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Firmware Engineer Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Socket.dev

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Bristol, RI · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Embedded Firmware Engineer Embedded Firmware Engineer (Mid-Level) Company: Vatn Systems Location: Bristol, RI Type: Full-time (Onsite) About Vatn Systems: Vatn Systems is an innovative startup at the ...

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Vatn Systems

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Bristol, RI · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

The Role We are looking for a talented and motivated Embedded Firmware Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you will design, develop, and maintain the bare-metal and RTOS firmware that ...

Vatn Systems

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Bristol, RI

$107K - $147K/yr

The Role We are looking for a talented and motivated Embedded Firmware Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you will design, develop, and maintain the bare-metal and RTOS firmware that ...

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Firmware Engineer information

See Rhode Island salary details

$73.4K

$164K

$200.8K

How much do firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for firmware engineer in Rhode Island is $163,973.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,000.00 and $200,800.00 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 Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Firmware Engineer jobs in Rhode Island are:

What are popular job titles related to Firmware Engineer jobs in Rhode Island?

For Firmware Engineer jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Firmware Engineer jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Firmware Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Firmware Engineer jobs in RI?

For Firmware Engineer jobs in RI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Firmware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firmware Engineer job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $163,973 per year, or $78.8 per hour.

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Socket.dev

Bristol, RI • On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and maintain firmware in C and C++ for embedded microcontrollers and system software on embedded Linux boards.

  • Bring up new hardware including board bring-up, bootloaders, device drivers, and board support packages.

  • Implement and debug communication between subsystems over interfaces such as UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, and Ethernet.

Job description

Embedded Firmware Engineer Embedded Firmware Engineer (Mid-Level)

Company: Vatn Systems
Location: Bristol, RI
Type: Full-time (Onsite)

About Vatn Systems:

Vatn Systems is an innovative startup at the forefront of designing and manufacturing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Our mission is to revolutionize underwater security, exploration, research, and operations through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled engineering. Our AUVs are defining the next generation of underwater autonomy.

The Role

We are looking for a talented and motivated Embedded Firmware Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you will design, develop, and maintain the firmware that runs our AUVs — from bare-metal on embedded microcontrollers to system software on embedded Linux boards. You'll write C, C++, and Go across the stack, bring up new hardware, and own the low-level software that keeps our vehicles running reliably in demanding maritime conditions. The ideal candidate is a proactive engineer who enjoys working close to the metal and thrives at the hardware/software boundary.

What You'll Do
  • Design, build, and maintain efficient, reliable firmware in C and C++ for embedded microcontrollers (bare-metal and RTOS).
  • Develop system-level software and services in Go, C, and C++ on embedded Linux boards.
  • Bring up new hardware: board bring-up, bootloaders, device drivers, and board support packages.
  • Implement and debug communication between subsystems over interfaces such as UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, and Ethernet.
  • Integrate sensors, actuators, and peripherals, and implement real-time control and telemetry paths.
  • Optimize firmware for performance, memory footprint, and power.
  • Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and autonomy engineers to translate system requirements into robust embedded solutions.
  • Write and maintain unit and integration tests, and support hardware-in-the-loop testing.
  • Participate in code reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback to improve our engineering practices.
  • Troubleshoot, debug, and upgrade existing firmware, including on-vehicle and field debugging.
What You'll Need Required Qualifications:
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).
  • 3-5 years of professional embedded software/firmware development experience.
  • Strong proficiency in C and C++ for embedded microcontrollers (bare-metal and/or RTOS).
  • Hands-on experience developing firmware for STM32 microcontrollers (e.g., STM32CubeMX/HAL, LL drivers, or bare-metal register-level programming).
  • Experience developing on embedded Linux platforms.
  • Solid understanding of hardware/software integration: reading schematics and datasheets, and debugging with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG/SWD.
  • Experience with embedded communication protocols (e.g., UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, Ethernet).
  • Familiarity with real-time constraints, interrupts, DMA, and low-level memory management.
  • Experience writing firmware for power-constrained and/or resource-limited systems (battery power budgets, tight memory/timing footprints).
  • Proficiency with version control systems, specifically Git.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • United States Citizen or Permanent Resident.
  • Ability to gain a security clearance.
Nice-to-Haves:
  • Experience with cross-compilation, build systems (e.g., CMake, Make, Yocto/Buildroot), and toolchains for embedded targets.
  • Experience developing with Go.
  • Experience with serialization protocols like Protobufs, DDS, etc.
  • Familiarity with robotics middleware or modern robotics frameworks (e.g., ROS 2).
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines for embedded software and automated hardware testing.
  • Knowledge of containerization and deployment on edge devices.
  • Experience with maritime sensors, underwater acoustics, or subsea systems.
  • Familiarity with functional safety or safety-critical software development practices.
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