OPT Firmware Engineer Jobs
Firmware Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Embedded systems and real-time OS experience are the skills employers look for first.
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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 Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Firmware Engineer
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Firmware roles almost always qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, but your degree must be on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Electrical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science degrees typically qualify without issue.
Highlight embedded systems experience on your resume
Employers screening firmware candidates prioritize hands-on experience with microcontrollers, RTOS, and low-level C or C++. Listing specific chips you have worked with, such as ARM Cortex-M or ESP32, signals practical readiness and separates you from generalist applicants.
Target employers with existing OPT infrastructure
Defense contractors, semiconductor companies, and hardware startups regularly hire OPT students and understand the authorization timeline. Focusing on employers with a track record of sponsorship reduces friction and speeds up the hiring process significantly.
Start your job search 90 days before OPT begins
Firmware hiring moves slower than software because technical interviews include hardware debugging and coding assessments. Beginning your search early gives you time to complete multi-round interviews without racing against your authorization start date.
Address OPT duration proactively with hiring managers
Many firmware employers assume OPT authorization is only 12 months. Clarifying upfront that STEM OPT provides up to 36 months for qualifying roles reassures hiring managers and removes a common reason candidates are passed over early in the process.
Emphasize debugging and hardware validation skills
Firmware engineers who can validate hardware behavior, write test scripts, and use oscilloscopes or logic analyzers are in shorter supply than those who only write code. Demonstrating these skills in interviews positions you as a more complete and immediately productive hire.
Firmware Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Firmware Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Firmware Engineer roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field such as electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science. The extension requires your employer to be E-Verify enrolled and to sign a formal training plan with you.
How long can I work as a Firmware Engineer on OPT?
You have 12 months of standard OPT authorization after graduation. If your degree is STEM-designated and your employer is E-Verify enrolled, you can apply for a 24-month extension, giving you up to 36 months total. You must apply for the extension before your initial OPT period expires to maintain continuous work authorization.
What happens to my OPT if I lose my Firmware Engineer job?
OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment over the full authorization period, or 150 days if you have an approved STEM extension. Losing a firmware role does not immediately end your status, but you must find new employment within those limits. Tracking your unemployment days carefully is essential because exceeding the limit ends your OPT authorization.
Where can I find Firmware Engineer jobs that welcome OPT applicants?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters firmware roles by sponsorship willingness and STEM eligibility. Searching there saves time compared to manually screening postings that do not clarify OPT acceptance. Employers listed on Migrate Mate are already identified as open to candidates on OPT or requiring visa sponsorship.
Can I work on hardware projects requiring security clearance while on OPT?
Most security clearances require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, which OPT students do not hold. Firmware roles at defense contractors or government agencies often list clearance as a requirement, making those positions inaccessible on OPT. Commercial firmware roles in consumer electronics, automotive, or industrial sectors are generally open to OPT candidates without clearance requirements.