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Firmware Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Senior Firmware Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Senior Firmware Engineer - Embedded Controls Oshkosh/Appleton area (Wisconsin) Wisconsin | Direct Hire | Up to ~$145K total comp + relocation assistance + signing bonus Lead the firmware. Own the ...

Senior Firmware Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Senior Firmware Engineer - Embedded Controls Oshkosh/Appleton area (Wisconsin) Wisconsin | Direct Hire | Up to ~$145K total comp + relocation assistance + signing bonus Lead the firmware. Own the ...

Senior Edge Engineer - Firmware & MCU

Madison, WI · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

As our Senior Edge Engineer , you will be the team's depth on bare-metal firmware. Day-to-day that means secure boot, signed firmware, MQTT-over-TLS to the cloud, and the field-side protocol layer ...

Software Engineer

Sun Prairie, WI · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

You will work closely with designers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, firmware engineers, project managers, and clients to create stable, maintainable applications and connected-product ...

... sources, including engineering and specification documents. Design and develop electrical ... firmware for FPGAs (microcontroller knowledge considered a plus) Debug hardware/software ...

Electrical Engineer III

Madison, WI · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

... including engineering and specification documents.Design and develop electrical schematics and ... firmware for FPGAs (microcontroller knowledge considered a plus)Debug hardware/software ...

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Firmware Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$75.6K

$168.7K

$206.6K

How much do firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for firmware engineer in Madison, WI is $168,715.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $144,100.00 and $206,600.00 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 Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Firmware Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Firmware Engineer jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Firmware Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Firmware Engineer job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $168,715 per year, or $81.1 per hour.

Senior Firmware Engineer

1872 Consulting

Madison, WI • On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Senior Firmware Engineer - Embedded Controls Oshkosh/Appleton area (Wisconsin) Wisconsin | Direct Hire | Up to ~$145K total comp + relocation assistance + signing bonus Lead the firmware. Own the architecture. Build the team behind it. We're hiring a senior firmware engineer ready to step into a technical leadership seat at the world's largest manufacturer in its category. 100+ years of engineering, recently IPO'd, and growing. This role exists because the product development team is expanding, and they need someone who can both ship firmware and lead the engineers shipping it with them. What you'd own: Firmware architecture for the control boards at the core of every product: full-lifecycle C, low-level drivers, bootloaders, comms stacks, real-time and motor control Technical leadership of a small team of firmware engineers: mentoring, code review, design direction, and raising the bar Real authority on MCU and component selection, platform decisions, and how firmware gets built Bench work that stays on your desk: JTAG/SWD, scopes, logic analyzers. This is a leading-from-the-code seat, not a meetings seat. Why this seat is different: Most senior firmware roles cap out as "senior IC forever." This one is the path up. The hiring manager came through these exact ranks over 16 years. The team is long-tenured, the company doesn't do layoffs-and-backfills, and your firmware ships inside products used every day in 150 countries. The practical stuff: $120K-$135K base + 8% bonus (~$145K total with flexibility for the right candidate), relocation assistance + signing bonus East-central Wisconsin: low cost of living, real lab, zero commute misery Onsite, because leading a bench team happens at the bench Direct hire, full benefits You'll need: 7+ years embedded firmware in C, with production bare-metal and/or RTOS (FreeRTOS a plus) Experience mentoring or leading engineers, formally or as the senior person people came to CAN/Modbus, bootloaders, or motor control depth strongly preferred U.S. Citizenship or Green Card (no sponsorship) If you've been the strongest engineer in the room waiting for the title and the team to match, this is that role. #J-18808-Ljbffr


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About 1872 Consulting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

1872 Consulting, based in Chicago, IL, USA, operates within the IT consulting industry. Armed with a diverse team of experts, the company offers specialized IT consulting services, focusing on modernizing business technologies and driving innovative business strategies. Established in 1872, the company has a rich history marked by its commitment to bridging the gap between businesses and technology. Its mission is to empower organizations to surpass their business goals by providing state-of-the-art IT solutions and service. The company prides itself on its core values of integrity, excellence, and innovation, instilling these principles in every project they undertake.

Industry

It services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2014