Firmware engineering is used in a wide variety of products ranging from the remotes, personal computers, consumer products, automobiles, etc. Firmware engineer responsibilities need to be executed effectively in order to develop a software application that will satisfy the functional and the operational requirements and assist in implementing a system that will help in accomplishing the desired objective. He may either function individually, or may need to work in a team, and will need to customize a software to optimize the functional efficiency and implement a system as per clients specifications.
Key Responsibilities of a Firmware Engineer
Firmware engineers work closely on the hardware on which the software runs. He plays a vital role in supporting the life cycle of entire range of products right from its inception to the final implementation of the software application. He conducts proper analysis to design and develop a firmware, so as to provide best services for the clients products. Before implementing the firmware, he ensures that it is tested properly and collaborates with the other engineering staff personnel to address the technical issues and resolve them. Even after proper implementation of the system he evaluates the performance of the system and ensures that it is compliant with the company's rules and regulations. To better understand the role of a firmware engineer, it is essential that we take a look as to what exactly are the responsibilities that need to be handled by a firmware engineer:
Apart from the above responsibilities, he is also responsible for supervising the other technical and engineering staff members. He is responsible for contributing towards writing and maintaining all the documentation and reports relevant to the software application. He may use recommendations to improve the efficiency of the application, and is involved in training and mentoring the new staff personnel. He ensures that the system is designed in such a manner, so as to comply with the organizations policies and procedures. Thus, in short he is responsible for a wide variety of complex tasks in designing, developing, and implementing a system, and providing a detailed analysis and evaluation to construct a system design that is tested and validated so that technical issues can be resolved.
Essential Skills
A firmware engineer should be a self starter, quick learner, and should be highly motivated to develop a system as per the clients requirements. He should be a quick learner, and should have be good at resolving the problems that may occur in the system. He should have excellent written and verbal communication skills. He should be a good team player, as well as, should be able to work independently. He should be comfortable to work within the given time constraints, and should be able to deliver quality even under stressful conditions.
Educational Background
The best way to become a firmware engineer is by acquiring a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, information science, mathematics, or any other relevant technical field. A certification course in firmware engineering would also prove to beneficial. Those with a masters degree will definitely get preference. Those with a successful track record of handling various projects will have an advantage.
Work Hours
A firmware engineer's normal weekly schedule comprises forty to forty five hours of duty. If some project needs to be completed on the given deadline, he may need to put in some extra hours to ensure its timely completion. Therefore, he should be flexible to work at odd hours, as he may even need to work sometimes on the weekends and holidays.
Salary Details
The average salary for the firmware engineers is $95,000. Inexperienced firmware engineers can get a starting salary close in the range of $55,000. Experienced candidates can earn in the range of $115,000 to $145,000. It is also dependent on the geographical location, size, and type of the organization he is working in.
Career Prospects
With the latest technological advancement happening, the career prospects are really bright for those aspiring to stabilize in the field of firmware engineering. Those with demonstrated work experience and strong educational background will have a huge scope for development.
Thus, to become a complete professional in this field, you must be able to carry out firmware engineer responsibilities efficiently and effectively.