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Firmware Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Rocket Lab Corporation

Sr. FPGA Engineer II

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$133K - $171K/yr

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS FIRMWARE ENGINEER II: * Bachelor's degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering or equivalent discipline with 8+ years of experience * Experience in ...

Socket.dev

Hardware Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$110 - $165/hr

Write firmware, scripts, test tools, and lightweight software needed to validate devices, collect telemetry, and support integration with Rune's platform. * Collaborate with software engineers to ...

New

Everforth, Cybercoders

Senior IoT Engineer

Reston, VA · Remote

$125K - $160K/yr

Develop application firmware integration for LoRaWAN-connected devices in close collaboration with ... Engineering Excellence * Contribute to core wireless platform architecture decisions alongside ...

Posted today

Rocket Lab Corporation

Sr. FPGA Engineer II

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS FIRMWARE ENGINEER II: * Bachelor's degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering or equivalent discipline with 8+ years of experience * Experience in ...

Rocket Lab Corporation

Sr. FPGA Engineer II

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS FIRMWARE ENGINEER II: * Bachelor's degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering or equivalent discipline with 8+ years of experience * Experience in ...

Allocor Tech

Electrical Engineer

Crozet, VA · On-site

Drive hardware-software integration for motor controller platforms, working closely with firmware engineers on register configuration, timing, and control loops. * Participate in and help run design ...

Allocor Tech

Electrical Engineer

Crozet, VA · On-site

Drive hardware-software integration for motor controller platforms, working closely with firmware engineers on register configuration, timing, and control loops. * Participate in and help run design ...

STR

Senior Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Responsibilities : • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and ...

STR

Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Responsibilities : • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and ...

STR

Senior Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Responsibilities : • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and ...

Raytheon

Principal System Safety Engineer

Dulles, VA

... firmware, and personnel) for DoD missile systems, typically obtained through advanced education ... Actively engage in engineering review boards, and configuration control boards to stay on top of ...

STR

Principal Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Responsibilities : • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and ...

STR

Senior Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Responsibilities : • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFirmware Engineer JobsFirmware Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Firmware Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$74.4K

$166K

$203.2K

How much do firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for firmware engineer in Virginia is $166,001.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,800.00 and $203,200.00 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.
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Firmware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firmware Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $166,001 per year, or $79.8 per hour.

Sr. FPGA Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$133K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR FPGA ENGINEER II

Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

As a Sr. FPGA Engineer II based at our Optical Systems sites in Chantilly, VA, you will have the opportunity to support Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) using the latest FPGA technologies including Xilinx to support advanced Electro-Optical (EO/IR) technology.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

  • Work with the hardware design team on requirements.
  • Complete FPGA logic design, coding, simulation, and testing.
  • Support hardware and software development teams in bring-up and test of products.
  • Provide subject-matter expertise regarding design and automated test development procedures to customers and production support team.
  • Perform research and analysis of data, such as customer proposed specifications, datasheets, or manuals to determine design approach and/or feasibility.
  • Execute debugging of the design in the lab.
  • Perform synthesis, implementation, and timing analysis.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS FIRMWARE ENGINEER II:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering or equivalent discipline with 8+ years of experience
  • Experience in FPGA firmware design with VHDL.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an U.S. Government Security Clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

  • Experience with Xilinx/AMD Versal architecture
  • Experience with FPGAs and embedded systems in a radiation environment, including SEU/SEL impact and mitigation.
  • Experience in FPGA- or ASIC-based image processing algorithms.
  • Experience in both creating IP from scratch in RTL and integrating existing IP into RTL and block designs.
  • Familiarity with C, Python or MATLAB and/or experience translating algorithms from a scripted language to HDL.
  • Experience with software interfaces including interrupts and DMA.
  • Experience with DDR4, Aurora, and high-speed transceiver design and verification.
  • Familiarity with AXI Stream and AXI Memory Mapped interfaces.
  • PCB design and schematic capture and layout with tools such as Altium Designer.
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

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