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Firmware Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer- Embedded/Firmware

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$91K - $125K/yr

Overview ORAU is conducting the search on behalf of Type One Energy for a permanent, fulltime Software Engineer (Embedded/Firmware) in Knoxville, Tennessee. Location: Knoxville TN Salary: Highly ...

ORAU is conducting the search on behalf of Type One Energy for a permanent, fulltime Software Engineer (Embedded/Firmware) in Knoxville, Tennessee. Location: Knoxville TN Salary: Highly Competitive ...

Software Engineer- Embedded/Firmware

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$91K - $125K/yr

Overview ORAU is conducting the search on behalf of Type One Energy for a permanent, full-time Software Engineer (Embedded/Firmware) in Knoxville, Tennessee. Location: Knoxville TN Salary: Highly ...

We are actively seeking an entry-level Software/Firmware Test Engineer to join our team in Johnson City, TN. This is a contract position where you will collaborate with an international project team ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Fairview, TN ยท On-site

$65K - $88K/yr

Work collaboratively within an engineering team of mechanical, electrical, and firmware engineers to design new products and upkeep existing product lines. * Work with the Director of Engineering and ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Fairview, TN ยท On-site

$65K - $88K/yr

Work collaboratively within an engineering team of mechanical, electrical, and firmware engineers to design new products and upkeep existing product lines. * Work with the Director of Engineering and ...

Showing results 21-40

Firmware Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$68.1K

$152K

$186.1K

How much do firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for firmware engineer in Tennessee is $151,969.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,800.00 and $186,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 by experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually in many regions. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills in embedded systems and real-time operating systems can earn higher salaries. Certifications and proficiency with tools like C and assembly language can also influence compensation.

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 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 does a firmware engineer do?

A firmware engineer designs, develops, and tests low-level software that controls hardware devices such as microcontrollers and embedded systems. They work with programming languages like C or C++, use tools like debuggers and oscilloscopes, and often collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure proper device functionality and performance.
What are the most commonly searched types of Firmware Engineer jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Firmware Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Firmware Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Firmware Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Firmware Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $151,969 per year, or $73.1 per hour.

Software Engineer- Embedded/Firmware

ORAU

Knoxville, TN โ€ข On-site

$91K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

ORAU is conducting the search on behalf of Type One Energy for a permanent, fulltime Software Engineer (Embedded/Firmware) in Knoxville, Tennessee.ย 

Location: Knoxville TN

Salary:ย Highly Competitive Plus Benefits

Role: Permanent, full time

Reporting to: Director of Electrical and Software Engineering

About Type One Energy

Type One Energy Group is mission-driven to provide sustainable, affordable fusion power to the world. Established in 2019 and venture-backed in 2023, the company is led by a team of globally recognized fusion scientists with a strong track record of building state-of-the-art stellarator fusion machines, together with veteran business leaders experienced in scaling companies and commercializing energy technologies.

If you are searching for the best new ideas and share our vision, join us as a "Software Engineer- Embedded/Firmware".

Type One Energy offers:

In addition to a basic salary and yearly bonus, you will also get...

  • Stock and share options
  • Relocation allowance
  • Insurance plans
  • 401k retirement options
  • And many more great voluntary benefits

Type One Energy applies proven advanced manufacturing methods, modern computational physics and high-field superconducting magnets to develop its optimized stellarator fusion energy system. Its FusionDirect development program pursues the lowest-risk, shortest-schedule path to a fusion power plant over the coming decade, using a partner-intensive and capital-efficient strategy.

Type One Energy is committed to community engagement in the development and deployment of its clean energy technology. For more information, visit www.typeoneenergy.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Responsibilities

Your role in the mission:

The Software Engineer - Embedded / Firmware will design and develop low-level software and firmware for instrumentation and control (I&C) systems supporting stellarator devices and associated equipment. This role focuses on embedded platforms, FPGA-based systems, real-time operating environments, and hardware integration.

The successful candidate will work closely with electrical, controls, and systems engineers to enable reliable operation of safety-critical and high-performance hardware. You will:

  • Develop low-level embedded software and firmware, including I&C device drivers
  • Design and implement FPGA control software using hardware description languages
  • Develop, customize, and maintain embedded operating systems such as real-time Linux and PetaLinux
  • Support printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) development in collaboration with hardware teams
  • Perform hardware bring-up, validation, and debugging of new embedded platforms
  • Implement and maintain software build systems, testing, and CI/CD pipelines
  • Integrate firmware with higher-level control systems and applications
  • Troubleshoot complex hardware-software interactions
  • Create technical documentation including design specifications, interface definitions, and test procedures
  • Participate in system integration, verification, and commissioning activities
Qualifications

What you'll need:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in embedded software or firmware development
  • Strong experience with PetaLinux and real-time Linux environments
  • FPGA development experience using VHDL and/or Verilog
  • Experience with standard embedded peripherals and communication protocols, including:
    • ADC, DAC
    • IC, SPI
    • Ethernet / TCP/IP
    • Serial interfaces and low-level hardware communication
  • Experience with version control and CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitHub Actions)
  • Strong debugging and problem-solving skills across hardware and software domains
  • Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary engineering environment

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with industrial automation or control systems
  • Familiarity with LabVIEW and National Instruments hardware platforms
  • Experience working in regulated industries such as medical devices, automotive, aerospace, nuclear, or energy
  • Knowledge of safety-critical or high-reliability embedded systems
  • Experience with system-level integration and testing of complex equipment
Employment Type: FULL_TIME

ORAU logo

About ORAU

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Public administration

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Oak Ridge, TN, US

Year founded

1946