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Firmware Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mill

Firmware Engineering Manager

San Bruno, CA

We're seeking a Firmware Engineering Manager to lead the design, development, and implementation of low-level firmware for our next-generation connected product, while remaining hands-on as an ...

Mill

Firmware Engineering Manager

San Bruno, CA

We're seeking a Firmware Engineering Manager to lead the design, development, and implementation of low-level firmware for our next-generation connected product, while remaining hands-on as an ...

Mill

Firmware Engineering Manager

San Bruno, CA · On-site

We're seeking a Firmware Engineering Manager to lead the design, development, and implementation of low-level firmware for our next-generation connected product, while remaining hands-on as an ...

Mill

Firmware Engineering Manager

San Bruno, CA · On-site

We're seeking a Firmware Engineering Manager to lead the design, development, and implementation of low-level firmware for our next-generation connected product, while remaining hands-on as an ...

Whiz Global LLC

Firmware Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

Prior Firmware Engineering experience is required, and experience in the semiconductor industry is strongly preferred. Key Responsibilities: · Develop, validate, and integrate DRAM drivers for SSD ...

Skyworks

Director-Firmware Engineering

San Jose, CA · On-site

$170K - $339K/yr

Director-Firmware Engineering Posting Start Date: 8/21/26 Job Location(s): San Jose If you are looking for a challenging and exciting career in the world of technology, then look no further. Skyworks ...

New

Skip

Firmware Engineering Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

Leading and growing a small firmware engineering team, including hiring, mentorship, and technical direction * End-to-end embedded C/C++ across our stack, including FreeRTOS, interrupt handling, JTAG ...

Apple

AirPods Firmware Engineering Manager

Cupertino, CA

$206K - $356K/yr

Description This is a high-visibility role leading firmware engineering for one of Apple's most iconic product lines. As a manager, you will play a significant part in product development by working ...

Carbon, Inc.

Senior Staff Firmware Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · Hybrid

$182K - $314K/yr

Lead the firmware engineering team and represent firmware priorities in cross-functional design discussions * Partner with Electrical, Mechanical, Software, and Systems Engineering to design ...

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All JobsFirmware Engineering JobsFirmware Engineering Jobs in California

Firmware Engineering information

See California salary details

$74K

$165.2K

$202.3K

How much do firmware engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for firmware engineering in California is $165,245.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,100.00 and $202,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is firmware engineering?

Firmware engineering is the process of designing, developing, testing, and maintaining the low-level software that controls and interacts with hardware devices. Firmware sits between the hardware and higher-level software, enabling the hardware to function correctly and efficiently. Firmware engineers often work with embedded systems, microcontrollers, and specialized hardware across industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial equipment. Their work ensures that devices operate reliably and can be updated or improved over time.

How does a firmware engineer typically collaborate with hardware and software teams during product development?

Firmware Engineers play a central role in bridging the gap between hardware and software teams. They often work closely with hardware engineers to understand device specifications and constraints, while also collaborating with software developers to ensure seamless integration and functionality. Regular cross-functional meetings, code reviews, and hardware testing sessions are common practices to address issues early and optimize product performance. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as firmware must often be adapted to accommodate both hardware changes and evolving software requirements.

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 strong background in embedded systems, C/C++ programming, and electronics, usually supported by a degree in computer engineering or a related field. Experience with microcontroller architectures, RTOS, hardware debugging tools, and version control systems like Git is typically required. Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure reliable, efficient firmware development and seamless integration with hardware, which is critical for product functionality and performance.

What is the difference between Firmware Engineering vs Embedded Systems Engineering?

AspectFirmware EngineeringEmbedded Systems Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related; certifications like Certified Embedded Systems ProfessionalBachelor's or higher in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDeveloping low-level code for hardware devices, often in embedded environmentsDesigning and integrating hardware and software for embedded systems
Industry UsageConsumer electronics, IoT devices, automotive, aerospaceMedical devices, industrial automation, consumer electronics

Firmware Engineering focuses on writing low-level code that directly interacts with hardware components, often in resource-constrained environments. Embedded Systems Engineering encompasses a broader scope, including designing entire embedded systems, integrating hardware and software, and system-level development. While overlapping, Firmware Engineers typically specialize in firmware development, whereas Embedded Systems Engineers may handle system architecture and integration tasks.

