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Junior Firmware Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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... firmware applications, microprocessor-based board-level design, or real-time embedded ... Performs the engineering life cycle for hardware product implementation * Writes product functional ...

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Junior Firmware Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$34.9K

$74.9K

$114.2K

How much do junior firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior firmware engineer in Riverside, CA is $74,906.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,600.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior firmware engineer?

Junior Firmware Engineers are entry-level professionals who help design, develop, test, and maintain the low-level software (firmware) that controls electronic devices and hardware. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced engineers, assisting with coding, debugging, and troubleshooting firmware issues. Junior Firmware Engineers often collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure that the firmware interacts correctly with the device's physical components. This role is ideal for recent graduates or those new to the field who are looking to build experience in embedded systems and firmware development.

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

A Junior Firmware Engineer typically needs a solid foundation in embedded systems programming, knowledge of C/C++ languages, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools such as debuggers, oscilloscopes, integrated development environments (IDEs), and version control systems like Git is important, while certifications in embedded systems can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork abilities help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure reliable firmware development, efficient troubleshooting, and seamless collaboration within engineering teams, all critical for delivering robust embedded products.

What are some common challenges a junior firmware engineer may face when starting in this role, and how can they overcome them?

Junior Firmware Engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding legacy codebases, debugging hardware-software interactions, and adapting to rapid development cycles. It's helpful to proactively seek guidance from senior engineers, regularly review documentation, and utilize debugging tools specific to embedded systems. Participating in code reviews and collaborating closely with hardware teams can also accelerate learning and help overcome initial hurdles.

What is the difference between Junior Firmware Engineer vs Firmware Developer?

AspectJunior Firmware EngineerFirmware Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in a related field; certifications are common
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects, hardware and embedded systemsMid-level to senior projects, embedded systems, software-focused
Industry UsageConsumer electronics, automotive, IoT devicesEmbedded systems, IoT, industrial automation
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles, career progressionClarifying job responsibilities, skill requirements

The main difference between a Junior Firmware Engineer and a Firmware Developer lies in experience and responsibility level. Junior Firmware Engineers are typically entry-level, focusing on learning and supporting firmware development, while Firmware Developers are more experienced, handling complex projects independently. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and industry usage, but the Firmware Developer role generally involves more advanced tasks and autonomy.

What are the most commonly searched types of Firmware Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Firmware Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Firmware Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Junior Firmware Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Firmware Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Firmware Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Junior Firmware Engineer jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Junior Firmware Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Firmware Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,906 per year, or $36 per hour.

Sr Firmware Engineer

Acara Solutions

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

$68 - $77/hr

Contractor

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Job Title: Sr Firmware Engineer
Location: Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Employment Type: 6-12 month contract
Industry: Aerospace Defense
Compensation: : $68.00 - $77.00 per hour 
Schedule: 9/80 work schedule

About the Opportunity:
Palomar is looking for a talented and highly motivated Senior Firmware Engineer to join the FPGA Development team and help develop current and future generations of our Secure Communication System (SCS).  The ideal candidate will be motivated, talented and will have experience with FPGA development projects in the defense and aerospace industry, working from requirements through design, coding, simulation, integration and testing.

Why You'll Love Working Here:
*Supportive, team-driven culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountability
*Opportunity to grow your career with a global workforce solutions leader serving multiple industries
*People-first environment that encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work
*Strong focus on partnership, innovation, and delivering meaningful results for clients and candidates

Why This Opportunity is Exciting:
This role offers the chance to join a company that prioritizes both people and performance-where your contributions directly impact client success while giving you room to grow and develop professionally.

About Acara Solutions
Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

Sound like a good fit?

What You'll Do:
  • Develop FPGA firmware using VHDL language, test the design using software tools and perform Verification and Validation tests in the lab
  • Lead the development of large scale VHDL FPGA logic design from conception, through execution and production release and help develop logic design architecture and firmware requirements specifications
  • Perform firmware engineering activities across the entire development lifecycle: requirements analysis, firmware design, implementation and test.
  • Support design review meetings with internal and external customers 
  • Mentor junior engineers in Firmware development, debug analysis and problem solving
  • Support board design team members with pinout and schematic development

What You'll Bring:
  • BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent 
  • Minimum 10+ years of firmware development 

What Sets You Apart:
  • Working knowledge of electrical engineering design activities with emphasis on digital systems. Familiarity with design verification, testing, and qualification of developed products
  • Experience with Xilinx and MiroSemi FPGAs and the relevant development tools such as ModelSim, Libero, Vivado, Vitis, Matlab, etc.
  • Experience with serial communication protocols such as: I2C, SPI, PCIe, T1, Ethernet, etc.
  • Hands-on hardware testing, hardware debugging and in-system testing of FPGA designs using test equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum/logic analyzers, power meters, etc.
  • Working knowledge of configuration management and configuration control aspects for hardware, software, documentation products, including generation and maintenance of builds and verification documentation.
  • Strong analytical and problem solving abilities
  • Strong interpersonal skills to enable working, interfacing and interrelating with diverse personnel and dynamic teams
  • Motivated self-starter with excellent oral and written communication skills.  Must be comfortable preparing and presenting data in front of peers and/or external customers
  • Must be able to provide proof of US Citizenship

Additional Information:
  • Familiarity with UVM and System Verilog for design verification
  • Knowledge of engineering design process, tools, and techniques specifically related to DO-254 certifiable FPGA design
  • Experience with Audio systems, conferencing and distribution of audio data and Audio signal processing
  • Familiarity with ISO 9000, AS9100, DO-178B, DO-254, MIL-STDs, and other applicable standards
After you apply, you may receive a call or message from our AI Talent Scout about this role or other opportunities that match your skills and preferences. AI agent role is to help speed up your hiring process by answering questions, confirming basic information, and identifying whether there's a mutual fit.

The call or chat may be recorded so that our recruiting team can review it - they make all final hiring decisions, while AI agent simply helps move you forward faster. The best part? They are available 24/7, so you can connect whenever it's convenient for you.

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.