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Google Firmware Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skip

Firmware Engineering Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

Skip is a 22-person early-stage start-up that spun out of Google X in 2023. With deep cross ... What you'll own: * Leading and growing a small firmware engineering team, including hiring ...

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Google Firmware Developer information

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$112.2K

$179.5K

How much do google firmware developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for google firmware developer in the United States is $112,233.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a Google Firmware Developer might face when working on new hardware products?

As a Google Firmware Developer, you’ll often encounter challenges related to integrating firmware with rapidly evolving hardware prototypes. This can include debugging low-level issues, ensuring compatibility across various hardware revisions, and working closely with cross-functional teams such as hardware engineers, QA, and product managers. You may also need to balance tight development timelines with the need to maintain high code quality and performance standards. Navigating these challenges requires strong collaboration skills and adaptability, as well as a deep understanding of both software and hardware systems.

What is the difference between Google Firmware Developer vs Embedded Software Engineer?

AspectGoogle Firmware DeveloperEmbedded Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; experience with firmware developmentBachelor's/Master's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; embedded systems experience
Work EnvironmentDeveloping firmware for Google devices, working in tech labs or R&D teamsDesigning embedded software for various hardware platforms, often in manufacturing or R&D
Industry UsagePrimarily in consumer electronics, IoT, and tech giants like GoogleAcross industries like automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace, and industrial systems

Google Firmware Developers focus on creating firmware specifically for Google products, often working within tech environments. Embedded Software Engineers develop software for a wide range of hardware devices across multiple industries. While both roles require similar technical skills and educational backgrounds, their application areas and employer types differ.

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

To thrive as a Google Firmware Developer, you need a strong background in embedded systems, C/C++ programming, and computer architecture, typically supported by a degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with firmware development tools, version control systems (like Git), and debugging hardware such as oscilloscopes or JTAG is essential. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are vital soft skills for excelling in cross-functional engineering teams. These skills ensure high-quality firmware solutions, efficient troubleshooting, and seamless integration with Google's hardware products.

What are Google Firmware Developers?

Google Firmware Developers are engineers who design, develop, and maintain low-level software that controls hardware devices used in Google's products, such as Chromebooks, Pixel phones, and servers. They work closely with hardware teams to ensure optimal performance, stability, and security of the devices. Their responsibilities include writing firmware code, debugging hardware-software interactions, and contributing to firmware architecture. This role often requires strong programming skills in languages like C or C++, as well as a deep understanding of embedded systems and hardware components.

Firmware Engineering Lead

Skip

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

ABOUT US:
Skip is on a mission to make life joyful through powered movement.
Movement is a powerful way to build physical, mental and social health. Yet it is elusive for 2 billion people due to age, injury, or disability. We are building productsthat will restore mobility for millions and enable a new frontier of joyful movement experiences. We want to build a future where a grandparent can easily outrun their grandkids and no one is left behind at the trailhead.
Skip is a 22-person early-stage start-up that spun out of Google X in 2023. With deep cross-disciplinary expertise and key partnerships (e.g. with Arc'teryx) we are uniquely positioned to launch the first commercially successful wearable robotic device, the MO/GO, develop a platform to launch future Movewear products and transform millions of lives in the coming years.
The Role:
We're building powered wearable robots for everyday life - devices that sit at the intersection of motor control, real-time embedded systems, and edge compute. We're 22 people, all senior, all contributing directly to product. This role leads a small firmware team while staying hands-on with the systems that matter most.
You'll set the technical bar for how we build firmware at Skip, and develop the engineers around you while doing it.
What you'll own:
  • 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/SWD debugging, and chip bring-up
  • Data communication between peripherals and microcontrollers (ESP32, STM32 and their successors), including Wi-Fi and BLE
  • Secure OTA pipelines and bootloader implementation
  • AWS IoT Core infrastructure: mTLS, MQTT, fleet provisioning, IoT Jobs OTA
  • Firmware for motor control across a range of actuators including BLDCs, custom PMSM and axial flux motors, cycloid gearboxes, and series elastic actuators (currently on c2000, evolving)
  • Technical direction for chip selection, actuator firmware requirements, and future system architecture
  • Adjacent product development including our Parkinson's device and future clinical and research platforms requiring edge compute
  • Wearing prototypes several hours a week for on-body testing and data collection
  • Bringing joy to the team, participating in embarrassing team events, and tolerating KZ's terrible music

What we're looking for:
  • 8+ years in firmware development, with at least 2 leading or mentoring a team
  • Deep expertise in embedded C/C++ for high-performance, real-time applications including FreeRTOS
  • Proven experience with ESP32, STM32, or comparable chipsets
  • Strong background in AWS IoT Core, fleet management, and OTA systems
  • Solid Linux, Python, and command-line fluency
  • Experience with low-level hardware and OS internals at a kernel level
  • Rigorous debugging instincts across JTAG, SWD, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers
  • The kind of technical credibility that makes people want to follow your lead, not just your title
  • Ability to work from our Bay Area office 3 days a week
  • Attention to detail, even in the middle of overly-long lists
  • Sense of humour. Tolerant of Aussie and Canadian spelling.

Bonus points:
  • Experience with PMSM control on TI or STM chipsets
  • Background in robotics, powered consumer electronics, drones, or anything that moves
  • Familiarity with TFLite Micro or X-Cube-AI
  • Startup experience and comfort using AI coding tools to punch above your weight
  • Personal motivation to improve human movement

This is a full time hybrid position working at the Skip office in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco.
Skip is an equal opportunity employer. Our hiring decisions are based on need and competence to satisfy said need. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected status.
Any and all offers of employment extended by Skip are conditional on candidates' ability to provide satisfactory proof of eligibility to maintain full-time employment in the United States.

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