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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Get Access To All JobsEmbedded Firmware and Software Engineer
Description -
This role is responsible for driving design, development, and debugging of embedded software/firmware for hardware, ensuring efficient and reliable operation. The role collaborates with hardware engineers to integrate software and firmware with hardware components, ensuring seamless communication and functionality. The role works closely with software developers, hardware engineers, quality assurance, and product managers to deliver high-quality products.
Responsibilities
- Owns the preparation and creation of instructional technical manuscripts for firmware operation.
- Allocates resources to complete programming projects, and designing detailed plans to ensure firmware is functioning properly.
- Designs enhancements, updates, and programming changes for portions and subsystems of firmware, including DSP, embedded code, EFI drivers, EFI applications and BIOS/UEFI.
- Analyzes design and determines coding, programming, and integration activities required based on general objectives and knowledge of overall architecture of product or solution.
- Writes and executes complete testing plans, protocols, and documentation for assigned portion of application; creates solutions for issues with code and integrates into application architecture.
- Leads a project team of other software firmware engineers and internal and outsourced development partners to develop reliable, cost effective and high quality solutions for assigned systems portion or subsystem.
- Collaborates and communicates with management, internal, and outsourced development partners regarding firmware design status, project progress, and issue resolution.
- Represents the software firmware engineering team for all phases of larger and more-complex development projects, from microarchitecture design through firmware architecture and development.
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams including architects, hardware engineers, software developers, and product managers to ensure that firmware requirements and specifications are clearly defined.
- Stays up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in firmware technologies, and provide recommendations for improvement.
Education & Experience Recommended
- Four-year or Graduate Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, or any other related discipline or commensurate work experience or demonstrated competence.
- 4-6 years of work experience, preferably in firmware development, or a related field or an advanced degree with 3-5 years of work experience.
Knowledge & Skills
- Agile Methodology
- Algorithms
- C (Programming Language)
- C++ (Programming Language)
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Debugging
- Electrical Engineering
- Embedded Software
- Embedded Systems
- Firmware
- Firmware Development
- Git (Version Control System)
- Linux
- New Product Development
- Operating Systems
- Python (Programming Language)
- Real-Time Operating Systems
- Software Development
- Software Engineering
Cross-Org Skills
- Effective Communication
- Results Orientation
- Learning Agility
- Digital Fluency
- Customer Centricity
Impact & Scope
- Impacts multiple teams and may act as a team or project leader providing direction to team activities and facilitates information validation and team decision making process.
Complexity
- Responds to moderately complex issues within established guidelines.
Disclaimer
- This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, responsibilities, knowledge, etc. These may be subject to change and additional functions may be assigned as needed by management.
The pay range for this role is $105,050 to $161,800 USD annually with additional opportunities for pay in the form of bonus and/or equity (applies to United States of America candidates only). Pay varies by work location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Benefits:
HP offers a comprehensive benefits package for this position, including:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Long term/short term disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Life insurance
- Generous time off policies, including;
- 4-12 weeks fully paid parental leave based on tenure
- 11 paid holidays
- Additional flexible paid vacation and sick leave (US benefits overview)
The compensation and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.
Job -
Software
Schedule -
Full time
Shift -
No shift premium (United States of America)
Travel -
Relocation -
Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) -
HP, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and prospective employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, uniformed service status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable national, federal, state, and local law(s).
Please be assured that you will not be subject to any adverse treatment if you choose to disclose the information requested. This information is provided voluntarily. The information obtained will be kept in strict confidence.
For more information, review HP’s EEO Policy or read about your rights as an applicant under the law here: “Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal"
Embedded Firmware and Software Engineer
Description -
This role is responsible for driving design, development, and debugging of embedded software/firmware for hardware, ensuring efficient and reliable operation. The role collaborates with hardware engineers to integrate software and firmware with hardware components, ensuring seamless communication and functionality. The role works closely with software developers, hardware engineers, quality assurance, and product managers to deliver high-quality products.
Responsibilities
- Owns the preparation and creation of instructional technical manuscripts for firmware operation.
- Allocates resources to complete programming projects, and designing detailed plans to ensure firmware is functioning properly.
- Designs enhancements, updates, and programming changes for portions and subsystems of firmware, including DSP, embedded code, EFI drivers, EFI applications and BIOS/UEFI.
- Analyzes design and determines coding, programming, and integration activities required based on general objectives and knowledge of overall architecture of product or solution.
- Writes and executes complete testing plans, protocols, and documentation for assigned portion of application; creates solutions for issues with code and integrates into application architecture.
- Leads a project team of other software firmware engineers and internal and outsourced development partners to develop reliable, cost effective and high quality solutions for assigned systems portion or subsystem.
- Collaborates and communicates with management, internal, and outsourced development partners regarding firmware design status, project progress, and issue resolution.
- Represents the software firmware engineering team for all phases of larger and more-complex development projects, from microarchitecture design through firmware architecture and development.
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams including architects, hardware engineers, software developers, and product managers to ensure that firmware requirements and specifications are clearly defined.
- Stays up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in firmware technologies, and provide recommendations for improvement.
Education & Experience Recommended
- Four-year or Graduate Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, or any other related discipline or commensurate work experience or demonstrated competence.
- 4-6 years of work experience, preferably in firmware development, or a related field or an advanced degree with 3-5 years of work experience.
Knowledge & Skills
- Agile Methodology
- Algorithms
- C (Programming Language)
- C++ (Programming Language)
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Debugging
- Electrical Engineering
- Embedded Software
- Embedded Systems
- Firmware
- Firmware Development
- Git (Version Control System)
- Linux
- New Product Development
- Operating Systems
- Python (Programming Language)
- Real-Time Operating Systems
- Software Development
- Software Engineering
Cross-Org Skills
- Effective Communication
- Results Orientation
- Learning Agility
- Digital Fluency
- Customer Centricity
Impact & Scope
- Impacts multiple teams and may act as a team or project leader providing direction to team activities and facilitates information validation and team decision making process.
Complexity
- Responds to moderately complex issues within established guidelines.
Disclaimer
- This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, responsibilities, knowledge, etc. These may be subject to change and additional functions may be assigned as needed by management.
The pay range for this role is $105,050 to $161,800 USD annually with additional opportunities for pay in the form of bonus and/or equity (applies to United States of America candidates only). Pay varies by work location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Benefits:
HP offers a comprehensive benefits package for this position, including:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Long term/short term disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Life insurance
- Generous time off policies, including;
- 4-12 weeks fully paid parental leave based on tenure
- 11 paid holidays
- Additional flexible paid vacation and sick leave (US benefits overview)
The compensation and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.
Job -
Software
Schedule -
Full time
Shift -
No shift premium (United States of America)
Travel -
Relocation -
Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) -
HP, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and prospective employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, uniformed service status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable national, federal, state, and local law(s).
Please be assured that you will not be subject to any adverse treatment if you choose to disclose the information requested. This information is provided voluntarily. The information obtained will be kept in strict confidence.
For more information, review HP’s EEO Policy or read about your rights as an applicant under the law here: “Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal"
See all 56+ 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.