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

Senior Product Manager, Home Networking

Irvine, CA · On-site

$134K - $177K/yr

Required : • Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software ... firmware, mobile applications, and cloud service integrations within connected ecosystems • ...

Showing results 41-48

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 Aug 16, 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 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 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 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 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 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,906 per year, or $36 per hour.

Staff/Principal Flight Software Engineer (IV/V)

Terran Orbital Corporation

Irvine, CA

$170K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you're not just part of the system – you're a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation's defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you're driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you'll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let's redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Flight Software Engineer to join our growing team. Reporting to the Flight Software Engineering Manager, the Flight Software Engineer will become an integral part of our dynamic team, driving the development of cutting-edge nano-satellite vehicle solutions across a variety of exciting projects. Your expertise will be pivotal in advancing our innovative technologies and contributing to the success of our mission-critical initiatives.

This role is preferred to work on-site for team synergy and access to hardware, however remote work is possible after a sufficient period of onboarding.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with multiple engineering teams to establish software requirements
  • Perform as the technical lead of a satellite program
  • Lead a team of junior software engineers, providing mentorship and tasking
  • Design, develop, and maintain simple, reliable, and fault-tolerant software
  • Develop software for unique payloads, such as imagers, image processors, communication devices, and various astronomical science instruments.
  • Create comprehensive unit and regression tests in existing frameworks
  • Integrate and test software in simulation, flight replica, flight vehicle, and hardware-in-the-loop environments
  • Communicate with the customer in technical working groups
  • Potential 10% travel to visit customers or vendors for Design Reviews and collaborative technical work

Qualifications and Skills

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent field.
  • 8+ years (Staff Engineer - Level 4) of experience developing C++ applications for embedded, high-performance, or critical systems.
  • 12+ years (Principal Engineer - Level 5) of experience developing C++ applications for embedded, high-performance, or critical systems.
  • Prior experience using GitHub or similar Git tool.
  • Highly motivated, self-starting, responsible, thorough, and able to perform duties autonomously without supervision.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.

Additional Differentiators

  • Hands‑on Linux kernel development experience, specifically with low‑level driver subsystems.
  • Demonstrated expertise working with UART or serial communication drivers within the Linux kernel.Experience integrating or modifying kernel interactions with hardware abstraction layers such as PIM modules or equivalent middleware.Ability to debug and trace kernel‑space issues related to device communication paths (UART, SPI, I2C, etc.).Experience supporting early‑stage or evolving hardware/firmware platforms (e.g., FCM+ or similar module frameworks).
  • Experience using ARM and Texas Instruments platforms for embedded systems.
  • Experience with test equipment, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers.
  • Experience with Linux and GNU tools such as make GCC and debuggers such as GDB.
  • Experience with scripting languages such as bash and Python.
  • Familiarity with build pipelines, deployment and testing on-target.
  • Familiarity with Serial Communications - CAN, RS-422/485, I2C, SPI, PCI, SpaceWire.

Salary Ranges

Staff Flight Software Engineer (Level IV) - $150k to $190k

Principal Flight Software Engineer (Level V) - $170k to $210k

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range
$150,000—$210,000 USD

Full-time positions only:

Benefits

  • 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
  • 401(k) Match
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO)
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Competitive Paid Parental Leave

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.