1

Firmware Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Firmware Engineer, Staff

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$134K - $175K/yr

As a Staff Firmware Engineer in the Energy Systems group in Ann Arbor, you will play a critical role in developing firmware for our cutting-edge power systems products. You will engage in the entire ...

New

As a Staff Firmware Engineer in the Energy Systems group in Ann Arbor, you will play a critical role in developing firmware for our cutting-edge power systems products. You will engage in the entire ...

New

Lead Firmware Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$97K - $164K/yr

We need a Firmware Design Engineer on our growing Ann Arbor team to lead the development of product equipment, test centers, software, and AI algorithms that power innovative capabilities that KLA is ...

Lead Firmware Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$97K - $164K/yr

We need a Firmware Design Engineer on our growing Ann Arbor team to lead the development of product equipment, test centers, software, and AI algorithms that power innovative capabilities that KLA is ...

Lead Firmware Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$97K - $164K/yr

We need a Firmware Design Engineer on our growing Ann Arbor team to lead the development of product equipment, test centers, software, and AI algorithms that power innovative capabilities that KLA is ...

Lead Firmware Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$97K - $164K/yr

We need a Firmware Design Engineer on our growing Ann Arbor team to lead the development of product equipment, test centers, software, and AI algorithms that power innovative capabilities that KLA is ...

Lead Firmware Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$97K - $164K/yr

We need a Firmware Design Engineer on our growing Ann Arbor team to lead the development of product equipment, test centers, software, and AI algorithms that power innovative capabilities that KLA is ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Rochester Hills, MI ยท On-site

$112K - $130K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking a skilled Embedded Firmware Engineer with a strong foundation in embedded software architecture, algorithm development, and device-level communication protocols. This ...

You will work closely with hardware engineers, system architects, and other software developers to implement firmware and software components that meet the functional, performance, and safety ...

You will work closely with hardware engineers, system architects, and other software developers to implement firmware and software components that meet the functional, performance, and safety ...

Firmware/Embedded Software Engineer

Southfield, MI ยท On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

The role of Road Ready Firmware/Embedded Software Engineer will support the growth of the Road Ready product. Specific duties and responsibilities include: * Design and implement software of embedded ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Firmware Engineer information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$74.2K

$165.8K

$202.9K

How much do firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for firmware engineer in Detroit, MI is $165,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,600.00 and $202,900.00 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 Detroit, MI?

The most popular types of Firmware Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What job categories do people searching Firmware Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Firmware Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Firmware Engineer jobs?

Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Firmware Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Firmware Engineer job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 74% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,757 per year, or $79.7 per hour.

Firmware Engineer, Staff

Redwire Defense Tech

Ann Arbor, MI โ€ข On-site

$134K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Description
WORK LOCATION: Ann Arbor, MI
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $134,000 to $175,500 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.
SUMMARY
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Firmware Engineer to join our innovative team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in greenfield/brownfield bare metal firmware development for complex systems such as batteries, fuel cells, UAVs, complex consumer electronics, or automobiles. This role requires a deep understanding of firmware development principles, hardware integration principles, excellent problem-solving skills and tenacity, and the ability to champion projects from concept through completion.
As a Staff Firmware Engineer in the Energy Systems group in Ann Arbor, you will play a critical role in developing firmware for our cutting-edge power systems products. You will engage in the entire firmware development lifecycle, from requirements gathering and analysis to design, implementation, and testing. Your expertise will be essential in creating robust and reliable firmware that ensures the optimal performance of our systems.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.
  • Lead and champion the development of embedded firmware features for power systems products, ensuring reliability, safety, and maintainability.
  • Own subsystem-level firmware architecture, including bootloaders, interrupt architecture, and communication driver development.
  • Perform board bring-up on new hardware, validating digital/analog interfaces, timing, power sequencing, and hardware interactions.
  • Lead integration of sensors, peripheral devices, HMIs, power systems, and control interfaces into the product architecture.
  • Develop and optimize communication layers (CAN, SPI, UART, I2C) for robustness under operational constraints.
  • Develop test plans and conduct rigorous testing to validate firmware performance and compliance with industry standards and perform Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), System Integration Lab (SIL), and bench validation activities.
  • Mentor junior engineers through code reviews, architecture discussions, and technical coaching.
  • Serve as a technical interface to cross-functional leads, participating in design reviews and requirement decomposition.
  • Work closely with other engineering disciplines to ensure cohesive and integrated system designs.
  • Identify and implement innovative solutions to enhance system functionality and performance.
  • Prepare and maintain detailed documentation for firmware designs, test procedures, and user manuals.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 7+ years of professional experience developing embedded firmware in safety-critical or mission-critical environments.
  • BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field is required
  • Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and test greenfield/brownfield firmware.
  • Experience driving system integration across hardware, firmware, and software layers.
  • Expert-level proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems.
  • Extensive experience developing firmware for ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers (STM32, TM4C, etc.) and Digital Signal Processors (TMS320, etc.), including startup code, interrupt handling, peripheral configuration, and memory management.
  • Proven experience with a deep understanding of communication protocols (UART, SPI, IยฒC, CAN, Ethernet).
  • Strong experience with bare metal software architecture and development.
  • Demonstrated experience developing bootloaders, application firmware, and communication driver development for ARM-based microcontrollers.
  • Expert-level experience working with IDEs (such as Code Composer Studio), build configurations, and debugging build errors and warnings.
  • Ability to read schematics, understand PCB layout implications, and collaborate closely with electrical engineering.
  • Able to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to engineering teams, leadership, customers, and other stakeholders.
  • Expert-level debugging ability using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and advanced test equipment.
  • Experience with Git based revision control, peer review, and release features.
  • Flexibility to travel to suppliers or customer locations as required.
  • Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • In-depth knowledge of firmware development principles, including design, development, testing, and maintenance.
  • Prior experience with defense contracts
  • Proven ability to lead clean-sheet embedded system development efforts, establishing firmware architecture, technical requirements, communication frameworks, and verification strategies from concept through production release.
  • Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor and guide junior engineers.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and build strong working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Self-directed and results-oriented, with a demonstrated ability to independently execute complex projects, overcome technical challenges, and clearly document outcomes and recommendations.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS
  • Matching 401(k)
  • Paid PTO
  • Paid holidays
  • Medical, vision, and dental insurance
  • Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • HSA and FSA Options
  • Critical Care Plan
  • Accident Care Plan
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person's status under the ITAR and the EAR.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.
REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an "At-Will" basis.