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Senior Principal Firmware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Who You Are Fellow is looking for a Principal Firmware Engineer to serve as a hands-on technical leader for our connected products, defining firmware and system architecture from prototype through ...

We're looking for a Principal Firmware Engineer to serve as a hands-on technical leader for Fellow's connected products. You will define and evolve firmware and system architecture, develop ...

Principal Firmware Engineer Employment Type: Full-time, Existing vacancy Location: San-Jose (On-Site) About Lumentum At Lumentum, we're building the tech behind the world's fastest networks and most ...

WI · On-site

The Principal Firmware Engineer will provide technical direction to a team in the design of new ... Quickly, effectively, and candidly frame-up and escalate business risks/opportunities to senior ...

We are looking for a highly motivated Principal Firmware Engineer with a background in Silicon design, firmware development, validation, and debug to work on lighting up the various features and ...

Principal Firmware Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$188K - $304K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Firmware Engineer with a background in security to join our team. You must have proficient C programing skills, with experience writing low level drivers, root causing ...

WI · On-site

The Principal Firmware Engineer - IoT will lead the design, implementation, and testing of embedded ... Quickly, effectively, and candidly frame-up and escalate business risks/opportunities to senior ...

Principal Embedded firmware engineer As an Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer, you'll play a central role in shaping the intelligence inside our hardware, writing the code that makes our devices ...

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Senior Principal Firmware Engineer information

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$81K

$140.3K

$197K

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

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior principal firmware engineer in the United States is $140,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,500.00 and $158,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior principal firmware engineer do?

A Senior Principal Firmware Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing the implementation of embedded firmware for electronic devices and systems. They lead complex projects, set technical direction, and provide mentorship to junior engineers. Their work involves collaborating with hardware and software teams, ensuring firmware meets performance and reliability standards, and troubleshooting system-level issues. This role typically requires significant experience in embedded system programming, architecture, and leadership within engineering teams.

How does a senior principal firmware engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development lifecycle?

As a Senior Principal Firmware Engineer, you will frequently work alongside hardware engineers, software developers, and product managers to ensure seamless integration of firmware with hardware platforms. This role often involves leading technical discussions, providing architectural guidance, and reviewing code to maintain high standards. You'll also help troubleshoot issues that span multiple domains and mentor junior engineers, ensuring effective communication and coordination across departments to meet project milestones.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior principal firmware engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Principal Firmware Engineer, you need deep expertise in embedded systems, proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++, and a relevant engineering degree, typically with 10+ years of experience. Familiarity with hardware design tools, real-time operating systems (RTOS), version control systems, and certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Engineer are often expected. Exceptional problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills set top candidates apart, enabling effective cross-functional collaboration. These capabilities are crucial for designing robust firmware solutions that meet technical, quality, and business objectives in complex product environments.

What is the difference between Senior Principal Firmware Engineer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectSenior Principal Firmware EngineerFirmware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related; extensive experienceBachelor's degree in relevant field; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesigning complex firmware for embedded systems in industries like automotive, consumer electronicsDeveloping firmware for embedded devices, often under supervision or as part of a team
ResponsibilitiesLeading firmware architecture, mentoring, high-level problem solvingImplementing firmware modules, debugging, testing

The Senior Principal Firmware Engineer typically holds advanced credentials, leads complex projects, and mentors teams, whereas Firmware Engineers focus on implementing and testing firmware at an entry to mid-level. The roles differ mainly in scope, experience, and leadership responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Principal Firmware Engineer jobs?

For Senior Principal Firmware Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Senior Principal Firmware Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 84% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,327 per year, or $67.5 per hour.

