Firmware Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Firmware engineering roles are primarily sponsored through H-1B visas, with L-1 visa transfers common at multinational semiconductor and hardware companies. You'll find sponsorship from companies like Qualcomm, Intel, Texas Instruments, and defense contractors, though some defense-related positions require U.S. citizenship. Candidates with advanced degrees may also qualify for EB-2 green card sponsorship relatively quickly given the specialized nature of the work. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER. ADVANCE THE WORLD.
At AMD, we believe technology has the power to solve the world’s most important challenges. From advancing healthcare and scientific discovery to powering AI and the technologies people rely on every day, innovation at AMD is shaping the future.
Whether you’re designing next-gen processors, enabling AI breakthroughs, or bringing leading edge products to market, every role at AMD contributes to something bigger — technology that moves the world forward. Join us and, together, we’ll advance your career.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
THE TEAM:
AMD's Compute & Enterprise AI (CEAI) BU is transforming the industry with our Compute & Enterprise AI based Processors. Our primary objective is to design exceptional products that drive the evolution of computing experiences, serving as the cornerstone for enterprise Data Centers, (AI) Artificial Intelligence, HPC and Embedded systems. If this resonates with you, come and join our SPSE Firmware organization where we are building amazing AI powered products with amazing people.
The Director of Firmware (People Leader role) is the overall program leader responsible for driving firmware delivery for AMD's most critical Compute & Enterprise AI (CEAI) & SPSE programs from concept through high-volume execution.
This high-profile position requires marrying seasoned firmware expertise and creative problem-solving with executive-level technical leadership. You will serve as the primary Firmware Owner and single point of contact for a given program, ensuring the timely, high-quality delivery of cutting-edge solutions to meet the world’s burgeoning demand for AI compute.
You will collaborate extensively with customers, business executives, architects, and engineering teams (silicon, hardware, and software) to bring to life the world's fastest servers and clusters. Your influence will be broad, shaping follow-on programs and mission-critical decisions in currently deployed products.
THE PERSON
The ideal candidate possesses a solid track record of driving innovation through firmware and a deep knowledge of technical program management. You are an outstanding communicator with a proven ability to lead and deliver sophisticated software/hardware programs in a high-pressure environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Firmware Ownership & Strategy:
- Own the end-to-end firmware delivery for assigned programs, including ensuring architectural feasibility and innovative solution pathfinding for complex technical challenges.
- Scope the technical feasibility of new products by clarifying and analyzing requirements with Software/Hardware Architects and Technical Leads.
- Define, plan, and drive projects and program plans based on executive and senior technical guidance.
Team & leadership:
- Build and lead cross-functional teams — in Compute and Enterprise AI — for multiple products across CEAI Product Line.
- Hire, coach, and grow senior ICs and engineering leaders; set the bar for who joins newly and develop the leadership pipeline.
Program Management & Execution:
- Build, create, and execute a comprehensive, well-managed program plan.
- Develop a program schedule by factoring in all Firmware, Driver, SW Stack components, and Hardware dependencies; negotiate and create a supporting staffing plan.
- Establish formal program management artifacts and metrics, including a plan of record, statements of work, project timelines, budget, scope, performance, and quality KPIs & OKRs.
- Drive engineering efficiency through various means, including AI, and plan for risks with preventative mitigation methods.
Communication & Executive Leadership:
- Serve as the primary program point of contact for all firmware-related matters, both internally and externally (to customers and partners).
- Communicate program status, technical issues, risk management, and recommended mitigation plans clearly and concisely to cross-functional and executive teams.
- Develop high-quality executive communications and establish a strong comfort level with senior leadership to drive timely resolution of all roadblocks.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 15+ years of progressive experience in firmware or embedded software development.
- 5+ years of technical leadership or technical program management experience with a proven track record of measured results.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and successful delivery of sophisticated hardware/software co-development programs.
- Outstanding track record of creative problem solving and innovative debug skills in complex systems.
- Proven ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with senior executives and external customers/partners.
- Experience working in a high-pressure environment with competing priorities and tight turnaround times.
- Familiarity with modern project delivery methodologies (e.g., Agile).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a similar technical field.
- Formal Project Management education, PMP certification ideal but not required.
LOCATION
Austin, TX
LI-DNI
LI-HYBRID
Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance. AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
INTRODUCTION
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER. ADVANCE THE WORLD.
At AMD, we believe technology has the power to solve the world’s most important challenges. From advancing healthcare and scientific discovery to powering AI and the technologies people rely on every day, innovation at AMD is shaping the future.
Whether you’re designing next-gen processors, enabling AI breakthroughs, or bringing leading edge products to market, every role at AMD contributes to something bigger — technology that moves the world forward. Join us and, together, we’ll advance your career.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
THE TEAM:
AMD's Compute & Enterprise AI (CEAI) BU is transforming the industry with our Compute & Enterprise AI based Processors. Our primary objective is to design exceptional products that drive the evolution of computing experiences, serving as the cornerstone for enterprise Data Centers, (AI) Artificial Intelligence, HPC and Embedded systems. If this resonates with you, come and join our SPSE Firmware organization where we are building amazing AI powered products with amazing people.
The Director of Firmware (People Leader role) is the overall program leader responsible for driving firmware delivery for AMD's most critical Compute & Enterprise AI (CEAI) & SPSE programs from concept through high-volume execution.
This high-profile position requires marrying seasoned firmware expertise and creative problem-solving with executive-level technical leadership. You will serve as the primary Firmware Owner and single point of contact for a given program, ensuring the timely, high-quality delivery of cutting-edge solutions to meet the world’s burgeoning demand for AI compute.
