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Staff Firmware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boston Dynamics

Staff Firmware Engineer

Waltham, MA · On-site

$134K - $167K/yr

As a Staff Firmware Engineer on the Safer Robotics Team , you will join a cross-functional group developing robotic technologies that will enable our robots to operate safely around people and in the ...

Avive

Staff Firmware Engineer - Medical

Brisbane, CA

$170K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a Staff Firmware Engineer for a critical role within Avive's R&D organization. This role is a player-coach that will develop and lead new embedded firmware systems from early design ...

Avive

Staff Firmware Engineer - Medical

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a Staff Firmware Engineer for a critical role within Avive's R&D organization. This role is a player-coach that will develop and lead new embedded firmware systems from early design ...

Avive

Staff Firmware Engineer - Medical

Brisbane, CA

$170K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a Staff Firmware Engineer for a critical role within Avive's R&D organization. This role is a player-coach that will develop and lead new embedded firmware systems from early design ...

Artyc

Staff Firmware Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$214K - $215K/yr

Duties: * Guide company firmware development across multiple products, including determining ... Work cross-functionally with mechanical and software engineering counterparts, and collaborate with ...

ALSO

Staff Firmware Engineer, IOT

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$210K - $240K/yr

As a Staff Firmware Engineer at ALSO, you'll own wireless bring-up, IoT features, and over-the-air updates while partnering across hardware, cloud, and mobile teams to build end-to-end connected ...

CalAmp

Staff Engineer, Firmware

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

$116K - $199K/yr

We are currently seeking a Staff Firmware Engineer with a minimum of 10 years of experience to join our team in Eden Prairie, MN. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals who embody our ...

CalAmp

Staff Engineer, Firmware

Eden Prairie, MN

$199K/yr

We are currently seeking a Staff Firmware Engineer with a minimum of 10 years of experience to join our team in Eden Prairie, MN. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals who embody our ...

Ceribell, Inc

Senior / Staff Firmware Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

Ceribell is looking for a Firmware Engineer / Embedded Engineer who is passionate about biomedical applications and who has experience in the development of embedded or IoT products. The successful ...

ALSO

Staff Firmware Engineer, Platform

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$230K - $250K/yr

What you will bring * 7+ years of experience in embedded software/firmware development, with demonstrated experience in platform, BSP, or infrastructure roles. * MS in an engineering discipline ...

CalAmp

Staff Engineer, Firmware

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

$116K - $199K/yr

We are currently seeking a Staff Firmware Engineer with a minimum of 10 years of experience to join our team in Eden Prairie, MN. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals who embody our ...

ALSO

Staff Firmware Engineer - HMI

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$165K - $210K/yr

S. or M.S. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field * 6+ years of experience in firmware development in a microcontroller environment, particularly ST.

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All JobsStaff Firmware Engineer Jobs

Staff Firmware Engineer information

See salary details

$75K

$167.4K

$205K

How much do staff firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for staff 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 Staff Firmware Engineers?

Staff Firmware Engineers are senior-level professionals who design, develop, and maintain the low-level software (firmware) that directly interacts with hardware devices. They play a key role in bridging the gap between hardware and software by writing code that enables hardware components to function as intended. In addition to coding, they often lead technical projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust embedded systems. Their expertise is crucial for industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, medical devices, and industrial automation.

What are some typical challenges that Staff Firmware Engineers encounter when working on cross-functional projects?

Staff Firmware Engineers often work closely with hardware, software, and product teams, which can present challenges such as coordinating timelines, aligning technical requirements, and ensuring clear communication across disciplines. Balancing feature development with maintaining firmware stability, especially when hardware specifications evolve, is a common hurdle. Proactively collaborating with other teams and staying adaptable to changes can help ensure project success and smooth integration of firmware with hardware and software components.

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

AspectStaff Firmware EngineerFirmware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related; experience in embedded systemsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, and leading firmware projects in embedded systems for hardware productsWriting and testing firmware for embedded devices under supervision or as part of a team
Industry UsageUsed across consumer electronics, IoT, automotive, and industrial sectorsCommonly found in similar industries, often as entry or mid-level roles

The main difference is that a Staff Firmware Engineer typically has more experience, leadership responsibilities, and involvement in complex projects, while a Firmware Engineer focuses on developing firmware under guidance. Both roles require similar technical skills and industry knowledge, but the Staff level emphasizes project leadership and advanced problem-solving.

