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Senior Firmware Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Fibertek, Inc

Senior Firmware Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$140K - $210K/yr

Job Title Senior Firmware Engineer Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key ...

Fibertek

Senior Firmware Engineer

Herndon, VA

$140K - $210K/yr

We are looking for an experienced Firmware Engineer to contribute to the development of products on our Research and Development Division in Herndon VA. As part of our R&D division, you would join ...

Rocket Lab Corporation

Sr. FPGA Engineer II

Chantilly, VA

$133K - $171K/yr

SENIOR FPGA ENGINEER II Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain ... YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS FIRMWARE ENGINEER II: * Bachelor's degree in computer ...

Rocket Lab Corporation

Sr. FPGA Engineer II

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

SENIOR FPGA ENGINEER II Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain ... YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS FIRMWARE ENGINEER II: * Bachelor's degree in computer ...

Rocket Lab Corporation

Sr. FPGA Engineer II

Chantilly, VA

$107K - $146K/yr

SENIOR FPGA ENGINEER II Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain ... YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS FIRMWARE ENGINEER II: * Bachelor's degree in computer ...

Liquid Robotics

Senior Electrical Engineer

Jessup, MD · On-site

$112K - $155K/yr

Senior Electrical Engineer Liquid Robotics is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to join our team ... This position will be responsible for executing electrical Hardware designs, firmware development ...

STR

Senior Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

They are seeking a Senior Reverse Engineer to perform reverse engineering of software and firmware, develop automated tools for binary analysis, and work on innovative cyber solutions impacting ...

Precision Solutions

Senior Reverse Engineer

Leesburg, VA · On-site +1

$105K - $145K/yr

Overview Senior Reverse Engineer Location: MD/Northern VA Hybrid Clearance: Active security ... You will collaborate with other elite engineers to identify firmware-based vulnerabilities and ...

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All JobsFirmware Engineer JobsSenior Firmware Engineer JobsSenior Firmware Engineer Jobs in Washington

Senior Firmware Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$91.7K

$158.9K

$223.1K

How much do senior firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior firmware engineer in Washington is $158,933.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,300.00 and $179,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior firmware engineer do?

A senior firmware engineer designs, develops, and tests low-level software that controls hardware devices. They often work with embedded systems, use programming languages like C or C++, and collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure proper functionality and performance. This role typically requires strong problem-solving skills and experience with debugging tools and real-time operating systems.

How much money does a senior firmware engineer make?

A senior firmware engineer typically earns between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often have expertise in embedded systems, C/C++ programming, and hardware integration, which can influence salary levels.

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

To thrive as a Senior Firmware Engineer, you need deep expertise in embedded systems, strong coding skills in C/C++ or similar languages, and a degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with hardware debugging tools, version control systems like Git, and real-time operating systems (RTOS) is typically required, along with relevant certifications such as Certified Embedded Systems Engineer. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart. These competencies ensure robust firmware development, seamless hardware-software integration, and successful collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

What is a senior firmware engineer?

Senior Firmware Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and maintain the low-level software (firmware) that enables hardware devices to function correctly. They typically work with embedded systems, programming microcontrollers or processors using languages like C or C++. In addition to writing and debugging code, they often lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate closely with hardware and software teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal device performance.

What are the most common challenges faced by senior firmware engineers when collaborating with hardware teams?

Senior Firmware Engineers often work closely with hardware teams to ensure seamless integration of software and hardware components. One common challenge is managing communication gaps due to differing technical languages and priorities between software and hardware disciplines. Additionally, hardware prototypes may evolve rapidly, requiring firmware engineers to adapt code frequently, troubleshoot unexpected behavior, and adjust to shifting specifications. Building strong cross-functional relationships and maintaining clear, frequent communication helps address these challenges and ensures project success.
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Senior Firmware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Firmware Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $158,933 per year, or $76.4 per hour.

Senior Firmware Engineer

Fibertek, Inc

Herndon, VA • On-site

$140K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Senior Firmware Engineer
Location
Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary)
Job Description
Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors for NASA, DoD, and commercial customers. We are looking for an experienced Firmware Engineer to contribute to the development of products on our Research and Development Division in Herndon VA. As part of our R&D division, you would join our firmware team to develop, integrate, and test our firmware products in Fibertek's spaced-based, electro-optical systems.
Essential Job Duties
  • Lead and contribute to firmware architecture and implementation for space-based electro-optical payloads and laser systems
  • Perform end-to-end firmware development lifecycle: from requirements analysis through design, coding, simulation, verification, and validation
  • Collaborate closely with hardware, systems, software, and optical engineers in cross-functional teams to define interfaces, resolve design issues, and ensure seamless system integration
  • Participate in task-based iterative development cycles, incorporating rapid feedback, frequent integration points, and incremental testing to meet mission reliability goals
  • Conduct lab-based debugging, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and system-level validation using diagnostic tools and protocols
  • Support peer code reviews, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement of development processes and best practices
  • Apply high-reliability and space-grade techniques (e.g., fault tolerance, radiation mitigation) in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
  • Contribute to documentation, design reviews, and risk identification throughout the product lifecycle

Job Requirements
Experience and Expertise Required
  • 7+ years relevant experience
  • BS/MS in EE or equivalent
  • Expertise with firmware engineering, VHDL (RTL), System Verilog (Testing)
  • Expertise with Digital Signal Processing, precision timing, optical comms (modems), LIDAR
  • Experience with Xilinx, Microchip, and Lattice FPGAs and their associated development tools
  • Experience developing test benches and running simulations to exercise the design and to verify compliance
  • Experience interfacing and working with hardware designers during development, integration, and test phases
  • Experience using schematics and block diagrams as inputs for firmware design
  • Experience in high-speed serial links: GTY/GTM, JESD204B/C, Ethernet, SpaceWire
  • Experience in standard peripheral interfaces: SPI, I2C, UART, LVDS, etc.
  • Experience in memory interfaces: DDR3/4, QDR, FRAM, etc.
  • Experience with GitHub, CI/CD for FPGA flows, code reviews, automated linting, synthesis, regression testing, timing closure, bitstream generation, release tagging

Bonus Areas
  • Experience in Python for build/testing automation and data analysis
  • Experience with Linux, scripting, Docker containers, and automation
  • Experience developing Hi-Rel/Space programs and TMR coding
  • Experience developing code (C, C++) for microcontrollers
  • Experience with VS Code

Salary Range: The annual base salary range for this position is $140,000-$210,000. This range reflects the compensation Fibertek reasonably expects to offer for this role. Placement within the range will depend on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education and training, key skills, and relevant market and business considerations.
Benefits offered: The company provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; disability, life insurance, and AD&D; a 401(k) plan with a company match and immediate vesting; Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts; an Employee Assistance Program; education assistance; paid time off and holidays; flexible work schedules; and a 9/8/80 alternate workweek option.
FIBERTEK, Inc. is a recognized leader in advanced lasers, lidars and laser communication systems providing our DoD, NASA and aerospace customers discriminating capabilities. We pride ourselves in our innovation and customer success focused culture enabled by a creative and relaxed work environment. Fibertek fosters a progressive learning environment that values inspiration, promotes professional challenge and encourages personal growth. We offer a competitive and incentivized compensation package with excellent benefits.
Fibertek, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and experience. Fibertek does not engage in nor permits any discrimination in the workplace.

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