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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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 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.