What does a firmware engineer do?
The job of firmware engineers focuses on the hardware from which the software runs. They play an important role in supporting the life cycle of products from its development to implementation. Their duties typically include testing the product properly and troubleshooting technical issues in collaboration with other engineering personnel, evaluating the performance of the system and ensuring that it adheres to the company's standards, and analyzing the design and needs of a system. Firmware engineers are also responsible for improvising the software as requested by clients.
Firmware engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real firmware engineer resumes:
- Use of python to automate code generation and communicate over Wi-Fi with several printers.
- Manage firmware of automate bench top devices that utilize a microprocessor.
- Design and develop Linux device drivers for hardware components: I2C, GPIO, UART/RS-485, Ethernet, and J1708.
- Develop display tool using ARM7, SPI, UART and PC hyper-terminal program.
- Allow for efficient core development, providing advance features such as source-level debugging, break points and watch windows.
- Perform regression testing using Jenkins.
- Design, implement enhancements using embed C++ code in Linux environment for legacy mid-server tape automation product.
- Instrument consist of PIC32MX microcontrollers and A/D systems.
- Design test scripts to test new hardware using MATLAB.
- Create and configure the process for UART, and modem.
- Participate in the development groups transition from SVN to git and yocto.
- Develop a routine that adds an RF device to the remote network.
- Create an automate test infrastructure and MATLAB scripts to perform spectral analysis.
- Perform regression test suites; develop procedures to determine test code coverage.
- Implement new firmware to use 'secure' Bluetooth low energy to unlock door.
Firmware engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 6% of Firmware Engineers are proficient in Python, C, and C++. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Firmware Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 6%
Developed new and innovative applications using python.
- C, 5%
Developed C and Assembly programs for a single-board microcomputer designed for real-time industrial applications.
- C++, 5%
Modified a parser program written in MFC using c++ Lithium ion Battery life monitor using PIC18.
- Debugging, 5%
Design, programming, and debugging in the ARM7, ARM9 microchip using Embedded Windows CE in VLU GPS system.
- SPI, 5%
Develop Low-level Drivers for actuators, which include ADC, EEPROM, SPI, Interrupts, watchdog and Timers.
- Embedded Systems, 5%
Integrated Dell Embedded Systems into Microsoft Active Directory Authentication.
Common skills that a firmware engineer uses to do their job include "python," "c," and "c++." You can find details on the most important firmware engineer responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a firmware engineer to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Additionally, a firmware engineer resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "developed a java server application to receive and send data formatted as json over http. "
Communication skills. Many firmware engineer duties rely on communication skills. "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project," so a firmware engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways firmware engineer responsibilities rely on communication skills: "analyzed usb communications failures and developed recovery fix. "
Creativity. firmware engineers are also known for creativity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to firmware engineer responsibilities, because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." A firmware engineer resume example shows how creativity is used in the workplace: "invented tcp/ip based messaging protocol for remote desktop to communicate with the ib switch. "
Detail oriented. For certain firmware engineer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "detail oriented." The day-to-day duties of a firmware engineer rely on this skill, as "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." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what firmware engineers do: "applied object-oriented concepts to assembly language resulting in project being noted for achieving zero defects in system test. "
Interpersonal skills. Another crucial skill for a firmware engineer to carry out their responsibilities is "interpersonal skills." A big part of what firmware engineers relies on this skill, since "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." How this skill relates to firmware engineer duties can be seen in an example from a firmware engineer resume snippet: "used interpersonal skills within drs culture to identify and raise attention to flaws in the firmware"
Problem-solving skills. While "problem-solving skills" is last on this skills list, don't underestimate its importance to firmware engineer responsibilities. Much of what a firmware engineer does relies on this skill, seeing as "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." Here is a resume example of how this skill is used in the everyday duties of firmware engineers: "lead encoder firmware team for single-chip solution of mpeg encoder/decoder asic project. "
The three companies that hire the most firmware engineers are:
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Compare different firmware engineers
Firmware engineer vs. Embedded software developer
An embedded software developer designs and develops software embedded into systems and devices. They are primarily in charge of writing codes that implement systems and solutions, ensuring the embedded software adheres to project goals and requirements. They also develop test structures to find and improve weaknesses, troubleshoot issues, monitor systems, and perform regular maintenance checks. Most embedded software developers work in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between firmware engineers and embedded software developer. For instance, firmware engineer responsibilities require skills such as "firmware development," "soc," "ble," and "wifi." Whereas a embedded software developer is skilled in "firmware," "os," "software components," and "iot." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Embedded software developers tend to make the most money working in the automotive industry, where they earn an average salary of $103,971. In contrast, firmware engineers make the biggest average salary, $111,715, in the automotive industry.embedded software developers tend to reach higher levels of education than firmware engineers. In fact, embedded software developers are 5.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Firmware engineer 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.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real firmware engineer resumes. While firmware engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "c," "spi," "i2c," and "software development," systems engineering interns use skills like "data analysis," "system design," "simulink," and "cad."
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Systems engineering interns tend to reach lower levels of education than firmware engineers. In fact, they're 7.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for firmware engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Frank McCown Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Harding University
Firmware engineer 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.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from firmware engineer resumes include skills like "c #," "python," "c," and "spi," whereas an advanced systems engineer is more likely to list skills in "dod," "management system," "project management," and "system development. "
Advanced systems engineers make a very good living in the retail industry with an average annual salary of $101,902. On the other hand, firmware engineers are paid the highest salary in the automotive industry, with average annual pay of $111,715.advanced systems engineers typically earn lower educational levels compared to firmware engineers. Specifically, they're 10.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Firmware engineer 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 engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
