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Firmware engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
Quoted experts
Dr. Wayne Wakeland Ph.D.,
Travis Mandel Ph.D.
Firmware engineer example skills
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical firmware engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for firmware engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 6.5% of firmware engineer resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a firmware engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 firmware engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how firmware engineers use python:
  • Developed new and innovative applications using python.
  • Created multiple automation tools using Python regular expressions and Make to ease firmware development, expedite testing and improve release process.

2. C

Here's how firmware engineers use c:
  • Developed C and Assembly programs for a single-board microcomputer designed for real-time industrial applications.
  • Developed applications primarily utilizing C, LabVIEW and various assembly languages.

3. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how firmware engineers use c++:
  • Modified a parser program written in MFC using c++ Lithium ion Battery life monitor using PIC18.
  • Enhanced several c++ algorithms designed using Rational Rose and built using the Cygwin toolset.

4. Debugging

Here's how firmware engineers use debugging:
  • Design, programming, and debugging in the ARM7, ARM9 microchip using Embedded Windows CE in VLU GPS system.
  • Allowed for efficient core development, providing advanced features such as source-level debugging, break points and watch windows.

5. SPI

SPI stands for "serial peripheral interface," which is a communication interface that transfers data between two electronic devices. This allows data to be transferred in both directions between the devices simultaneously, known as "full duplex mode." This mode differs from a "parallel" interface, which requires more complex and longer wiring.

Here's how firmware engineers use spi:
  • Develop Low-level Drivers for actuators, which include ADC, EEPROM, SPI, Interrupts, watchdog and Timers.
  • Developed SRAM/FRAM SPI interface for use in network communication.

6. Embedded Systems

Here's how firmware engineers use embedded systems:
  • Integrated Dell Embedded Systems into Microsoft Active Directory Authentication.
  • Designed and developed multiple embedded systems.

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7. I2C

12C is a cloud-based database provided by Oracle and it's the first of its kind coming from the company. It's a high-performance database for enterprises with a multitenant framework that allows for seamless consolidation without having to enforce changes in the applications used.

Here's how firmware engineers use i2c:
  • Identified issues and debug using processor probes, I2C analyzers, SAS analyzers, PCI-PCI-E analyzers, and other tools.
  • Designed and developed Linux device drivers for hardware components: I2C, GPIO, UART/RS-485, Ethernet, and J1708.

8. Software Development

Software development is the mechanism by which programmers create computer programs. The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a framework for developing applications that follow technological needs and consumer requirements. It consists of many stages. The SDLC establishes an international standard that software developers can use to enhance and create their programs. It provides a well-defined framework for software developers to pursue in the production, maintenance, and design of premium quality software. The aim of the software development process is to create high-quality software on time and within budget.

Here's how firmware engineers use software development:
  • Managed entire software development phase including project scheduling, coordinating status meetings and mentoring engineers on daily tasks.
  • Participated in all phases of software development from high level design to hardware/software integration and system testing.

9. Linux

Linux is a Unix-like operating system. Just like Windows, Mac OS, and IOS, Linux is an operating system used by millions across the globe. Android itself is powered by the Linux operating system. Linux manages all the hardware resources that are associated with your computer. The software is famous because of the protection it grants from viruses, malware, and crashes. The Linux operating system is entirely free and is an open-source software meaning it can be altered by those equipped with the knowledge to code.

Here's how firmware engineers use linux:
  • Design, implement enhancements using embedded C++ code in Linux environment for legacy mid-server tape automation product.
  • Re-engineered the custom Linux Networking code to ease different 802.11 technology integration.

10. RTOS

Here's how firmware engineers use rtos:
  • Worked on initial implementation of Sage XOS using XEN to boot an RTOS communicating directly with hardware.
  • Ported a proprietary RTOS to the Motorola 68EC020 and PowerPC processors for use in network communications devices.

