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Firmware Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Firmware Engineer, Staff

Ann Arbor, MI · 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 ...

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Job TitleLead Firmware Engineer - SurveillancePosition Summary We are seeking an experienced Firmware Engineer and DO-254 Complex Electronic Hardware expert to join the Surveillance hardware product ...

Lead Firmware Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Lead Firmware Engineer

Zeeland, MI · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Design, develop, and maintain embedded software and firmware for hardware‑integrated systems * Lead and mentor a team of 4-5 engineers, providing technical guidance and code‑level support

Lead Firmware Engineer

Zeeland, MI · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Design, develop, and maintain embedded software and firmware for hardware-integrated systems * Lead and mentor a team of 4-5 engineers, providing technical guidance and code-level support * Actively ...

Firmware/Embedded Software Engineer

Southfield, MI · 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 ...

Embedded Firmware Development: Develop embedded firmware for automotive ECUs, including startup code, peripheral drivers, and low-level hardware abstraction layers (HALs). * Real-Time Operating ...

Embedded Firmware Development: Develop embedded firmware for automotive ECUs, including startup code, peripheral drivers, and low-level hardware abstraction layers (HALs). * Real-Time Operating ...

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Showing results 1-20

Firmware information

See Michigan salary details

$65.4K

$145.9K

$178.7K

How much do firmware jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for firmware in Michigan is $145,938.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,600.00 and $178,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 IoT. They typically require skills in C/C++, debugging, and hardware integration, and job opportunities are expected to grow as technology advances.

Do firmware engineers make good money?

Firmware engineers typically earn competitive salaries due to their specialized skills in embedded systems, programming languages like C and C++, and knowledge of hardware integration. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but the role is generally well-compensated compared to other engineering fields.

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 expertise in embedded systems, strong programming skills in C/C++, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with microcontroller architectures, debugging tools like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers, and version control systems such as Git is typically required. Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills are crucial for developing reliable, efficient firmware that seamlessly integrates with hardware and meets project requirements.

What are some common challenges firmware engineers face when working on embedded systems projects?

Firmware engineers often encounter challenges such as debugging low-level code with limited visibility, managing resource constraints like memory and processing power, and ensuring seamless integration between hardware and software components. Collaborating closely with hardware designers and test engineers is essential to resolve issues quickly and maintain project timelines. Additionally, firmware engineers must stay up-to-date with evolving hardware platforms and security best practices to deliver reliable and robust solutions.

What is firmware?

Firmware is specialized software programmed into hardware devices, enabling them to function and interact with other systems. A firmware engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains this low-level software that controls the hardware of devices such as routers, printers, embedded systems, and IoT products. Their role often involves coding in languages like C or C++, debugging hardware-software integration issues, and ensuring that the firmware is efficient, reliable, and secure.

What are firmware jobs?

Firmware jobs include roles like firmware engineer, firmware developer, firmware test engineer, and firmware design engineer. In any of these firmware jobs, your responsibilities are to develop, test, and implement code to program the firmware content embedded in electronic devices like cell phones, remote controls, video game consoles, and medical devices. Your job duties vary depending on your industry and your exact job title. For example, as a firmware design engineer, you create firmware code that controls the electronic components of a device. As a firmware test engineer, your duties focus on testing, troubleshooting, and debugging firmware.

What is the difference between Firmware vs Embedded Systems Engineer?

AspectFirmwareEmbedded Systems Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields; certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Professional (CESP) are commonSimilar credentials; often holds degrees in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science; certifications like CESP are also relevant
Work EnvironmentDevelops low-level code for hardware devices, often working in hardware labs or manufacturing settingsDesigns and develops embedded systems, working in diverse environments including industrial, automotive, or consumer electronics
Industry UsageUsed in consumer electronics, IoT devices, and hardware componentsApplied across industries like automotive, medical devices, and industrial automation

Firmware developers focus on writing low-level code that directly interacts with hardware components, often in embedded devices. Embedded Systems Engineers have a broader role, designing entire embedded systems, including hardware-software integration. While their skills overlap, firmware is more hardware-specific, whereas embedded systems engineering encompasses system design and integration.

What are the most commonly searched types of Firmware jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Firmware jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Firmware job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 75% Full Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $145,938 per year, or $70.2 per hour.

Firmware Engineer, Staff

Redwire Defense Tech

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

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


Job 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, I²C, 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.