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Firmware Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$98.40K - $134.70K/yr

Firmware architecture, coding, testing, integration, and verification * Safety-critical embedded systems development * Low-power embedded design and optimization * Development of wireless and wired ...

Firmware Test Engineers at Lyft collaborate closely with firmware, hardware, operations, and ... Experience with testing embedded systems, including hardware and software interactions.

Firmware Engineering Manager

New York, NY · On-site

$165K - $242K/yr

Quality & reliability - support best practices around testing, validation, debugging, and documentation to ensure firmware reliability in large-scale production environments. * Process building ...

Develop GUI for firmware testing using Python or other programming languages. * Utilize instruments like logic analyzer and oscilloscope for troubleshooting. * Collaborate with other team members on ...

Develop GUI for firmware testing using Python or other programming languages. * Utilize instruments like logic analyzer and oscilloscope for troubleshooting. * Collaborate with other team members on ...

Firmware Test Engineers at Lyft collaborate closely with firmware, hardware, operations, and ... Experience with testing embedded systems, including hardware and software interactions.

Develop GUI for firmware testing using Python or other programming languages. * Utilize instruments like logic analyzer and oscilloscope for troubleshooting. * Collaborate with other team members on ...

Quality & reliability - support best practices around testing, validation, debugging, and documentation to ensure firmware reliability in large-scale production environments. * Process building ...

Firmware Engineer II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$126.40K - $189.60K/yr

Support DevOps for embedded software, including automation of building and testing code * Keep abreast of the latest developments in AI and leverage the tools in a way that makes sense for firmware ...

Firmware Engineering Manager

New York, NY · On-site

$165K - $242K/yr

Quality & reliability - support best practices around testing, validation, debugging, and documentation to ensure firmware reliability in large-scale production environments. * Process building ...

Testing & Validation: Lead firmware testing efforts as required, support compliance testing, and ... perform joint hardware/FW debugging. * Optimization: Implement data processing algorithms ...

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Firmware Tester information

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How much do firmware tester jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for firmware tester in the United States is $58.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.03 and $76.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Firmware Tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Firmware Tester, you need a solid understanding of embedded systems, programming languages like C/C++, and experience with hardware debugging tools, often supported by a degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with test automation frameworks, version control systems, and protocols such as UART, SPI, or I2C is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication help testers identify issues and work collaboratively with development teams. These skills ensure firmware reliability, efficient troubleshooting, and seamless integration with hardware products.

What are some common challenges Firmware Testers face when working with new hardware prototypes?

Firmware Testers often encounter challenges such as limited documentation, rapidly changing hardware specifications, and unpredictable bugs when working with new hardware prototypes. These circumstances require strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and close collaboration with hardware engineers and developers. Testers must frequently develop custom test scripts and adjust their testing strategies as the hardware evolves, making flexibility and clear communication essential parts of the job.

What are Firmware Testers?

Firmware Testers are professionals who evaluate and verify the quality, stability, and functionality of firmware—software that is embedded in hardware devices. They design and execute tests to identify bugs, ensure compliance with specifications, and confirm that firmware updates do not introduce new problems. Their work is crucial in industries like electronics, automotive, and IoT, where reliable device operation is essential. Firmware Testers often use specialized tools for debugging and may collaborate closely with developers to resolve issues.

What is the difference between Firmware Tester vs Software Tester?

AspectFirmware TesterSoftware Tester
Required credentialsTypically a degree in computer engineering, electronics, or related field; certifications like ISTQB are commonSimilar credentials; ISTQB certification often preferred
Work environmentEmbedded systems, hardware devices, IoT productsApplications, web platforms, desktop software
Employer & industry usageElectronics, consumer devices, automotive, aerospaceIT companies, software development firms, tech startups
Common search & comparison intentUnderstanding roles in hardware-focused testingUnderstanding roles in software-focused testing

Firmware Testers focus on testing embedded systems and hardware-integrated firmware, ensuring functionality on physical devices. Software Testers primarily test applications and software programs in virtual environments. While both roles require similar certifications and skills, their work environments and focus areas differ significantly, catering to hardware versus software testing needs.

More about Firmware Tester jobs
What states have the most Firmware Tester jobs? States with the most job openings for Firmware Tester jobs include:
Infographic showing various Firmware Tester job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 55% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 44% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,231 per year, or $58.8 per hour.
Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer

Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer

USA Firmware

Houston, TX • On-site

$98.40K - $134.70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

A Houston-based professional engineering firm is seeking a Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer to lead the architecture, design, development, verification, and maintenance of advanced safety-critical medical device firmware. This role focuses on Class I, II, and III medical devices, including neuromodulation platforms, implantable pulse generators, and artificial pancreas systems. The position requires leadership in embedded firmware development, risk and reliability analysis, secure design, wireless communication systems, and low-power embedded architectures.

The Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams across software, electrical, and mechanical disciplines to deliver high-quality products on schedule. The role also includes mentoring engineers, leading project execution strategy, driving technical innovation, and serving as a customer-facing technical leader.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Firmware architecture, coding, testing, integration, and verification
  • Safety-critical embedded systems development
  • Low-power embedded design and optimization
  • Development of wireless and wired communication interfaces (BLE, UART, I2C, USB, NFC)
  • Cybersecurity implementation and FOTA update strategies
  • Risk assessment, technical planning, and lifecycle management
  • Cross-functional collaboration and technical mentorship

Candidates should have extensive experience with C/C++, Python, ARM Cortex architectures, RTOS and bare-metal systems, medical device development processes, and relevant regulatory standards such as IEC 62304 and ISO 14971.

Requirements

  • MS degree in a relevant engineering or technical field, or equivalent experience
  • 15+ years of experience in embedded firmware or related specialized engineering fields
  • Minimum 10 years of experience working within a requirements-driven structured development process
  • Strong experience with embedded microcontrollers, bare-metal systems, and RTOS environments
  • Proficiency in C/C++, Python, and assembly language programming
  • Experience with ARM Cortex architectures and low-power embedded system design
  • Experience with communication interfaces including UART, I2C, USB, BLE, and NFC
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) updates
  • Experience with firmware architecture, device drivers, testing, integration, and verification
  • Familiarity with software development tools such as Jira, Git, GitHub, and BitBucket
  • Working knowledge of IEC 62304, ISO 13485, ISO 14971, and other relevant medical device standards
  • Experience with safety-critical applications and medical devices preferred
  • Strong troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and risk assessment skills
  • Excellent communication, leadership, collaboration, and mentoring abilities
  • Proven ability to lead projects through the full software development lifecycle from architecture through release and maintenance

Benefits

Company-paid Vision and Dental insurance

Discounted Medical insurance

401(k) matching program

Opportunity to work on cutting-edge medical device technologies

Collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment

Exposure to a wide variety of advanced medical device projects

Continuous learning and professional growth opportunities

Leadership and mentorship opportunities within technical teams

High-impact work focused on improving patient outcomes and quality of life