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Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Senior Firmware Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

The Senior Firmware Engineer owns the analysis, design, integration, documentation, and troubleshooting of Embedded FPGA designs for the product platforms primarily consisting of motor controllers in ...

Senior Firmware Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

Senior Firmware Engineer Location: Longmont, CO Duration : Long Term Contract Experience Level: 7-10 years of experience Job Details: * Conducts analysis, designs, performs programming, debugs and ...

Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering, Embedded Systems, Cyber Security, or a related field * 10+ years of experience in security firmware development * Hands-on experience with applied ...

Senior FW Engineer - Pathfinding

Longmont, CO · On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

Senior FW Engineering role working in the development of new prototypes to demonstrate novel ... Embedded firmware development running in a real-time operating system (RTOS), with hardware and ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Aurora, CO

$126K - $165K/yr

Our Senior Embedded Software Engineer is a technical position that works in an Integrated Product ... Familiarity with reading firmware source like VHDL or Verilog * Familiarity with assembly language ...

Firmware Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$175K - $207K/yr

Develop structured source code targeting the embedded environment associated with innovative memory ... Firmware Development. Expertise in the use of scripting languages, programming tools and ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$85.2K

$147.6K

$207.1K

How much do senior embedded firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior embedded firmware engineer in Colorado is $147,556.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,700.00 and $166,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

A Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer needs deep expertise in embedded systems design, C/C++ programming, microcontroller architectures, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering or computer science. Familiarity with tools such as JTAG debuggers, oscilloscopes, version control systems (like Git), and real-time operating systems (RTOS) is crucial, along with experience in using relevant IDEs and communication protocols (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART). Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, leadership, and clear technical communication help these engineers excel in cross-functional teams and complex projects. These competencies ensure reliable, efficient firmware development and successful product delivery in highly technical environments.

What is the difference between Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer vs Embedded Software Engineer?

AspectSenior Embedded Firmware EngineerEmbedded Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science; experience in firmware developmentBachelor's or higher in Computer Science or related field; programming skills in embedded systems
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, and testing firmware for embedded devicesDeveloping software for embedded systems, often in a team environment
Industry UsageElectronics, IoT, automotive, consumer devicesConsumer electronics, industrial automation, IoT

The main difference is that a Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer typically has more experience, takes on complex firmware projects, and may lead development efforts, whereas an Embedded Software Engineer focuses on developing embedded software, often at an entry to mid-level experience. Both roles require strong programming skills and knowledge of embedded systems, but the senior role emphasizes leadership and advanced technical expertise.

What are some typical challenges a senior embedded firmware engineer might face when working on cross-functional teams?

Senior Embedded Firmware Engineers often collaborate with hardware designers, software developers, and systems engineers to deliver integrated products. A common challenge is ensuring seamless communication between hardware and firmware, as design changes in one can significantly impact the other. Additionally, balancing project deadlines with the need for thorough testing and debugging of low-level code can be demanding. Successful engineers proactively coordinate with team members, participate in design reviews, and advocate for clear documentation to minimize miscommunication and ensure project alignment.

What does a senior embedded firmware engineer do?

A Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer designs, develops, and maintains low-level software (firmware) that runs on hardware devices such as microcontrollers and embedded systems. They are responsible for writing code that interfaces directly with electronic hardware, optimizing system performance, and ensuring reliability and security. In addition to technical development, they often lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with hardware and software teams to deliver integrated products.
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer job openings in Colorado 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 $147,556 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Senior Firmware Engineer

Barber-Nichols LLC

Denver, CO • On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description

About Barber-Nichols:

Barber-Nichols (BN) is a premier provider of custom turbomachinery solutions serving the Defense, Aerospace, Cryogenics, and Energy industries. Our team consists of industry leaders who collaborate closely with equally accomplished customers to deliver technologies that advance their markets and establish enduring partnerships. At BN, we foster a results-driven environment that values professional growth, rewards achievement, and supports innovation. From designing the blower for NASA's Dragonfly mission to Saturn's moon Titan to engineering critical components for the U.S. Navy's MK-48 program, BN's portfolio spans some of the most exciting and impactful projects in the world. For those seeking to contribute to impactful projects alongside a highly skilled team, BN offers an exceptional place to build your career. 


Position Summary:

The Senior Firmware Engineer owns the analysis, design, integration, documentation, and troubleshooting of Embedded FPGA designs for the product platforms primarily consisting of motor controllers in the 100W to 50kW range within Space, Defense, Energy and Thermal Management product segments. They develop solutions that ensure both project and long-term business success in coordination with other members of the electrical engineering department as overseen by the project lead. Projects may include clean sheet designs, modifications/enhancements to existing designs, repeat manufacturing support, and/or sustaining and support of existing products.


