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Lead Firmware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You will lead a small team of firmware and test station engineers while remaining deeply involved in technical execution. The ideal candidate has a strong embedded firmware background, experience ...

Senior Firmware Engineer

Derry, NH · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Senior Firmware Engineer Fireye, located in Derry, NH, seeks an energetic, enthusiastic, and fast ... This individual will act as the technical lead role for assigned tasks as part of the new product ...

Firmware/Software Engineer

Derry, NH · On-site

$125K - $135K/yr

About the Firmware Engineer role: Fireye, located in Derry, NH, seeks an energetic, enthusiastic ... Lead and participate in the development and specification of new product SW platform architectures

Firmware/Software Engineer

Derry, NH · On-site

$125K - $135K/yr

About the Firmware Engineer role: Fireye, located in Derry, NH, seeks an energetic, enthusiastic ... Lead and participate in the development and specification of new product SW platform architectures

Senior Firmware Engineer

New Haven, CT

$120K - $158K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Firmware Engineer to play a key role in the development of next-generation ... This position will lead firmware design and implementation efforts for sophisticated embedded ...

Lead Linux Firmware Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$105K - $154K/yr

Eaton's ES AMER ESS division is currently seeking a Lead Linux Firmware Engineer. The expected annual salary range for this role is $105000 - $154000 a year. Please note the salary information shown ...

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Lead Firmware Engineer information

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$75K

$167.4K

$205K

How much do lead firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead firmware engineer in the United States is $167,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $143,000.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Lead Firmware Engineers?

Lead Firmware Engineers are senior technical professionals responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing the creation of embedded software that controls hardware devices. They lead teams of firmware engineers, set project goals, review code, and ensure that firmware solutions meet technical requirements and quality standards. In addition to hands-on development, they often collaborate with hardware engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders to deliver reliable and efficient firmware for products such as consumer electronics, medical devices, or industrial equipment.

What is the difference between Lead Firmware Engineer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectLead Firmware EngineerFirmware Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees firmware development, leads team, designs architectureDevelops and tests firmware modules, follows specifications
Experience & SkillsAdvanced firmware knowledge, leadership, project managementProficient in embedded systems, coding, debugging
Work EnvironmentTeam leadership, project planning, cross-functional collaborationHands-on coding, testing, troubleshooting
CertificationsOften requires embedded systems or project management certificationsTypically requires embedded systems or software certifications

The main difference between a Lead Firmware Engineer and a Firmware Engineer lies in leadership and scope. The Lead Firmware Engineer manages projects and guides teams, while the Firmware Engineer focuses on technical development and implementation. Both roles require strong embedded systems expertise, but the lead position involves more strategic oversight and coordination.

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

To thrive as a Lead Firmware Engineer, you need a strong background in embedded systems, C/C++ programming, and hardware-software integration, typically backed by a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as debuggers, oscilloscopes, version control systems (e.g., Git), and real-time operating systems (RTOS) is essential, and certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Engineer can be beneficial. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders. These competencies ensure high-quality firmware development, efficient project execution, and successful integration of hardware and software components.

How does a Lead Firmware Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

As a Lead Firmware Engineer, you will regularly work with hardware engineers, software developers, and product managers to ensure seamless integration of firmware with both hardware and higher-level software applications. Effective communication is essential, as you’ll often translate product requirements into technical firmware specifications and coordinate debugging or validation efforts. You may also lead code reviews, mentor junior engineers, and provide technical guidance to ensure project milestones are met. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and helps deliver robust, high-quality products.
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Lead Firmware Engineer, Manufacturing

Lead Firmware Engineer, Manufacturing

ALSO

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$225K - $265K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

About ALSO.

We’re ALSO, an electric mobility company originally conceived as a part of Rivian. We’re a passionate team of builders, dreamers, doers and innovators, focused on creating entirely new (not to mention, innovative and delightful) vertically integrated, small EVs designed to meet the global mobility challenges of today and tomorrow. Our mission is to inspire everyone to ride ALSO—replacing many local car, truck and SUV miles with ones on vehicles that are more affordable, more enjoyable and 10-50x more efficient.

We are looking for a hands-on engineering leader to build and own manufacturing software, as well as build and lead our Manufacturing Firmware & Test Systems team.

This new team will own the software infrastructure required to successfully build, validate, certify, update, and sustain products across our global manufacturing network. The team serves as the bridge between Product Firmware, Validation & Tools Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Operations, suppliers, and contract manufacturers.

This is a technical leadership role for someone who enjoys solving complex system-level problems and working directly with manufacturing partners. You will lead a small team of firmware and test station engineers while remaining deeply involved in technical execution.

The ideal candidate has a strong embedded firmware background, experience supporting products through manufacturing ramp and sustaining, and a willingness to spend time onsite with suppliers and contract manufacturers as needed.

This is a hands-on role where candidates will be expected to write maintainable, well designed firmware and spend most of their time making direct code contributions.

What You Will Do
  • Define and maintain manufacturing firmware release, deployment, and update strategies across multiple manufacturing partners.

  • Design robust firmware update and recovery processes for production environments.

  • Lead development and support of manufacturing test software and test stations.

  • Drive improvements in manufacturing test coverage, throughput, reliability, and diagnostics.

  • Use superior collaboration skills to collaborate across firmware, hardware, and validation engineering teams to ensure manufacturing requirements are incorporated in product firmware and EOL tests are implemented with full coverage.

  • Act as the primary software engineering interface to contract manufacturers, suppliers, compliance, and manufacturing operations teams.

  • Lead investigations into factory escapes, yield issues, production failures, and field-return trends, and manufacturing related firmware issues.

  • Develop scalable processes that reduce recurring factory support burden on product engineering teams.

  • Lead a small team of software engineers who bring a broad set of skills to work across multiple microcontrollers, products, and test station

  • Establish operating processes, ownership boundaries, and technical standards.

What You Bring
  • BS or MS in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.

  • 6+ years of experience developing embedded software or firmware for shipped hardware products.

  • Experience supporting products through NPI, manufacturing ramp, and sustaining phases.

  • Experience debugging complex hardware/software/system interactions.

  • Experience working directly with contract manufacturers, suppliers, or factory teams.

  • Phenomenal communication skills enabling clear communication in both highly cross functional internal work as well as maintaining strong and productive relationships with our third party supply chain partners

  • Strong understanding of firmware deployment, version control, production releases, and update mechanisms.

  • Proven technical leadership experience, including leading projects or small engineering teams.

  • Travel as required during NPI and production ramp (typically 25-40%), primarily within Asia.

  • Experience with manufacturing test systems, automated test equipment, or production diagnostics.

  • Experience developing factory firmware update and provisioning systems.

  • Experience supporting product certification and regulatory testing.

  • Experience working with global supply chains and multiple contract manufacturers.

  • Willingness to travel internationally as needed (20-40%) to support manufacturing partners, supplier qualification, production builds, and field issue investigations.


The salary for this position ranges from $225,000 - $265,000 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and location.

Perks and Benefits

  • Robust health coverage. Excellent health, dental and vision insurance covered up to 100% by Also. with FSA & HSA options.

  • One Medical membership and dedicated insurance advocates.

  • Rich fertility and family building benefits with Progyny.

  • Flexible time off. 

  • 401(k) match.

Why ALSO.

We’re passionate about helping the world find a better way to get there—wherever it is you’re headed.

We’re located in the heart of Silicon Valley and have brought together a world-class team from some of the biggest brands in the technology, automotive, cycling, outdoor recreation and retail spaces. 

Together we’re working hands-on to imagine, design and build an entirely new solution to a global set of transportation challenges.