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Firmware Developer Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

Vertiv Co

Advanced Thermal Controls Engineer

Westerville, OH · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

Design, review, testing, integration assistance to firmware developers * Documentation: Program commentary, user guides for service and troubleshooting * Product testing: Unit testing, system ...

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Firmware Developer information

See Columbus, OH salary details

$73.2K

$106K

$169.5K

How much do firmware developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for firmware developer in Columbus, OH is $105,953.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,400.00 and $114,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior firmware developers and specialized engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in embedded systems, and expertise in programming languages like C and C++ can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries such as aerospace, defense, or semiconductor manufacturing. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, leadership roles, or working in high-cost-of-living regions.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior firmware engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in embedded systems, and advanced certifications can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially in high-demand industries like aerospace, defense, or semiconductor manufacturing. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other incentives for top-tier professionals in these fields.

How much does a firmware developer make?

The average salary for a firmware developer varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $80,000 to $120,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start around $70,000, while experienced developers with specialized skills in embedded systems and real-time operating systems can earn over $130,000. Certifications and proficiency in programming languages like C and C++ can influence salary levels.

What does a firmware developer do?

A firmware developer designs, develops, and tests low-level software that controls hardware devices such as embedded systems, microcontrollers, and IoT devices. They work with programming languages like C or C++, use debugging tools, and often collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure proper functionality and performance.

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

To thrive as a Firmware Developer, you need a solid background in embedded systems, proficiency in C/C++ programming, and a degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. Experience with microcontroller architectures, debugging tools (like JTAG or ICE), and version control systems such as Git is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across hardware and software teams. These skills are crucial for developing reliable, efficient firmware that enables hardware devices to function correctly and meet user requirements.

What are Firmware Developers?

Firmware Developers are engineers who design, develop, and maintain low-level software that directly controls hardware devices. Their work typically involves writing code in languages like C or C++ to ensure hardware components operate as intended, often within embedded systems such as microcontrollers and consumer electronics. Firmware developers collaborate closely with hardware engineers and may also troubleshoot or update firmware to enhance device performance. Their role is crucial in industries like automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial automation.

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

AspectFirmware DeveloperEmbedded Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Embedded Systems EngineerBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing low-level code for hardware devices, often working in hardware labs or development teamsDeveloping software for embedded systems, often in cross-functional teams, with focus on hardware-software integration
Industry UsageUsed in consumer electronics, automotive, IoT devices, and industrial equipmentCommon in automotive, medical devices, consumer electronics, and industrial automation

Firmware Developers and Embedded Software Engineers share similar skills and work environments, focusing on hardware-related software development. The main difference lies in their scope: Firmware Developers typically work on low-level code directly interacting with hardware, while Embedded Software Engineers may handle higher-level embedded applications. Both roles are essential in industries like automotive, IoT, and consumer electronics.

What are some common challenges Firmware Developers face when working on embedded systems projects?

Firmware Developers often encounter challenges such as optimizing code for limited memory and processing power, integrating with diverse hardware platforms, and ensuring reliable communication between software and hardware components. Debugging can be especially tricky due to limited visibility into low-level operations, requiring specialized tools like JTAG debuggers or oscilloscopes. Collaboration with hardware engineers and cross-functional teams is essential to address hardware-software integration issues and to ensure timely delivery of stable, efficient firmware.
What are popular job titles related to Firmware Developer jobs in Columbus, OH? For Firmware Developer jobs in Columbus, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Firmware Developer jobs in Columbus, OH look for? The top searched job categories for Firmware Developer jobs in Columbus, OH are:
Firmware Developer jobs near you
Firmware Developer - Thermal Platform

Firmware Developer - Thermal Platform

Vertiv Co

Westerville, OH

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Vertiv rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

307th of 417 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

We are seeking an embedded Linux controls firmware engineering candidate to support our thermal control applications and platform.  The candidate must have knowledge of software and firmware development with proven experience in abstracting control systems, applications, and platforms.  HVAC specific knowledge is highly desired.  A bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent engineering experience as a control firmware engineer is required.  Other engineering degrees with emphasis on controls will be considered.

Responsibilities

  • Controls and Platform Development: Design, maintain, and evolve abstracted control platform to support thermal unit firmware involving PID control loops and device interactions
  • Requirements analysis: Requirements gathering, use case analysis, device and application prototyping, customer/customer-liaison engagement
  • Project management: Task estimation, software metrics collection, version control
  • Full lifecycle software application development: Design, programming, debugging, peer review, unit testing, performance tuning, integration
  • Documentation: Program commentary
  • Product testing: Unit testing, bench testing, system integration testing, and field test support
  • Leadership: Effective team member and/or technical leadership, consistent positive attitude, creativity
  • Hardware development support: Software/firmware support for hardware development and testing
  • Other tasks and activities as required by management

Required Experience

  • Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent with strong emphasis on software: Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering
  • 3+ years of experience with Linux-based controls firmware development and testing
  • 3+ years of experience abstracting and using C/C++ programming language
  • Controls:
    • Embedded Linux control firmware experience using object-oriented languages primarily C++
    • Abstracting analog and digital IO interactions
    • Near real time control algorithms and device communications with serial, RS485, Modbus, and CANbus
    • HVAC specific experience a plus
  • Development environment: 
    • Languages: C++, C, Python, Bash Shell
    • Communication protocols: RS-232/485, Modbus, CANbus, I2C, SPI
    • Operating systems: embedded Linux and real-time operating systems (FreeRTOS)
    • Platforms: TI SoC, ARM, x86
    • Tools: VS Code and Docker
    • Version management: GitLab
    • Build system: BitBake, Yocto, GitLab Pipelines
    • Test: Device Simulation, HIL
  • Design:
    • Object oriented abstraction, development, and lifecycle
    • Distributed control architecture and design
    • Usability, maintainability, and configurability
    • Manage control requirements, specifications, and documentation
  • NMP, Redfish, BACnet, Modbus TCP, WireShark
  • Bare metal firmware experience
Work Authorization
No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability.

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