Are firmware engineers in demand?

Firmware engineers are in high demand due to the growth of embedded systems in industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, and healthcare. They often require skills in C/C++, debugging, and working with hardware, and job opportunities are expected to grow as technology advances. Certifications and experience with real-time operating systems can enhance employability.

How much money do firmware engineers make?

Firmware engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in embedded systems and real-time operating systems can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000 annually.

What do you do as a firmware engineer?

A firmware engineer designs, develops, and tests low-level software that controls hardware devices such as microcontrollers and embedded systems. They often work with programming languages like C or C++, use debugging tools, and ensure the firmware operates reliably within hardware constraints. This role requires knowledge of hardware architecture and real-time operating systems.
Firmware Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firmware Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,245 per year, or $79.4 per hour.

Firmware Engineering Manager

San Bruno, CA

Mill
1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Millexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

We're seeking a Firmware Engineering Manager to lead the design, development, and implementation of low-level firmware for our next-generation connected product, while remaining hands-on as an individual contributor. You'll manage and grow a small team of firmware engineers while personally contributing to critical design and implementation work, working closely with cloud services, mobile app, product, and hardware teams to integrate connectivity features seamlessly.

Key Responsibilities

People & Team Leadership

  • Manage, mentor, and grow a team of firmware engineers, providing technical guidance, career development, and regular performance feedback.
  • Set team priorities and roadmaps in partnership with product and hardware leadership, balancing technical debt, new feature work, and production readiness.
  • Recruit and interview firmware engineering candidates as the team scales.
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive team culture that encourages knowledge-sharing and technical growth.

Technical & Individual Contribution

  • Personally design and implement robust firmware on MCU platforms, ensuring support for wireless connectivity, data upload, OTA updates, sensor integration, and other core functionalities.
  • Develop and optimize communication stacks for wireless protocols, ensuring reliable pairing, network configuration, and data exchange.
  • Write efficient low-level code that integrates with hardware peripherals (e.g., RF modules, sensors) using standard interfaces such as GPIO, I2C, SPI, and UART.
  • Apply best practices for error handling and performance optimization to support robust connectivity features.
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to rigorously debug, test, and troubleshoot firmware, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and security.
  • Engage actively with multidisciplinary teams, sharing insights and aligning on system-level requirements to drive cohesive project success.
  • Drive the team's contributions to deployment readiness for large-scale production.
  • Review code from team members and peers to maintain best practices in style, accuracy, and efficiency.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience, with 5+ years in embedded systems development.
  • Prior experience leading, managing, or mentoring engineers, or demonstrated readiness to step into a management role (e.g., tech lead experience).
  • Deep understanding of computer networking and firmware for data-intensive applications.
  • Strong expertise in C programming for embedded systems, with a solid grasp of memory management and real-time operating system principles.
  • Proficiency in hardware-software interfacing, including protocols like GPIO, I2C, SPI, and JTAG.
  • Proficiency with troubleshooting tools (debuggers, Wireshark) and measurement equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
  • Demonstrated expertise in debugging and rigorous testing to quickly identify and resolve complex issues.
  • Familiarity with version control, CI, and build systems.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
Preferred Skills
  • Hands-on experience with connectivity modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) and RTOS (FreeRTOS preferred).
  • Experience with Jetson linux platform and ESP32 microcontrollers.
  • Working knowledge of cloud computing protocols (e.g., MQTT) and platforms like AWS (AWS CDK is a plus).
  • Experience with cellular connectivity.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $245-$280K, which does not include the value of benefits or a potential equity grant. A wide range of factors are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to skill sets, market conditions, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and business and organizational needs.

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