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The differences between senior firmware engineers and systems engineers staff 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 staff. Additionally, a systems engineer staff has an average salary of $129,611, which is higher than the $123,759 average annual salary of a senior firmware engineer.
The top three skills for a senior firmware engineer include python, SPI and embedded systems. The most important skills for a systems engineer staff are architecture, DOD, and MATLAB.
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Systems Engineer Staff | |
| Yearly salary | $123,759 | $129,611 |
| Hourly rate | $59.50 | $62.31 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 58,307 | 304,494 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| 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.
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.
Senior firmware engineers and systems engineers staff have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Systems Engineer Staff | |
| Average salary | $123,759 | $129,611 |
| Salary range | Between $94,000 And $161,000 | Between $95,000 And $175,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Cheniere Energy |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a senior firmware engineer and a systems engineer staff in terms of educational background:
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Systems Engineer Staff | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between senior firmware engineers' and systems engineers staff' demographics:
| Senior Firmware Engineer | Systems Engineer Staff | |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% | Male, 84.1% Female, 15.9% |
| 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, 7.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 13.8% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 9% |