Firmware Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Firmware engineer positions qualify for H-1B visa, O-1 visa, and TN visa sponsorship when they require a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science. Most firmware roles meet specialty occupation requirements due to their hardware-software integration complexity and embedded systems expertise requirements. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company – to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.
Duties & Responsibilities:
We are seeking an experienced Sr. Firmware Engineer to join our team at Viavi Solutions Inc. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, development, and debugging of embedded firmware for our innovative network test and measurement products.
Job Responsibilities
- Analyzes, designs, programs, debugs and modifies software.
- Troubleshoots code for firmware (IC embedded code) applications.
- Work often involves analog and digital hardware and software operating systems.
- Position requires knowledge and exposure to hardware design.
- Typically programs in machine language, assembly language and high-level languages (e.g., C, C++).
- Design, develop, and maintain high-quality firmware for embedded systems, including microcontrollers and FPGAs.
- Lead the architecture and implementation of new firmware features and functionalities, from concept to production.
- Collaborate with hardware engineers, software engineers, and product management to define specifications and ensure seamless integration.
- Perform thorough debugging, testing, and validation of firmware to ensure reliability, performance, and adherence to requirements.
- Develop and execute unit tests, integration tests, and system tests for firmware components.
- Participate in code reviews to maintain code quality and share knowledge within the team.
- Write comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and release notes.
- Support existing products, troubleshoot field issues, and implement bug fixes as needed.
- Stay current with emerging technologies and industry best practices in embedded systems and firmware development.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in embedded firmware development.
- Expert proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems.
- Strong experience with various microcontrollers (e.g., ARM Cortex-M/R/A, PIC, AVR) and their peripheral interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, USB, Ethernet, CAN).
- Demonstrated experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as FreeRTOS, VxWorks, or similar.
- Familiarity with hardware-software co-design and debugging tools (e.g., oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, in-circuit debuggers).
- Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git).
- Solid understanding of communication protocols and networking concepts (e.g., TCP/IP, Ethernet).
- Ability to read and interpret hardware schematics and datasheets.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python) for automation and testing is a plus.
- Knowledge of FPGA development (VHDL/Verilog) is a plus.
Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:
If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.
VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer – minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.
Job Posting Pay Range:
96,600 to 179,400
Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.
Summary
VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company – to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.
Duties & Responsibilities:
We are seeking an experienced Sr. Firmware Engineer to join our team at Viavi Solutions Inc. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, development, and debugging of embedded firmware for our innovative network test and measurement products.
Job Responsibilities
- Analyzes, designs, programs, debugs and modifies software.
- Troubleshoots code for firmware (IC embedded code) applications.
- Work often involves analog and digital hardware and software operating systems.
- Position requires knowledge and exposure to hardware design.
- Typically programs in machine language, assembly language and high-level languages (e.g., C, C++).
- Design, develop, and maintain high-quality firmware for embedded systems, including microcontrollers and FPGAs.
- Lead the architecture and implementation of new firmware features and functionalities, from concept to production.
- Collaborate with hardware engineers, software engineers, and product management to define specifications and ensure seamless integration.
- Perform thorough debugging, testing, and validation of firmware to ensure reliability, performance, and adherence to requirements.
- Develop and execute unit tests, integration tests, and system tests for firmware components.
- Participate in code reviews to maintain code quality and share knowledge within the team.
- Write comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and release notes.
- Support existing products, troubleshoot field issues, and implement bug fixes as needed.
- Stay current with emerging technologies and industry best practices in embedded systems and firmware development.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in embedded firmware development.
- Expert proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems.
- Strong experience with various microcontrollers (e.g., ARM Cortex-M/R/A, PIC, AVR) and their peripheral interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, USB, Ethernet, CAN).
- Demonstrated experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as FreeRTOS, VxWorks, or similar.
- Familiarity with hardware-software co-design and debugging tools (e.g., oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, in-circuit debuggers).
- Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git).
- Solid understanding of communication protocols and networking concepts (e.g., TCP/IP, Ethernet).
- Ability to read and interpret hardware schematics and datasheets.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python) for automation and testing is a plus.
- Knowledge of FPGA development (VHDL/Verilog) is a plus.
Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:
If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.
VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer – minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.
Job Posting Pay Range:
96,600 to 179,400
Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.
See all 219+ Firmware Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Firmware Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Firmware Engineer
Emphasize hardware-software integration skills
Highlight experience with embedded systems, real-time operating systems, and hardware abstraction layers. These specialized skills demonstrate the technical complexity that supports H-1B specialty occupation requirements.
Target companies with existing hardware products
Focus on established tech companies, automotive manufacturers, and IoT device makers. These employers regularly sponsor visas and understand the specialized nature of firmware development roles.
Showcase specific programming languages and tools
Emphasize C/C++, Assembly, RTOS experience, and hardware debugging tools like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers. Specific technical skills strengthen your specialty occupation case significantly.
Consider adjacent visa categories
TN visa covers 'Computer Systems Analyst' for Canadian/Mexican citizens. O-1 works for firmware engineers with patents, published research, or recognition in embedded systems development.
Research company product lines thoroughly
Study the employer's hardware products and firmware challenges. Demonstrating knowledge of their specific embedded systems during interviews shows genuine interest and technical alignment.
Prepare for technical visa interview questions
Be ready to explain how firmware differs from software development and why your specific degree is essential for embedded systems work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do firmware engineer roles qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, firmware engineer positions typically qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship because they require specialized knowledge of embedded systems, hardware-software interfaces, and real-time programming. The role's technical complexity and degree requirements clearly meet specialty occupation criteria. Most successful petitions emphasize the position's unique hardware integration aspects.
What degree do I need for firmware engineer visa sponsorship?
You need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a closely related field. Some employers accept electrical engineering technology degrees with significant firmware experience. The key is demonstrating how your education directly relates to embedded systems development and hardware programming requirements.
Can firmware engineers get TN visa sponsorship?
Canadian and Mexican citizens can potentially qualify under the 'Computer Systems Analyst' TN visa category, though this requires careful positioning since TN doesn't have a specific firmware engineer category. The role must emphasize systems analysis and design aspects rather than pure programming. Success depends on job description alignment.
What makes firmware engineer H-1B petitions strong?
Strong petitions emphasize the specialized nature of embedded systems work, real-time constraints, hardware debugging requirements, and low-level programming complexity. Highlighting specific protocols (SPI, I2C, UART), microcontroller families, and safety-critical applications strengthens the specialty occupation argument. Patent applications or published research also help.
Do firmware engineers face higher H-1B denial rates?
Firmware engineer H-1B petitions generally have favorable approval rates because the role clearly requires specialized technical knowledge and a relevant degree. However, positions at small companies or those with generic job descriptions may face more scrutiny. Success rates improve with detailed technical requirements and established hardware product companies.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Firmware Engineer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
How to find Firmware Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Firmware Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international talent with sponsoring employers. Focus on technology companies, semiconductor manufacturers, automotive firms, and IoT device makers that commonly hire firmware engineers. These employers typically offer H-1B, TN, or O-1 visas for qualified candidates with embedded systems experience.