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Firmware Engineer Jobs

Engineers who design and optimise the software that runs on edge devices. A critical role in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of IoT systems.

Open roles
8
Salary range
£30k – £55k
Hiring companies
6
View 8 live roles → Get an alert

Firmware Engineers in the edge computing domain are responsible for developing and maintaining the low-level software that runs on edge devices. These devices, which can range from small sensors to powerful gateways, are crucial for real-time data processing and communication in IoT and 5G networks. Firmware Engineers work closely with hardware designers, software developers, and system architects to ensure that edge devices operate efficiently, securely, and reliably. They are often involved in the entire product lifecycle, from initial design to testing and deployment.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Firmware Engineer

A typical week for a Firmware Engineer is a mix of coding, testing, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

  1. 01
    Write and optimise low-level code for edge devices.
  2. 02
    Conduct unit tests and integration tests to ensure code quality.
  3. 03
    Collaborate with hardware engineers to resolve integration issues.
  4. 04
    Participate in code reviews and design discussions.
  5. 05
    Document firmware specifications and test results.
  6. 06
    Stay updated with the latest edge computing and IoT technologies.
Salary on the board

£30k – £55k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 4 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Entry
30
35
1 job
Mid
35
55
3 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 8 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

C
75%
C++
63%
Embedded Systems
38%
C#
38%
Firmware
38%
FPGA
38%
Debugging
25%
Version Control
25%
Embedded Software
25%
Testing
13%
Git
13%
UART
13%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for firmware engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Firmware Engineer

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in the development and testing of firmware, focusing on learning and gaining hands-on experience.

  2. Level 2

    Firmware Engineer

    2–5 yrs

    Take ownership of specific firmware modules, contribute to design decisions, and lead small projects.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Firmware Engineer

    5–8 yrs

    Lead the development of complex firmware systems, mentor junior engineers, and drive innovation in edge computing solutions.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Firmware Engineer

    8+ yrs

    Oversee the firmware development for multiple projects, influence architectural decisions, and provide strategic direction for the team.

Pathway

How to become a Firmware Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Learn the Basics

    Gain foundational knowledge in embedded systems, C/C++, and real-time operating systems.

  2. 2

    Gain Practical Experience

    Work on small projects or contribute to larger teams to develop and test firmware.

  3. 3

    Specialise in Edge Computing

    Focus on edge-specific challenges such as low-power design, real-time processing, and secure communication.

  4. 4

    Lead Projects

    Take on leadership roles in firmware development, managing teams and driving project success.

  5. 5

    Influence Architecture

    Contribute to high-level design decisions and influence the direction of edge computing solutions.

  6. 6

    Strategic Direction

    Provide strategic guidance and mentorship, shaping the future of firmware engineering in edge computing.

Live jobs

8 live roles

Firmware Engineer

This role involves developing new products for exciting projects, leading firmware design activities from concept to delivery, and taking ownership of technical solutions, budgets, and schedules. You will receive extensive training in FPGA and work on a range of highly specialist industries.

Rise Technical Recruitment Canterbury, United Kingdom £35,000 – £55,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent
Newton Colmore logo

Senior Firmware Engineer - Complex Problem Solving

This role involves leading electronics and firmware-focused research for highly complex devices in the defence and security industries. You will work alongside physicists, mechanical engineers, and other electronics engineers in a top-secret, world-class lab environment, with a focus on developing innovative solutions and continuous professional development.

Newton Colmore Cambridge, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Graduate Firmware Engineer

This role involves supporting the development of new precision systems across various industries, from requirements capture to delivery. You will receive extensive training in FPGA firmware and work on exciting projects with a global leader in the field.

Rise Technical Recruitment Canterbury, United Kingdom £30,000 – £35,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Embedded Firmware Engineer (C/C++) – Defence Systems

This role involves hands-on validation and testing of embedded software and firmware on real hardware, working closely with a multi-disciplinary engineering team. You'll set up tests, debug issues, and improve testing processes, ensuring integrated products function correctly in real-world conditions.

Standard 8 Canterbury, United Kingdom £50,000 – £55,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Software Firmware Engineer

This role involves working on embedded software and application-level development, translating requirements into technical solutions, and developing firmware to support new product functions. You will also produce technical documentation, develop implementation strategies, and maintain design records while ensuring alignment with internal quality processes.

New Appointments Group Canterbury, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent

Senior Firmware Engineer

As a Senior Firmware Engineer at Smartbox, you will lead the development of reliable, portable firmware for assistive technology devices. Your responsibilities include technical project delivery, firmware architecture, automated testing, and mentoring junior engineers. You will work closely with hardware engineers and contribute to the company's technical strategy, ensuring high-quality, mission-critical firmware that improves the lives of people with disabilities.

Smartbox Assistive Technology Bristol, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent
Newton Colmore logo

Security Cleared Firmware Engineer - DSP Engineer - Cambridge

This role involves working on a wide range of new technology inventions, providing expert approaches to Firmware Engineering and DSP Engineering applications. You will be part of a spin-out company in Cambridge, focusing on security-cleared sectors and developing high-speed electronic systems.

Newton Colmore Cambridge, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Embedded Software/Firmware Engineer

This role involves developing, testing, and maintaining high-integrity embedded and firmware systems. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure robust software solutions, contribute to testing and validation strategies, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Group Sandwich, United Kingdom £45,000 – £50,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

Cambridge

Location
2 open

Bristol

Location
1 open
FAQs

Common questions

  • Essential skills include proficiency in C/C++, understanding of embedded systems, knowledge of real-time operating systems, and experience with low-level programming and hardware interfaces.

  • Knowledge of IoT protocols is crucial as it enables Firmware Engineers to design and implement secure, efficient, and interoperable edge devices.

  • Main challenges include optimising performance for low-power and resource-constrained environments, ensuring real-time responsiveness, and maintaining security and reliability.

  • Career progression typically starts with junior roles, advancing to senior and lead positions, and eventually to principal engineer roles with strategic and leadership responsibilities.

  • Salary ranges can vary based on experience, location, and company size. For specific salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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