What does a firmware developer do?
A firmware developer mainly develops firmware and designs hardware for online supervision systems and protocol converters. Firmware developers lead workflow resolution and automate the process by routing information to queues for flexible management of exceptions. They create test programs based on technology for maximum processor and firmware processor and memory. It is their job to implement features such as one-touch power windows, audio tones, and wipers. They also create client configuration, statistics, control, and general management functions.
Firmware developer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real firmware developer resumes:
- Analyze and manage the project throughout SDLC, written/review specification documents.
- Develop SRAM/FRAM SPI interface for use in network communication.
- Write an application in VC++ which facilitates API testing.
- Board support package for ARM9 processors, board bring up and debugging.
- Develop a boot loader enabling firmware updates via I2C / SMBus interface.
- Develop UART driver for cost saving initiative to implement RS232 hardware in FPGA.
- Used Micrium uC/OS-II on an FPGA base RISC processor call MicroBlaze make by Xilinx.
- Train and assist team members in Linux environment and resolve issues to promote team progress.
- Implement features including Control-Trac 4WD, one-touch power windows, wipers, and audio tones.
- Design, implement and optimize the assembler code of DSP accelerators which is called as SA.
- Work on evaluating Bluetooth (v4.0) software stacks and hardware architectures from different vendors that meet Mitel's requirements.
- Implement TCP/IP communications to other network products
- Perform review of Matlab Simulink models corresponding to system requirements.
- Design low parasitic capacitance layouts for a synchronous Ethernet phase-lock loop.
- Design and implement software for rapid modeling and prototyping of hardware equipment under development.
Firmware developer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Firmware Developers are proficient in Python, Java, and Software Development. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Firmware Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 12%
Have extensive C, Assembly and Python coding skills.
- Java, 9%
Used GNU C/C++, Eclipse IDE, Java JDK 1.6 on Red Hat Linux workstations and ClearCase/ClearQuest source control.
- Software Development, 7%
Design, develop and deliver all projects following Embedded Software Development Life Cycle.
- C, 7%
Updated embedded hardware and firmware utilizing Assembler and C for a MC68332 embedded systems on new and legacy products and prototypes.
- C++, 7%
Developed scientific application with a 3-dimensional graphical user interface using C++ and OpenGL.
- Linux, 6%
Developed high availability real time Messaging system for financial/Banking transactions and developed associated components in Linux, UNIX, AIX platforms.
"python," "java," and "software development" are among the most common skills that firmware developers use at work. You can find even more firmware developer responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a firmware developer to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what firmware developers do because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Additionally, a firmware developer resume shows how firmware developers use analytical skills: "devised radio control procedures and wrote dsp56156 code for jdc call processing, data acquisition and transceiver performance testing. "
Communication skills. Many firmware developer duties rely on communication skills. "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project," so a firmware developer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways firmware developer responsibilities rely on communication skills: "developed sram/fram spi interface for use in network communication. "
Creativity. firmware developers are also known for creativity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to firmware developer responsibilities, because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." A firmware developer resume example shows how creativity is used in the workplace: "co-developed distal targeting surgical simulation for pfizer/ howmedica using c++, vc++, and open inventor. "
Detail oriented. firmware developer responsibilities often require "detail oriented." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." This resume example shows what firmware developers do with detail oriented on a typical day: "construct and implement layer one communications protocols and rf modem control software in lab-oriented mobile test station for japanese digital cellular. "
Interpersonal skills. A commonly-found skill in firmware developer job descriptions, "interpersonal skills" is essential to what firmware developers do. Firmware developer responsibilities rely on this skill because "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." You can also see how firmware developer duties rely on interpersonal skills in this resume example: "used interpersonal skills within drs culture to identify and raise attention to flaws in the firmware"
Problem-solving skills. Lastly, "problem-solving skills" is an important element of what a firmware developer does. Firmware developer responsibilities require this skill because "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." This resume example highlights how firmware developer duties rely on this skill: "power management system interface table-based system initialization lradc - low resolution analog/digital converter video decoder software with arm assembler language"
The three companies that hire the most firmware developers are:
- Qualcomm8 firmware developers jobs
- 3M Company2 firmware developers jobs
- ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions - US2 firmware developers jobs
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Firmware developer vs. Systems engineering internship
In a systems engineering internship, an intern is primarily responsible for following a supervising officer or manager's directives. Most of an intern's tasks revolve around assisting engineers in installing and maintaining systems, troubleshooting, and even providing corrective measures. There are also instances when an intern must process documentation, disseminate letters, manage schedules and inventory, attend meetings, and participate in creating new updates and systems for a company. Furthermore, should there be any problems, an intern must report to the supervising officer.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, firmware developer responsibilities require skills like "software development," "c," "firmware development," and "windows." Meanwhile a typical systems engineering internship has skills in areas such as "data analysis," "system design," "simulink," and "cad." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
The education levels that systems engineering interns earn slightly differ from firmware developers. In particular, systems engineering interns are 5.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a firmware developer. Additionally, they're 1.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Firmware developer vs. Embedded systems engineer
An embedded systems engineer is responsible for monitoring and creating embedded network systems and servers to support business operations. Embedded systems engineers run multiple diagnostic tests to identify technical solutions that would increase the efficiency and stability of the systems. They must have excellent technical skills for network resolution, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes to write scripts and generate support for data integration. An embedded systems engineer updates infrastructure to boost optimization and identify opportunities for enhancing engineering techniques.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, firmware developer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "source code," "jenkins," "ble," and "bios." Meanwhile, an embedded systems engineer has duties that require skills in areas such as "matlab," "product development," "system design," and "field testing." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, embedded systems engineers earn a higher salary than firmware developers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, embedded systems engineers earn the most pay in the professional industry with an average salary of $92,062. Whereas firmware developers have higher pay in the internet industry, with an average salary of $98,058.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Embedded systems engineers tend to reach similar levels of education than firmware developers. In fact, they're 4.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Firmware developer vs. Advanced systems engineer
An advanced systems engineer develops and upgrades a company's systems, whether those are systems the company uses internally or provides for clients externally. A systems engineer monitors and evaluates applications, software, and productivity systems. Their goal is to continually improve all programs that a company uses. Working alongside the IT department, they monitor feedback, provide suggestions and recommendations, and order upgrades when necessary.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a firmware developer is likely to be skilled in "c #," "python," "c," and "firmware development," while a typical advanced systems engineer is skilled in "dod," "project management," "system development," and "development life."
Advanced systems engineers earn the highest salary when working in the retail industry, where they receive an average salary of $101,902. Comparatively, firmware developers have the highest earning potential in the internet industry, with an average salary of $98,058.When it comes to education, advanced systems engineers tend to earn lower degree levels compared to firmware developers. In fact, they're 8.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Firmware developer vs. Systems engineer staff
A systems engineer staff is responsible for designing and developing systems and software that optimize business operations, ensuring smooth workflow and client satisfaction. They primarily conduct research and analysis to identify the needs of the company and its clients, examine existing systems to identify areas needing improvements, install applications, and perform regular maintenance checks, providing corrective measures as required. Furthermore, as a systems engineer staff, it is essential to provide technical support within the company, all while implementing its policies and regulations.
Types of firmware developer
Updated January 8, 2025











