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Firmware Hardware Design Engineer Jobs in Appleton, WI

Develop hardware I/O List. * Ensure effective information handoffs. * Ensure system engineering is complete prior to handing off work for detailed engineering and design. * Interpret electrical and ...

Senior Engineer R&D Controls

Menasha, WI · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

From early concept through full-scale production, our engineers design Data Center power ... Proficient in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), model-in-loop (MIL), and software-in-the-loop (SIL ...

Senior Engineer R&D Controls

Menasha, WI · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

From early concept through full-scale production, our engineers design Data Center power ... Proficient in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), model-in-loop (MIL), and software-in-the-loop (SIL ...

Design and develop custom automated machinery, machine assemblies, tooling, fixtures, and robotic ... Familiarity with Rockwell and/or Beckhoff automation platforms and hardware. * Understanding of ...

Design and develop custom automated machinery, machine assemblies, tooling, fixtures, and robotic ... Familiarity with Rockwell and/or Beckhoff automation platforms and hardware. * Understanding of ...

... hardware and software components and evaluating inputs/outputs for sufficient performance of design ... The Staff Systems Engineer Understands product application in the market and drives design ...

Sr Engineer - Controls

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$94K - $125K/yr

The team member must be able to develop and execute test plans as well as design and maintain HIL ... Integrate production or prototype ECUs/controllers into HIL test benches and validate hardware ...

Sr Engineer - Controls

Oshkosh, WI

$94K - $125K/yr

The team member must be able to develop and execute test plans as well as design and maintain HIL ... Integrate production or prototype ECUs/controllers into HIL test benches and validate hardware ...

Showing results 41-60

Firmware Hardware Design Engineer information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$73.2K

$163.4K

$200K

How much do firmware hardware design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for firmware hardware design engineer in Appleton, WI is $163,373.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $139,500.00 and $200,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a firmware hardware design engineer?

A Firmware Hardware Design Engineer is a professional who develops and integrates firmware (software that is closely tied to hardware) with electronic hardware systems. They are responsible for designing, testing, and troubleshooting embedded systems and ensuring that the firmware operates efficiently with the hardware components. Their work typically involves programming microcontrollers, circuit design, schematic creation, and collaboration with other engineering teams. This role is critical in industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial automation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a firmware hardware design engineer?

To thrive as a Firmware Hardware Design Engineer, you need expertise in embedded systems, digital and analog circuit design, and proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++, often backed by an electrical engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Altium Designer, MATLAB, oscilloscopes, and experience with hardware debugging platforms are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills that differentiate top performers. These competencies ensure reliable product development, seamless integration of hardware and firmware, and successful project delivery in technologically demanding environments.

What are some common challenges firmware hardware design engineers face when integrating new hardware with existing firmware?

Firmware Hardware Design Engineers often encounter challenges when ensuring that new hardware components communicate seamlessly with existing firmware. Compatibility issues, timing constraints, and debugging low-level interactions between hardware and firmware are frequent hurdles. Collaborating closely with both hardware and software teams is essential to resolve these challenges efficiently, often requiring thorough testing and iterative refinement. This integration process provides valuable hands-on experience and opportunities to develop problem-solving skills crucial for career growth in embedded systems engineering.

What is the difference between Firmware Hardware Design Engineer vs Embedded Systems Engineer?

AspectFirmware Hardware Design EngineerEmbedded Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related; certifications like Certified Embedded Systems ProfessionalBachelor's in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning hardware and firmware for embedded devices, often in R&D or product development teamsDeveloping and testing embedded software and hardware integration in various industries
Industry UsageElectronics, consumer devices, automotive, aerospaceConsumer electronics, industrial automation, medical devices

The Firmware Hardware Design Engineer focuses on designing both hardware and firmware components for embedded systems, ensuring seamless integration. The Embedded Systems Engineer typically develops software for embedded hardware, often working on system-level integration. While both roles require similar skills and certifications, the Firmware Hardware Design Engineer emphasizes hardware design alongside firmware development, whereas the Embedded Systems Engineer concentrates more on software development within embedded environments.

Infographic showing various Firmware Hardware Design Engineer job openings in Appleton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $163,373 per year, or $78.5 per hour.

Electrical Engineer

Appleton, WI

LS Electric, IncL&S Electric | Careers | Apply Online | Skilled Technicians

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Prepare and develop technical documents such as O&M manuals, FAT, SAT, and customer training materials.

  • Design, configure, and troubleshoot electrical protection, excitation, governor, and control systems, including creating electrical drawings and system descriptions.

  • Perform system testing, commissioning, onsite inspections, and ensure system engineering is complete prior to detailed design and handoff.


Job description

Are you interested in joining a company that was recently certified as a "Great Place to Work" for the fifth year in a row? If so, please read on...

Responsibilities:

  • Prepare O&M manual, factory acceptance test (FAT), installation, site acceptance test (SAT), and customer training documents.
  • Configuration of excitation and protective relay systems.
  • Create and implement O&M/FAT/SAT standards.
  • Design cut-ins for electrical protection and excitement retrofits.
  • Design cut-ins for governor retrofits, plant control, and unit control electrical.
  • Design electrical 1-line and 3-line drawings.
  • Design electrical schematic, external electrical wiring, functional elementary, internal panel wiring, PLC, and powerplant circuit breaker control drawings.
  • Design, develop, test, and start up projects as requested.
  • Determine features to replace existing excitation and protective relaying systems.
  • Develop customer training documents.
  • Develop descriptions of system operation.
  • Develop hardware I/O List.
  • Ensure effective information handoffs.
  • Ensure system engineering is complete prior to handing off work for detailed engineering and design.
  • Interpret electrical and mechanical drawings.
  • Interpret technical project specifications as required by sales and engineering project management.
  • Minimize rework and warranty on all projects.
  • Perform demolition and installation engineering, design reviews, electrical calculations for system sizing and component selection.
  • Perform excitation system configuration, testing, and troubleshooting.
  • Perform FAT, installation supervision, SAT, customer training and system commissioning as requested.
  • Perform onsite inspections and project "kick-off" meetings as assigned.
  • Perform protective relay configuration, testing, and programming.
  • Perform short circuit, coordination and load flow calculations, and studies.
  • Perform sizing of excitation systems.
  • Support Engineering division as requested.
  • Utilize L&S Electric ISO system to ensure quality products and services.
  • Work effectively with all other project team members including control, electrical and mechanical disciplines.
  • Work with designers to develop drawings.
  • All other duties as assigned by management.
  • Commissioning of excitation, governor, protective relaying, and unit control systems.

Requirements:

  • BSEE and 5 years' experience or technical degree and 10 years' experience with electrical power generation controls and protection.
  • Familiar with ASME, IEEE, IEC, NEC standards for electric power generating plants
  • Familiarity with excitation systems, governor systems, and unit / plant operation and protection.
  • Strong conceptualization ability along with strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, including the ability to explain complex technical issues to decision-makers and project teams.
  • Strong leadership skills.
  • Ability to travel more than 30% domestically and internationally.
  • Able to perform all essential functions of the job.

Preferred:

  • Professional engineering registration or the ability to become registered.

Physical demands:

  • Essential functions of this job require the following minimal physical demands. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must be able to adhere to applicable safety practices for the site.
  • Occasionally lifting heavy objects.
  • Uneven or slippery walking surfaces.
  • Able to wear proper PPE (hearing protection, safety glasses, hard hat, etc.).