Embedded Systems / Firmware Engineer
RisingEngineering
Writes the low-level software (firmware) that runs inside electronic devices such as radios, sensors, IoT gadgets, car parts and industrial controllers, working between hardware and software. It is a common E&E job in Penang and the Klang Valley, usually entered with an electrical, electronics or computer engineering degree.
Picture the job
Where you'd usually workAn electronics bench or lab
An illustration of a typical workplace, not a photo. Real workplaces vary.
In Malaysia
- How people get into it here
- SPM with good Mathematics, Additional Mathematics and Physics → Matriculation, STPM, foundation or an electronics diploma → degree in electrical/electronic, computer or mechatronics engineering (learn C/C++ and microcontrollers) → fresh-graduate embedded or firmware engineer role, often at a Penang E&E multinational. Personal projects with Arduino, ESP32 or Raspberry Pi help a lot.
Pay in the private market
Monthly pay from fresh grad to mid-career, from the salary guide cited on this page.
Entry
Government pay isn't shown: we haven't yet sourced the SSPA civil-service salary tables, and we won't estimate them.
Job demand outlook
Hiring is growing: more openings expected over the next few years.
Your readiness
How your current SPM subjects line up with this career.
Add your SPM grades to see how ready you are for this career.
Add my gradesHow to get here
Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.
Asasi / Foundation
One-year runway into a specific university: public via UPU or private direct entry.
Diploma
Skill-first qualification. Work after, or enter degree Year 2. Polytechnics keep it affordable.
TVET
Hands-on trades with strong employability: ILP, ADTEC, kolej vokasional, GiatMARA.
Check what you may qualify for
Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.
Quick answers
How do you become an Embedded Systems / Firmware Engineer in Malaysia?
SPM with good Mathematics, Additional Mathematics and Physics → Matriculation, STPM, foundation or an electronics diploma → degree in electrical/electronic, computer or mechatronics engineering (learn C/C++ and microcontrollers) → fresh-graduate embedded or firmware engineer role, often at a Penang E&E multinational. Personal projects with Arduino, ESP32 or Raspberry Pi help a lot.
What should I study to become an Embedded Systems / Firmware Engineer?
Related fields of study: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. SPM subjects that help most: Physics, Additional Mathematics, Design & Technology (RBT) and Computer Science / ICT.
How much does an Embedded Systems / Firmware Engineer earn in Malaysia?
Published figures put starting pay at RM2,499 – RM4,761 a month (source: MEF Salary Survey for Executives 2024 via MIDA Cost of Doing Business 2025 (Junior Engineer, manufacturing, RM2,499-4,761 basic); no published guide has an embedded-specific row, so mid-career pay is omitted, Sep 2026).
Subjects that matter here
The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.
Skills to build
What beginner adverts asked for
We read 90 internship and fresh-graduate adverts in related fields (August 2026). A small sample from one job site, not every vacancy.
63 of 90 were internships
Allowance or pay, when stated
RM800 – RM2,800
51 of 90 adverts printed an amount: usually between RM800 and RM2,800 a month. Many print none.
Minimum CGPA asked
2.00 to 3.50
Stated in 8 adverts. Others did not state one.
Languages named
Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin
An empty line means the adverts did not say, not that employers have no requirement. Check each employer's own advert before you plan around it.
About this information
This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.
Source: MEF Salary Survey for Executives 2024 via MIDA Cost of Doing Business 2025 (Junior Engineer, manufacturing, RM2,499-4,761 basic); no published guide has an embedded-specific row, so mid-career pay is omitted · as of Sept 2026
Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org