new technologies. In this role, you will be at the ...

Firmware Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$145 - $175/hr

Firmware Engineer At ICEYE, we design, build and operate the largest fleet of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites in the world. Using advanced technology, our constellation collects ...

ABOUT THE ROLE We are looking for a Firmware Engineer with experience developing low-level software/firmware for embedded systems products to join our team. In this role, you will develop and deliver ...

Job Summary Shape the future of smart home technology as a Firmware Engineer on our product team. You'll help create next-generation connected security solutions that will be installed in millions of ...

About the role As a firmware engineer at Nudge, you will: * Deliver high-quality, safety-critical C, C++, Rust, and Verilog code for use in real-time embedded environments * Contribute to embedded ...

Job Summary Shape the future of smart home technology as a Firmware Engineer on our product team. You'll help create next-generation connected security solutions that will be installed in millions of ...

The AirPods Firmware team is looking for an enthusiastic firmware engineer to join us. This is an individual contributor role where you'll develop the platform technologies and drive the system ...

Firmware Engineer

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

We're looking for a Firmware & Embedded Controls Engineer to own the low-level software that commands Chariot's power electronics, enforces our safety systems, and keeps the hardware running reliably ...

Firmware Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $135K/yr

Super Micro Computer, Inc. is seeking a talented Firmware Engineer who will be responsible for developing world-class firmware to fully maximize the strong hardware architecture of in-house servers.

About the role As a firmware engineer at Nudge, you will: * Deliver high-quality, safety-critical C, C++, Rust, and Verilog code for use in real-time embedded environments * Contribute to embedded ...

Senior Firmware Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$187.07 - $188/hr

Senior Firmware Engineer Silicon Motion, Inc., 690 N. McCarthy Blvd., Suite 200, Milpitas, CA 95035 Job Summary: Responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of embedded firmware for ...

Firmware Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

We're looking for a Firmware Engineer to own the embedded software that brings our robots to life -- from low-level motor control and real-time scheduling to the communication buses that tie the ...

We are looking for a Firmware Engineer to design, implement and test firmware for critical components of our Humanoid. Responsibilities: * Architect, design, implement and test firmware in C or C ...

Firmware Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$97K - $110K/yr

Super Micro Computer, Inc. is seeking a talented Firmware Engineer who will be responsible for developing world-class firmware to fully maximize the strong hardware architecture of in-house servers.

Principle Firmware EngineerSkip to main contentThis site uses cookies and analytics to offer the best experience possible.# CHEP Brambles CareersPrinciple Firmware Engineer page is loaded## Principle ...

Staff Firmware Engineer - San Francisco, CA Location: San Francisco, CA (94103) - Hybrid (three days onsite, two days remote, number of days may vary by project). Role Summary We are looking for a ...

Firmware Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

We are looking for a Firmware Engineer to design, implement and test firmware for critical components of our Humanoid. Responsibilities: * Architect, design, implement and test firmware in C or C ...

Firmware Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

ABOUT THE ROLE Anduril is seeking a Firmware Engineer to join our team based in Irvine, CA. The Sentry Firmware team at Anduril develops core technology used for our Sentry Tower product line. We ...

Showing results 21-40

Firmware Engineer information

See California salary details

$74K

$165.2K

$202.3K

How much do firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for firmware engineer in California is $165,245.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,100.00 and $202,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a firmware engineer?

Firmware Engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain the low-level software (firmware) that allows hardware devices to function. This firmware acts as a bridge between the device's hardware and higher-level software, ensuring that hardware components operate correctly and efficiently. Firmware Engineers typically work with embedded systems, writing code in languages like C or C++ for microcontrollers, sensors, and other electronic devices. Their work is crucial in industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, medical devices, and telecommunications.

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

To thrive as a Firmware Engineer, you need a solid background in embedded systems, C/C++ programming, and a relevant engineering degree such as Electrical or Computer Engineering. Familiarity with hardware debugging tools, version control systems like Git, and real-time operating systems (RTOS) is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help firmware engineers excel, especially when collaborating with hardware and software teams. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure reliable, efficient firmware that seamlessly integrates with hardware products.

What are some common challenges firmware engineers face when working with cross-functional teams?

Firmware Engineers often collaborate closely with hardware designers, software developers, and QA teams. A common challenge is ensuring clear communication of technical requirements and constraints, as firmware must interface seamlessly with hardware and higher-level software. Misalignment or delays in one area can impact overall delivery, so Firmware Engineers need strong problem-solving and collaboration skills to address integration issues and keep projects on track. Regular cross-team meetings and thorough documentation help mitigate these challenges.

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

AspectFirmware EngineerEmbedded Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; knowledge of hardware and low-level programmingBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; strong programming skills in C/C++
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing firmware for hardware devices, often working closely with hardware teamsDeveloping software for embedded systems, often in real-time environments
Industry UsageElectronics, consumer devices, IoT, automotiveConsumer electronics, medical devices, industrial automation

Firmware Engineers focus on creating low-level code that directly interacts with hardware components, while Embedded Software Engineers develop software that runs on embedded systems, often with a broader scope. Both roles require similar technical skills and often overlap in industries like consumer electronics and IoT.

How much money does a firmware engineer make?

A firmware engineer's salary varies based on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually. Senior firmware engineers with specialized skills in embedded systems and real-time operating systems can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand tech sectors.

What are the most commonly searched types of Firmware Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Firmware Engineer jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Firmware Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Firmware Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Firmware Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Firmware Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Firmware Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,245 per year, or $79.4 per hour.

Firmware Engineer

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

The Apple Beats team is seeking a highly motivated Firmware Engineer with a strong foundation in engineering principles and a deep passion for new technologies. In this role, you will be at the forefront of researching, developing, and innovating solutions for the next generation of Apple audio products. You will play a critical role in the product development lifecycle, turning early concepts into fully realized, world-class audio devices. This role requires an energetic individual who thrives in a fast-paced, rapid-development environment and is ready to innovate.
Description
The Firmware Engineer will be part of a team that architect, design, develop, and maintain hardware and software systems for audio products. This engineer will also perform characterization, test and validation of each design; analyze results and create reports/presentations when needed.
Minimum Qualifications
BS in Electrical Engineering (EE), Computer Engineering (CE), Computer Science (CS), or an equivalent field with a strong software focus.
6+ years of professional experience in firmware and device driver development.
Strong, demonstrable coding skills with a heavy emphasis on C
Extensive experience in hardware bring-up, reading schematics, and debugging chip-level functionality on new hardware builds.
Proven experience in software feature design, development, and rapid prototyping.
Hands-on experience with standard bus interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, USB).
Familiarity with compilers and toolchains targeting ARM Cortex-M/R/A architectures.
Preferred Qualifications
MS in Electrical Engineering (EE), Computer Engineering (CE), or equivalent.
A genuine, deep-seated passion for innovation and embedded systems development.
Familiarity with Bluetooth (BT) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technologies and protocols is a strong plus.
Experience with C++ is a nice-to-have.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with multiple cross-functional groups under minimal supervision.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976