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

To thrive as a Staff Firmware Engineer, you need deep expertise in embedded systems, C/C++ programming, and a solid background in computer engineering or related fields. Familiarity with microcontroller architectures, RTOS, debugging tools, and version control systems like Git is typically required, along with certifications such as Certified Embedded Systems Engineer being advantageous. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and effective communication skills help engineers collaborate across hardware and software teams while mentoring junior engineers. These skills are critical for delivering reliable, high-performance firmware solutions that meet project requirements and drive innovation.
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Staff Firmware Engineer jobs near you
Staff Firmware Engineer

Staff Firmware Engineer

Boston Dynamics

Waltham, MA • On-site

$134K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

As a Staff Firmware Engineer on the Safer Robotics Team, you will join a cross-functional group developing robotic technologies that will enable our robots to operate safely around people and in the environment utilizing sensors on dedicated computing platforms. In this role you will build high integrity safety critical firmware that will unlock the ability for human-robot collaboration.
Working on this firmware team, you will have the opportunity to take end-to-end ownership of new MCU based systems and design, which will become part of our future products. While the primary focus is firmware development on MCU's, there are also opportunities to work at the MPU side as well, including kernel drivers, services, and other system-level software. If you are creative, thrive in a small team environment, and passionate about a world where humans and robots truly work together - come join us!
How you will make an impact:
  • Design, develop, and validate safety critical firmware that helps ensure our robots can operate safely in the presence of people. This can span the various actuator control systems as well as the safety computing platforms.
  • Drive board bring-up, integration, hardening, and commonization of new MCU based systems across multiple product lines.
  • Work at the boundaries of hardware and firmware to unite the many components of a robot into a single functioning system that is performant and fault tolerant.
  • Develop, maintain, and implement best practices to ensure high integrity, traceability, and compliance with safety standards.
  • Help build the architecture and supporting infrastructure to allow for reliability and determinism at scale.
  • Be part of a team bringing cutting edge technology to improve the safety of robotics working in real world applications.

We are looking for:
  • 5+ years of experience in C/C++ at the MCU level as well as higher up in the stack in the larger embedded system.
  • Passion for writing and delivering safety critical firmware, for example for autonomous vehicles, driver assist systems, motor control, robotics, or medical devices.
  • Experience developing software for time sensitive control systems, including working with RTOS and various time sensitive network topologies.
  • Experience working with embedded MCU's (e.g. STM32, TI, or safety-certified MCU families) to implement safety functions that cross the boundaries of hardware and software.
  • Hands on proficiency with low level communication protocols and peripherals such as Ethernet, SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, DMA, PWM, ADC, and Flash.
  • Strong communication skills, including the ability to author technical documentation, RFC's, and design/architecture reviews on technical topics.
  • History of working in small, tight knit, fast-moving, interdisciplinary teams.

Nice To Have Skills
  • Experience writing and delivering safety critical firmware, for example for autonomous vehicles, driver assist systems, robotics, or medical devices.
  • Experience working within a standardized functional safety process (e.g. IEC 61508, IEC 62304, ISO 26262, EN 50128) or equivalent system safety standards (e.g. MIL-STD-882, DO-178C).
  • Proficiency with hardware debugging and test equipment including logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, bench power supplies, and JTAG/SWD debuggers.
  • Experience with system profiling and network analysis tools such as Wireshark, tcpdump, and Nmap.
  • Experience with system bring-up, refactoring, and integration of components level firmware across multiple MCU platforms and products.
  • Familiarity with MPU level development including Linux kernel drivers, device tree, and system services.

  • The base pay range for this position is between $134,399 to $167,998 annually. Base pay will depend on multiple individualized factors including, but not limited to internal equity, job related knowledge, skills and experience. This range represents a good faith estimate of compensation at the time of posting. Boston Dynamics offers a generous Benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401(k), paid time off and a annual bonus structure. Additional details regarding these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer for employment.

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