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The differences between senior firmware engineers and systems engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a senior firmware engineer and a systems engineer. Additionally, a senior firmware engineer has an average salary of $123,759, which is higher than the $82,834 average annual salary of a systems engineer.
The top three skills for a senior firmware engineer include python, SPI and embedded systems. The most important skills for a systems engineer are python, linux, and C++.
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $123,759 | $82,834 |
| Hourly rate | $59.50 | $39.82 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 58,307 | 145,936 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
As a senior firmware engineer, you will be in charge of designing software models such as special monitors, device drivers, and application firmware. You often need to test various software programs to improve the functionality of the products. You need to test the algorithms as well as optimize the products for the target audience. The algorithms which you structure should have practical applications so that the clients will meet their needs.
You also need to participate in the research and development process of the company so that you can understand the various requirements. From this discussion, you can create innovative ideas for the improvement of the products. Extensive knowledge of programming languages such as C, C++, PCI, Linux, and a bachelor's degree in computer science or computer engineering or a related field is required to qualify for this position.
Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.
Senior firmware engineers and systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $123,759 | $82,834 |
| Salary range | Between $94,000 And $161,000 | Between $62,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a senior firmware engineer and a systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between senior firmware engineers' and systems engineers' demographics:
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 30.9% White, 51.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |