OPT Firmware Jobs
Firmware engineering roles are among the more OPT-friendly positions in hardware and embedded systems. Most require a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science, and STEM OPT extension eligibility means you can work for up to three years while pursuing H-1B visa sponsorship with an employer.
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Astrodyne TDI is looking for an Embedded Firmware Engineer with an EE or CS background that is interested in embedded FW and HW design. An ideal candidate would have an aptitude for problem solving in both the digital and analog realms. The candidate will have experience with or even a general curiosity for fields such as IOT, robotics, DSP, UAVs, or any hobbyist embedded area. Moderate use of any program language/IDE would indicate aptitude for this position. We are willing to train for this position; the candidate must have the raw talent to build on and the drive to learn and execute well while working in a fast paced/hands on environment.
Job Responsibilities:
- Act as an individual firmware/software contributor for 162bit microcontrollers.
- Writing firmware in "C" for bare-metal applications.
- Understand board level schematics for internally designed embedded controllers.
- Debugging with in-circuit debuggers, logic analyzers, UART terminals, signal toggles.
- Hands on lab troubleshooting with the power engineering team for system level debug.
- Assisting operations, production, and quality with power supply development and troubleshooting.
- Carry out and document system design verification, system characterization and validation testing.
- Prepare status reports and presentations for both internal and external company use.
Qualifications
- A B.S.E in Electrical Engineering, B.S in Computer Science, or pertinent experience is required.
- A minimum of 1+ years' of hands-on experience developing and troubleshooting hardware or software (preferably both, could be hobbyist work).
- Knowledge of microcontroller hardware/system on chip (SoC) peripherals and how to configure and make use of them in our designs.
- Experience with common embedded communication protocols such as CAN, TCP/IP, USB, SPI, I2C, & UART in a real time environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with "Git" or any source control repository systems is a plus.
- Preferred programming languages are C, C#, javascript, or HTML, but any language used in an embedded context is acceptable.
- Troubleshooting skills – aptitude in diagnostics/problem solving.
- Hands-on bread boarding skills and circuit prototyping skills.
- Knowledge of common digital and analog circuitry.
- Use of middleware such as LWIP, FreeRTOS, Azure RTOS, or any embedded HAL libraries.
- Experience in creation of documentation associated with firmware requirements.
Salary Range: $70,000-$80,000
AAP/EEO Statement
Astrodyne TDI is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
Please note that Astrodyne TDI does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Astrodyne TDI will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Astrodyne TDI explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Astrodyne TDI.
Summary
Astrodyne TDI is looking for an Embedded Firmware Engineer with an EE or CS background that is interested in embedded FW and HW design. An ideal candidate would have an aptitude for problem solving in both the digital and analog realms. The candidate will have experience with or even a general curiosity for fields such as IOT, robotics, DSP, UAVs, or any hobbyist embedded area. Moderate use of any program language/IDE would indicate aptitude for this position. We are willing to train for this position; the candidate must have the raw talent to build on and the drive to learn and execute well while working in a fast paced/hands on environment.
Job Responsibilities:
- Act as an individual firmware/software contributor for 162bit microcontrollers.
- Writing firmware in "C" for bare-metal applications.
- Understand board level schematics for internally designed embedded controllers.
- Debugging with in-circuit debuggers, logic analyzers, UART terminals, signal toggles.
- Hands on lab troubleshooting with the power engineering team for system level debug.
- Assisting operations, production, and quality with power supply development and troubleshooting.
- Carry out and document system design verification, system characterization and validation testing.
- Prepare status reports and presentations for both internal and external company use.
Qualifications
- A B.S.E in Electrical Engineering, B.S in Computer Science, or pertinent experience is required.
- A minimum of 1+ years' of hands-on experience developing and troubleshooting hardware or software (preferably both, could be hobbyist work).
- Knowledge of microcontroller hardware/system on chip (SoC) peripherals and how to configure and make use of them in our designs.
- Experience with common embedded communication protocols such as CAN, TCP/IP, USB, SPI, I2C, & UART in a real time environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with "Git" or any source control repository systems is a plus.
- Preferred programming languages are C, C#, javascript, or HTML, but any language used in an embedded context is acceptable.
- Troubleshooting skills – aptitude in diagnostics/problem solving.
- Hands-on bread boarding skills and circuit prototyping skills.
- Knowledge of common digital and analog circuitry.
- Use of middleware such as LWIP, FreeRTOS, Azure RTOS, or any embedded HAL libraries.
- Experience in creation of documentation associated with firmware requirements.
Salary Range: $70,000-$80,000
AAP/EEO Statement
Astrodyne TDI is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
Please note that Astrodyne TDI does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Astrodyne TDI will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Astrodyne TDI explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Astrodyne TDI.
See all 64+ OPT Firmware Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Firmware
Target hardware-focused companies early
Semiconductor firms, defense contractors, and consumer electronics companies hire firmware engineers regularly and are accustomed to sponsoring work visas. Prioritize employers with existing H-1B visa filing history over startups without immigration infrastructure.
Emphasize your STEM OPT eligibility
Firmware roles typically fall under STEM-eligible degree categories, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers who hesitate at standard 12-month OPT often reconsider once they understand the extended runway available to you.
Match your degree field to the job description
OPT authorization requires a direct relationship between your degree and your job duties. A computer engineering degree supports a firmware role clearly. Document how your coursework and projects connect to the embedded systems work you'll be doing.
Highlight low-level programming skills on your resume
Firmware engineers who can demonstrate C, C++, RTOS experience, and hardware debugging stand out to sponsoring employers. Concrete project examples from coursework or internships signal you can contribute from day one without extensive ramp-up time.
Apply to embedded systems roles at larger OEMs
Original equipment manufacturers in automotive, medical devices, and industrial automation frequently sponsor firmware engineers. Larger organizations have dedicated immigration counsel, making the sponsorship process more predictable and less dependent on individual manager knowledge.
Proactively address OPT status in your cover letter
Briefly stating your STEM OPT eligibility and H-1B timeline in your application removes ambiguity for hiring managers. Employers who are open to sponsorship appreciate candidates who understand their own status and can explain it clearly.
Firmware OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do firmware engineering jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, firmware engineering roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree is in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science. That gives you up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to support the extension, so confirm that before accepting an offer.
How do I find firmware jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers open to sponsoring F-1 OPT students, so you are not wasting applications on roles that will screen you out at the authorization question. Firmware roles at semiconductor companies, defense contractors, and automotive OEMs appear regularly on the platform. Filtering by STEM OPT eligibility narrows results to the most relevant opportunities.
Does my firmware job need to be directly related to my degree for OPT to be valid?
Yes. USCIS requires that your OPT employment be directly related to your major area of study. For firmware roles, a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science satisfies this requirement clearly. You are responsible for maintaining this connection and documenting it, so keep records of how your coursework aligns with your job duties.
Can I work on a firmware contract or as a consultant on OPT?
Yes, but with conditions. Self-employment is not permitted on OPT. Contract or consulting work is allowed only if you have a formal employer-employee relationship with a staffing firm or contracting company that employs you directly. The arrangement must still be in your degree field, and you cannot work as an independent contractor billing clients on your own.
What happens to my OPT if my firmware employer goes through layoffs?
If your firmware role is eliminated, you have a 60-day grace period to find new employment, transfer to another visa status, or prepare to depart the United States. During that window you are not authorized to work. Acting quickly matters. Updating your SEVIS record through your DSO within the grace period keeps your immigration record in good standing.