Principal Firmware Engineer

San Jose, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

## Principal Firmware EngineerApplylocations: USA - CA - San Jose (Ridder)time type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: 2026865**It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!** We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!**Position Title: Principal Firmware Engineer****Employment Type:** Full-time, Existing vacancy**Location:** San-Jose (On-Site)**About Lumentum**At Lumentum, we’re building the tech behind the world’s fastest networks and most advanced systems. Our optical and photonic solutions power everything from AI and cloud computing to data centers, telecom, and advanced manufacturing.We’re a global team of innovators working where light meets technology, solving big challenges that keep the world connected and moving forward. If shaping the future of connectivity excites you, you’ll fit right in.**Why You’ll Love This Role**Lumentum is seeking a **Principal Firmware Engineer** to lead architecture, design, and development of embedded firmware for advanced optical and photonic systems. In this role, you will drive technical direction across firmware platforms, partner closely with hardware, systems, and manufacturing teams, and deliver robust, high-quality firmware that meets performance, reliability, and compliance requirements for high-volume products.**What You’ll Be Doing*** Own firmware architecture and technical roadmap for one or more embedded platforms supporting optical/laser/telecom or related high-reliability systems.* Lead end-to-end firmware development: requirements → design → implementation → verification/validation → production release → sustaining.* Develop firmware for MCU/MPU-based embedded systems (bare-metal and/or RTOS and/or embedded Linux), including board bring-up and low-level drivers.* Define interfaces and protocols across firmware, hardware, FPGA, optics, and host software (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Ethernet; higher-layer protocols as applicable).* Drive system reliability and quality: fault handling, diagnostics, telemetry, logging, upgrade mechanisms, and robust state-machine design.* Lead design reviews, code reviews, and root-cause analysis for field issues; implement corrective and preventive actions.* Collaborate cross-functionally with Systems, Hardware, Optical Engineering, Test, Reliability, Manufacturing, and Program Management to meet schedule and product goals.**What We’re Looking For****Education: BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (MS preferred), or equivalent experience****Experience: Core Requirements:*** **10+ years** of professional embedded firmware development experience, including ownership of shipped products.* Expert proficiency in **C/C++** for embedded systems, source code control (GIT), Segger IDE, Python, data analysis tools (i.e. JMP, R), Windows & Linux.* Deep experience with **RTOS** development (e.g., FreeRTOS) and **Bare-metal** firmware (interrupts, bootloaders, HAL/LL drivers).* Strong skills in board bring-up, debugging, and lab tools (JTAG/SWD, logic analyzer, oscilloscope, optical power meter, optical wavemeter).* Solid understanding of hardware/firmware integration and digital interfaces (I2C/SPI/UART, GPIO, ADC/DAC, timers, DMA).* Proven ability to lead technical decisions, drive architecture, and deliver across multi-disciplinary teams.* Hands-on experience with **optical components/modules calibration and control/PIDs** including optical power control/APC loops, bias/current tuning, heater/thermal control, TEC/thermal control, optical signal monitoring, fault management and trend-based telemetry**Preferred Qualifications*** Direct experience developing firmware/software for **optical transceiver modules** **and subsystems** including bring-up, feature development, and production support.* Strong familiarity with **module management and host interfaces**, including **CMIS** (Common Management Interface Specification); experience implementing, debugging, and validating management behaviors (state machines, paging/banked memory, diagnostics, alarms, and telemetry).* Experience with optical components (i.e. lasers, MZ/IQ modulators, et cetera) control (i.e. PIDs), performance monitoring, and fault management.* Understanding of **manufacturing test flows** and firmware support/API for calibration, characterization, and end-of-line verification; experience building tooling or scripts (i.e., Python) to support these flows.**Leadership & Behavioral Competencies*** Strong technical judgment; able to trade off schedule, risk, and quality with clarity.* Excellent communication: can explain complex topics to non-firmware audiences.* Ownership mindset and calm execution in ambiguous, high-urgency situations.* Mentorship and influence: raises the bar for design quality and engineering culture.**Perks You’ll Love*** Flexible time off* Health and wellness benefits (physical and mental)* Tuition reimbursement and career growth support* A workplace built for you: free gym, games room, prayer room* Subsidized meals, free coffee/tea* Employee stock options and incentive plans* A collaborative, innovative, and inclusive culture**Join a Team That’s Shaping the Future**At Lumentum, we’re more than just a workplace—we’re a launchpad for creativity and innovation. We’re committed to celebrating your unique talents and helping you grow. Our guiding principles—Innovate, Engage, Deliver, Excel, and Win—aren’t just words; they’re the heart of what we do.**Let’s Build a Brighter Future Together!****We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process. Your uniqueness makes us stronger, sparks creativity, and drives our success.*****Please contact us at*** ***talentacquisition@lumentum.com*** ***to request accommodation.*****Join us—your future starts here!****Pay Range:**P70-USA-1 :$134,750.00 - $192,500.00 #J-18808-Ljbffr