11. Bluetooth

Bluetooth refers to a short-range connection made wirelessly between different devices. One of the most popular uses of this connection is hands-free phone calls, where an earbud is connected through Bluetooth to a cell phone so that calls can be handled without holding a physical phone. While Bluetooth can be incredibly useful and versatile, it does not offer the long-range and multi-device use that WiFi can offer.

Here's how firmware engineers use bluetooth:
  • Modified data transfer software for user requirement for Bluetooth communication.
  • Augmented performance of Bluetooth Lower stack to support multiple BD Addresses and higher density number of connections of Mobile Units.

12. Firmware Development

Here's how firmware engineers use firmware development:
  • Design and develop test and diagnostic equipment and software for Manufacturing Quality Control and Firmware development.
  • Initiated firmware development standards- Created a document to unify code development for readability and maintainability.

13. UART

Here's how firmware engineers use uart:
  • Developed assembly code for Lattice FPGA to read temperature of different cores of the DUT and debugged over UART.
  • Collaborate with senior architects and firmware leads to design and implement various firmware modules such as UART and Timer.

14. GIT

Here's how firmware engineers use git:
  • Organized and taught members of the firmware team to use GIT as a new Source Control System.
  • Led the firmware team's version control migration to GIT.

15. USB

Here's how firmware engineers use usb:
  • Developed Application Firmware and drivers for a MSP430 based hand-held product incorporating IrDA, USB, SMS, and GPRS interfaces.
  • Debugged timing/noise problems on USB to PC, SPI to MCU, and CAN Bus networks inside vehicles.
top-skills

What skills help Firmware Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What firmware engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Wayne Wakeland Ph.D.Dr. Wayne Wakeland Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Professor and Systems Science Program Chair, Portland State University

For analyst positions, I think that employers want to hire people with strong data analysis skills, which, of course, includes statistics, but also big data, machine learning (algorithms), computer-based modeling, and programming. And, in addition to these apparently rather specialized skills, there is growing recognition that a talent for thinking, communicating, and problem-solving in a very general sense, and being able to cope with/address complexity, is also quite important.

What soft skills should all firmware engineers possess?

Travis Mandel Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Hawaii at Hilo

Although computer science seems like a highly technical field, soft skills are really what differentiates software engineers. One of the most important qualities of any software engineer is explaining their code clearly at various levels of technical depth and explaining why certain design decisions were made. You could write code that does amazing things, but if that code consists of snippets you pasted from StackOverflow without really fully understanding them, it will be a huge headache for anyone who needs to come into the codebase later and maintain or update it.

Another one is asking the right questions. Imagine you are dropped into a huge codebase and asked to add a new feature (very common!). There's no time to understand everything that is going on, but on the other hand, you need to understand enough of the code to do your task effectively, which involves asking questions. A failure to ask questions will likely result in you wasting a huge amount of time working on something that is ultimately not useful, for instance, re-implementing a complex function that already exists somewhere in the codebase.
Do you want to know more?
Read more about what experts have to say about firmware engineer

List of firmware engineer skills to add to your resume

Firmware engineer skills

The most important skills for a firmware engineer resume and required skills for a firmware engineer to have include:

  • Python
  • C
  • C++
  • Debugging
  • SPI
  • Embedded Systems
  • I2C
  • Software Development
  • Linux
  • RTOS
  • Bluetooth
  • Firmware Development
  • UART
  • GIT
  • USB
  • Embedded C
  • Microcontrollers
  • RF
  • SOC
  • FPGA
  • Java
  • DSP
  • BLE
  • Prototyping
  • Windows
  • MATLAB
  • Ethernet
  • Wifi
  • FW
  • Power Management
  • VHDL
  • JTAG
  • Debuggers
  • TCP/IP
  • Version Control
  • Perl
  • I/O
  • Mac
  • C Code
  • Code Reviews
  • SVN
  • PCB
  • Emulators
  • GPIO
  • Assembly Language
  • ASIC
  • Object Oriented Programming
  • Microprocessors

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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