Key Results Areas:

  1. Work directly with department leads to collaboratively develop designs, and products compliant with all customer requirements including technical, schedule, budget, and quality.
  2. Decompose customer requirements necessary for system definition and Firmware allocation.
  3. Develop designs and documentation to determine conformance to project specifications and requirements.
  4. Own all firmware related content in cross functional design reviews.
  5. Collaborate with leadership to help define programmatic activities such as creating and maintaining project budgets, schedules and formal milestones
  6. Define firmware integration and formal test plans and specify/procure associated test hardware for developing, validating and troubleshooting designs.
  7. Review testing (both design, assembly and product), preparing results and deriving conclusions as appropriate.
  8. Resolve technical challenges across a wide range of products, ranging from obsolescence support of heritage products to troubleshooting designs under active development to testing emerging technology for future integration into the business.
  9. Own the technical analysis and design effort with minimal oversight.
  10. Own system troubleshooting and control development activities.
  11. Analyze and recommend design approaches and processes to ensure both project and long-term business success.
  12. Interfacing and mentoring with other team members.


Qualifications:

To qualify for this position, an individual must possess the knowledge, training, experience and abilities required.

Education and Training

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering or equivalent combination of education and work experience

Experience:

  • Minimum of 8 years related experience developing complex products with multiple subsystems (i.e. sensors and signal conditioning, diagnostics, motor controls, etc.).
  • Demonstrated ability to develop firmware for embedded controller hardware from proposal to final shipment.
  • Demonstrated ability to review customer specifications, develop designs to best support them and flow derived requirements to other analysts and engineers.
  • Familiar with the following toolsets (Vivado/Libero/Quartus/Diamond)
  • Strong proficiency in MATLAB Simulink
  • Minimum of 5 years' experience with building Simulink models
  • Strong ability to debug FPGA hardware on target in a laboratory environment
  • Exceptional knowledge of SPI/PCIe/Rs422/CAN/ARINC/I2C/CRCs/JTAG
  • Experience with Xilinx, Microsemi, and Lattice FPGA devices
  • Working knowledge of safety critical systems and architectures
  • Working knowledge of switching power supplies, inverter design, and motor controls

Other:

  • Must be willing to work overtime as required
  • Travel up to 10% of working time.

Requirements

Desired Job Qualification:

  • 8 years' experience designing safety critical architectures using FPGA's
  • Experience using MTALB's HDL Coder for FPGA development
  • Experience designing motion control systems
  • Experience Designing FPGAs using DO254/MIL-STD 882 Guidance
  • Experience Designing FPGAs for Aerospace/defense applications
  • Experience with FPAG Elemental analysis or ARP4754 design verification.
  • Experience with ARP4761 FMECA and FHA/SHA processes
  • Experience with requirements management tools such as Polarion/Jama/Doors
  • Experience designing FPGA functions from scratch that can be ported to any device with our vendor specific support.

Skills:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Comprehensive electronics skills specifically as it relates to developing and troubleshooting low volume devices.
  • Comprehensive understanding of rotating machine control algorithms, digital filtering, gate drive algorithms, and VHDL coding as it relates to the control of any electromechanical system.
  • Excellent communication (written and verbal), organization and time management
  • Demonstrate behavior consistent with company values
  • Ability to successfully plan and implement objectives within established timelines.
  • Ability to analyze problems and develop effective solutions at both strategic and functional levels.
  • Ability to work independently, with minimal direction as a highly motivated self-starter and within a team-oriented culture

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for this role is $135,000-$165,000 and is commensurate with the applicant's experience. This range represents the anticipated minimum and maximum base for this position. The final compensation for this position will be set based on the applicant's qualifications (education, training and/or experience related to this role), and therefore, may fall outside the range shown, depending on the circumstances.


Barber-Nichols offers a comprehensive benefits package including: 

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • FSA and HSA with company paid HSA quarterly contributions
  • Disability, Life, and AD&D Insurance
  • 401(k) with 4% Company Match and Profit Sharing
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (NYSE: GHM)
  • Generous PTO and Paid Holidays with an option to purchase additional PTO
  • Tuition reimbursement 
  • Performance-based bonus program
  • Paid Parental Leave, Military Leave, Jury Duty, and Bereavement Leave

To view our full list of benefits, please visit Careers - Barber-Nichols.


ITAR Requirements: To conform to U.S. Government commercial space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), applicants for employment at Barber-Nichols must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawfully admitted for permanent residence into the U.S. (i.e., current green card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1157-1158. Security clearance is not required for this position.


Equal Opportunity Employer:

Barber-Nichols is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other protected status as defined by law. Barber-Nichols will ensure individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 


Barber-Nichols participates in E-Verify, the federal program for electronic verification of employment eligibility.