Firmware Engineer at Actalent
Alpharetta, GA
$98,122–$142,088from the description
Jul 20, 2026
Alpharetta, GA
Jul 22, 2026
What this job asks for AI summary
A staff-level embedded firmware role focused on cellular modem interface development for Smart Grid devices. The work centers on writing and debugging C firmware for RTOS-based embedded systems, analyzing modem logs and network traces, and managing carrier-specific connectivity behaviors. Roughly 70% of the time is hands-on development; the remainder involves technical leadership, code review, and mentoring junior engineers on a cross-functional R&D team.
Senior level · 5+ years · Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA · Bachelor's required · Full-time
Advertised as Staff, but the requirements read as Senior.
We read this from the posting text with AI. Skim the description below before ruling yourself out.
How this req sits in the market our data
Rare in this occupation — lead with these, and say what you built with them.
What the occupation pays Median $135,884 (middle half $106,941–$167,811). This posting is about at that midpoint.
Estimated from BLS employment for this occupation and area, per-skill prevalence across our listing corpus, and published wage benchmarks — as of Jul 28, 2026. It is a model, not a headcount.
Why we read it this way (8)
The title is 'Staff Firmware Engineer' but the actual scope — 70% hands-on development, leading small project teams, mentoring junior engineers — aligns with a Senior individual contributor rather than a true Staff-level role with org-wide technical authority. Seniority is assessed as Senior accordingly.
Total years of experience is stated as '5–10 years'; the minimum of 5 is used for the overall years minimum.
PSM (Power Saving Mode) and eDRX are listed as required knowledge items in the Essential Skills section; they are named cellular power-management standards rather than generic concepts, so they are captured as required skills.
C++ appears only under 'Additional Skills & Qualifications' and is therefore marked preferred.
Linux and modem test tools also appear only under 'Additional Skills & Qualifications' and are marked preferred.
The role is posted through Actalent, a staffing/engineering services firm; the permanent placement is with the end client in Alpharetta, GA.
SOC 15-1252 (Software Developers) is used because the role is primarily hands-on firmware code authorship; 15-1299 (Computer Occupations, All Other) is noted as a runner-up given the embedded/firmware specialization that sits somewhat outside mainstream software development.
Ignored 1 non-technology phrase(s) as skills (responsibilities/concepts, not named tools): embedded firmware development.
Read the full posting
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