You will collaborate extensively with customers, business executives, architects, and engineering teams (silicon, hardware, and software) to bring to life the world's fastest servers and clusters. Your influence will be broad, shaping follow-on programs and mission-critical decisions in currently deployed products.
THE PERSON
The ideal candidate possesses a solid track record of driving innovation through firmware and a deep knowledge of technical program management. You are an outstanding communicator with a proven ability to lead and deliver sophisticated software/hardware programs in a high-pressure environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Firmware Ownership & Strategy:
- Own the end-to-end firmware delivery for assigned programs, including ensuring architectural feasibility and innovative solution pathfinding for complex technical challenges.
- Scope the technical feasibility of new products by clarifying and analyzing requirements with Software/Hardware Architects and Technical Leads.
- Define, plan, and drive projects and program plans based on executive and senior technical guidance.
Team & leadership:
- Build and lead cross-functional teams — in Compute and Enterprise AI — for multiple products across CEAI Product Line.
- Hire, coach, and grow senior ICs and engineering leaders; set the bar for who joins newly and develop the leadership pipeline.
Program Management & Execution:
- Build, create, and execute a comprehensive, well-managed program plan.
- Develop a program schedule by factoring in all Firmware, Driver, SW Stack components, and Hardware dependencies; negotiate and create a supporting staffing plan.
- Establish formal program management artifacts and metrics, including a plan of record, statements of work, project timelines, budget, scope, performance, and quality KPIs & OKRs.
- Drive engineering efficiency through various means, including AI, and plan for risks with preventative mitigation methods.
Communication & Executive Leadership:
- Serve as the primary program point of contact for all firmware-related matters, both internally and externally (to customers and partners).
- Communicate program status, technical issues, risk management, and recommended mitigation plans clearly and concisely to cross-functional and executive teams.
- Develop high-quality executive communications and establish a strong comfort level with senior leadership to drive timely resolution of all roadblocks.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 15+ years of progressive experience in firmware or embedded software development.
- 5+ years of technical leadership or technical program management experience with a proven track record of measured results.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and successful delivery of sophisticated hardware/software co-development programs.
- Outstanding track record of creative problem solving and innovative debug skills in complex systems.
- Proven ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with senior executives and external customers/partners.
- Experience working in a high-pressure environment with competing priorities and tight turnaround times.
- Familiarity with modern project delivery methodologies (e.g., Agile).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a similar technical field.
- Formal Project Management education, PMP certification ideal but not required.
LOCATION
Austin, TX
LI-DNI
LI-HYBRID
Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance. AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Firmware Jobs
Target semiconductor companies with established sponsorship programs
Intel, Qualcomm, Broadcom, NVIDIA, and Texas Instruments hire firmware engineers at scale and have well-established visa sponsorship infrastructure. These companies work on cutting-edge chip architectures, wireless protocols, and GPU firmware that require deep embedded systems expertise. Their consistent hiring needs and technical complexity make them reliable sponsors for firmware professionals.
Highlight RTOS and embedded C/C++ expertise prominently
Real-time operating systems (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, VxWorks) and embedded C/C++ programming are the core technical requirements for firmware roles. Employers expect candidates to understand interrupt handling, memory management in constrained environments, and real-time scheduling. These skills are highly specialized and clearly require formal education, which directly supports the specialty occupation classification.
Focus on automotive and EV companies investing in connected vehicles
Tesla, Rivian, Ford, GM, and automotive suppliers like Bosch and Continental are hiring firmware engineers for ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), battery management systems, and infotainment platforms. The automotive industry's shift toward electric and autonomous vehicles has created strong demand for firmware talent. These companies often sponsor because the skills they need are scarce in the domestic labor market.
Emphasize hardware-software integration and debugging skills
Firmware engineers who can work with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG debuggers, and hardware schematics bring skills that pure software developers lack. This ability to bridge the hardware-software gap is what defines firmware engineering as a distinct specialty. Describing specific debugging scenarios where you traced issues across hardware and firmware layers demonstrates expertise that employers and immigration attorneys can clearly articulate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do firmware engineering roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes. Firmware engineering is a well-established specialty occupation because it requires a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science, combined with specialized knowledge of embedded systems programming. The role's requirement for understanding both hardware and software makes it unambiguously technical and degree-dependent. Firmware positions typically have straightforward H-1B petition outcomes.
How to find Firmware jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find firmware jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus on tech companies, semiconductor manufacturers, automotive firms, and IoT device makers that commonly sponsor H-1B, TN visa, and O-1 visas for firmware engineers. These employers actively seek skilled developers for embedded systems and hardware programming roles.
Which industries hire firmware engineers with visa sponsorship?
Semiconductor companies (Intel, Qualcomm, Broadcom, NVIDIA), automotive manufacturers and suppliers (Tesla, Ford, Bosch, Continental), consumer electronics companies (Apple, Samsung, Dyson), and medical device companies (Medtronic, Abbott, Boston Scientific) all sponsor firmware engineers. The IoT and connected device market has also expanded demand at companies building smart home products, wearables, and industrial sensors.
What degree background do I need for firmware visa sponsorship roles?
Computer engineering and electrical engineering are the most direct degree matches for firmware positions. Computer science degrees with coursework in embedded systems, operating systems, and computer architecture also qualify. The hardware-software intersection that defines firmware work means USCIS rarely questions whether the role requires a specialized degree - it clearly does.
Are firmware roles harder to find with visa sponsorship compared to software roles?
Firmware positions are less numerous than software roles, but the smaller talent pool means less competition per opening. Companies hiring firmware engineers often struggle to find qualified candidates domestically, which can make them more motivated to sponsor. The specialized nature of firmware work - requiring knowledge of RTOS, hardware interfaces, and low-level debugging - limits the candidate pool in a way that supports sponsorship.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Firmware jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a firmware in California will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search.