Firmware Engineer Job Description Template
Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware for hardware products, bridging hardware and software to deliver reliable device functionality. Own the full firmware lifecycle from architecture through production support.
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Why hire a Firmware Engineer?
SMBs building hardware products need skilled firmware engineers to reduce time-to-market, minimize costly recalls, and ensure devices work reliably in customer hands without constant cloud dependency.
Firmware Engineer salary ranges
Approximate annual gross salary bands (Q2 2026). Always adjust for your city, seniority, and the candidate’s experience.
United States
$120,000 – $165,000
United Kingdom
£85,000 – £120,000
Eurozone
€100,000 – €140,000
Firmware Engineer responsibilities
- Write clean, efficient C/C++ code for microcontrollers and embedded systems that passes code review and runs within memory/power constraints
- Debug hardware–firmware integration issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG debuggers to root-cause failures in the field
- Design firmware architecture that scales across multiple product variants without duplicating code or creating maintenance debt
- Implement bootloader updates, OTA (over-the-air) mechanisms, and version management so customers receive patches without factory visits
- Collaborate with hardware engineers during PCB design to validate pin assignments, peripheral choices, and power budgets before manufacturing
- Document firmware APIs, build processes, and known limitations so junior engineers and product teams can work independently
Skills & requirements
Required
- 5+ years writing production firmware in C or C++ for ARM Cortex-M or similar architectures
- Proficiency with at least one RTOS (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or commercial equivalent) or bare-metal interrupt-driven design
- Experience with hardware debugging tools: JTAG/SWD debuggers, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes
- Strong understanding of embedded peripherals: UART, SPI, I2C, ADC, timers, and DMA
- Git version control, unit testing frameworks (Unity, Catch2), and continuous integration pipelines
- Knowledge of power management, low-power states, and wake-up mechanisms for battery-powered devices
Nice to have
- Experience shipping consumer IoT or industrial products to production with regulatory certifications (FCC, CE)
- Familiarity with wireless protocols: BLE, Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, or Zigbee
- Previous work in a startup or small engineering team wearing multiple hats
Copy-ready Firmware Engineer job description
Firmware Engineer [Company name] · [City], [Country] · [On-site / Hybrid / Remote] $120,000 – $165,000 (US) · £85,000 – £120,000 (UK) · €100,000 – €140,000 (EU) — gross/year
Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware for hardware products, bridging hardware and software to deliver reliable device functionality. Own the full firmware lifecycle from architecture through production support.
Why this role exists SMBs building hardware products need skilled firmware engineers to reduce time-to-market, minimize costly recalls, and ensure devices work reliably in customer hands without constant cloud dependency.
What you'll do
- Write clean, efficient C/C++ code for microcontrollers and embedded systems that passes code review and runs within memory/power constraints
- Debug hardware–firmware integration issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG debuggers to root-cause failures in the field
- Design firmware architecture that scales across multiple product variants without duplicating code or creating maintenance debt
- Implement bootloader updates, OTA (over-the-air) mechanisms, and version management so customers receive patches without factory visits
- Collaborate with hardware engineers during PCB design to validate pin assignments, peripheral choices, and power budgets before manufacturing
- Document firmware APIs, build processes, and known limitations so junior engineers and product teams can work independently
What you'll need
- 5+ years writing production firmware in C or C++ for ARM Cortex-M or similar architectures
- Proficiency with at least one RTOS (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or commercial equivalent) or bare-metal interrupt-driven design
- Experience with hardware debugging tools: JTAG/SWD debuggers, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes
- Strong understanding of embedded peripherals: UART, SPI, I2C, ADC, timers, and DMA
- Git version control, unit testing frameworks (Unity, Catch2), and continuous integration pipelines
- Knowledge of power management, low-power states, and wake-up mechanisms for battery-powered devices
Nice to have
- Experience shipping consumer IoT or industrial products to production with regulatory certifications (FCC, CE)
- Familiarity with wireless protocols: BLE, Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, or Zigbee
- Previous work in a startup or small engineering team wearing multiple hats
What we offer
- Salary: [range, gross, with currency and time unit]
- [Equity / bonus / commission if applicable]
- [Health, PTO, learning budget, equipment — only what's real]
- [Work mode + flexibility]
About [Company] [2–3 sentences: stage, customers, traction. Keep it specific.]
Want it tailored to your company and country?
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Frequently asked
What does a Firmware Engineer do?
Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware for hardware products, bridging hardware and software to deliver reliable device functionality. Own the full firmware lifecycle from architecture through production support. SMBs building hardware products need skilled firmware engineers to reduce time-to-market, minimize costly recalls, and ensure devices work reliably in customer hands without constant cloud dependency.
What should a Firmware Engineer job description include?
A strong Firmware Engineer job post has a one-line hook, why the role exists, 6 outcome-led responsibilities, a clear list of required skills, the salary range, and a country-specific compliance line. Use the copy-ready template above as a starting point.
How much does a Firmware Engineer earn?
Approximate annual gross bands (Q2 2026): $120,000 – $165,000 in the US, £85,000 – £120,000 in the UK, and €100,000 – €140,000 in the Eurozone. Adjust for city, seniority, and experience.
How do I write a Firmware Engineer job description fast?
Use Penroll's free job description generator — enter the title and country and it produces a complete, inclusive, salary-formatted Firmware Engineer post in about 30 seconds, no signup required.
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