{"id":27721,"date":"2020-12-31T11:43:52","date_gmt":"2020-12-31T19:43:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/?p=27721"},"modified":"2022-03-30T16:42:53","modified_gmt":"2022-03-30T23:42:53","slug":"firmwareengineer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/firmwareengineer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Firmware Engineer and Control the Modern World"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Technology is part of everyday life. As workers or consumers, we\u2019ve grown inseparable from our devices. Though you may be familiar with your favorite device\u2019s software and hardware, there\u2019s a third and often overlooked spec: firmware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firmware plays a key role in a device\u2019s operation. And there\u2019s a lucrative job market out there for firmware engineers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Firmware Engineer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A firmware engineer creates software that tells a device how to react to inputs. Firmware<\/a> is a special type of software that controls a device. Cameras, keyboards, TVs, and any other device which interprets input, require firmware built by engineers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though there are similarities between software engineers<\/a> and electrical engineers<\/a>, firmware engineers combine those professions\u2019 skill sets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firmware engineers were once considered distinct from embedded engineers. But these professional lines blurred as embedded systems in products become more intelligent. The job titles of embedded engineer and firmware engineer are now used interchangeably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does a Firmware Engineer Do?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A firmware engineer is responsible for ensuring that an electrical device turns signals into specific operations. The engineers accomplish this by developing embedded software in the memory storage of a product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These signals can be a pressed button or the turning of a wheel, or as complex as signals from an optical laser that reads disks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working With Software<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Firmware engineers must have a strong grasp of software development<\/a>. They\u2019ll be integrating their embedded programs with different software as they design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working With Hardware<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Firmware engineers also must work closely with the hardware development team. After all, the hardware of a device determines its needs during the firmware development process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firmware engineers must know how product elements work to provide the proper software to interpret commands. In this way, they utilize both software and hardware knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Providing Updates<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes advancements in technology require an update to a device\u2019s firmware. For example, maybe a newer generation of a product can\u2019t interact with older devices. Companies have the goal of optimizing the functionality of their products. Firmware engineers are there to help. They will develop and release updates to keep devices operating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essential Firmware Engineer Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Firmware engineers are key to product development and work with people from all facets of tech design. In this career path, there are certain required skills to make sure things go smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teamwork<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Firmware engineers are something of a go-between for the worlds of hardware and software design. Because of this, they need to be able to interpret the needs of both sides, hear feedback, and help debug before product launches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Software Expertise<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The backbone of firmware engineering is the C programming language. Microchips that interpret inputs and control hardware require C to make their decisions. Many firmware engineers also follow the test driven development (TDD)<\/a> model to test their work during development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comfort With Hardware<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Firmware engineers must be knowledgeable about different hardware components to tailor their project\u2019s software. Most firmware engineers tend to continuously work on similar components to ensure their level of expertise with that technology. For example, if a firmware engineer builds software for cameras, they can help when the time comes for updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firmware Engineer Salaries and Job Outlook<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The national average salary for a firmware engineer is $107,756 per year, according to ZipRecruiter and ADP<\/a>. The best place to find full-time work as a firmware engineer is likely in California\u2019s Silicon Valley<\/a>, where tech companies have taken root.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The outlook for firmware engineer jobs is good as tech continues to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects software developer jobs to jump by 22 percent by 2028. Firmware engineers are key for ensuring that every new phone and TV works as it should and there are companies of varying sizes that need them to remain profitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Long Does it Take to Become a Firmware Engineer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It takes anywhere from four months to four years to become a firmware engineer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s not a specific educational requirement to be a firmware engineer. It\u2019s really about having the experience required to satisfy those job alerts that come your way. As a result, one can learn the ropes of firmware engineering on their own or go to college for in-depth education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Become a Firmware Engineer: A Step-by-Step Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A
Firmware engineers live on the border of hardware and software. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To be a firmware engineer you\u2019re going to need to learn about hardware, software, and how they interact. Here\u2019s a walkthrough on how to go from beginner to expert and land your dream career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Education<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First, determine which route is right for you. Some prefer self-guided study while others like a classroom environment. What\u2019s important is that you learn how to program in C for a variety of devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To accomplish this you can go to school or study through online classes. But once you\u2019ve mastered this important aspect, you\u2019re well on your way to becoming a firmware engineer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Study the Hardware<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After you\u2019ve mastered C, you\u2019ll need to know how it\u2019s used. You should investigate different electronic components (safely) and research common hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Learn About Your Team<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At this point, it\u2019s time to combine your understanding of software and hardware to see where a firmware engineer\u2019s responsibilities begin. Firmware engineers never work alone on projects, so it\u2019s a good idea to learn how to operate as part of a team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Required Education to Become a Firmware Engineer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are no hard educational requirements to become a firmware engineer. But it does require a lot of learning. Below are some courses that can help you on your journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Programs and Courses to Become a Firmware Engineer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The best place to start your career as a firmware engineer is to learn programming and computer science. Here are a few ideas on how to take that first step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Udemy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n