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Contract Embedded Software Jobs in Massachusetts

Embedded Software Engineer

Westborough, MA

$135K - $178K/yr

About the Role We're looking for an Embedded Software Engineer to join us on a 6-12-month contract supporting the commercialization of a new instrumentation product. You'll work within existing ...

About the Role We're looking for an Embedded Software Engineer to join us on a 6-12-month contract supporting the commercialization of a new instrumentation product. You'll work within existing ...

Engineering Manager - Embedded Firmware

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$111K - $153K/yr

Oversee manufacturing test software and production integration with contract manufacturers (CMs ... embedded firmware * Deep microcontroller experience: C, bare-metal and RTOS environments, and ...

Demonstrated history of delivering quality automotive embedded software products to market * 5+ ... This is a Contract job opportunity for you. * Only US Citizen , Green Card Holder , GC-EAD , H4-EAD ...

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Showing results 1-20

Contract Embedded Software information

See Massachusetts salary details

$76.4K

$167.5K

$190K

How much do contract embedded software jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract embedded software in Massachusetts is $167,514.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $143,600.00 and $188,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical challenges faced in a contract embedded software role?

Contract embedded software professionals often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new hardware platforms, integrating with legacy systems, and rapidly understanding diverse project requirements. Since contracts are often project-based, there may be limited time for onboarding, requiring strong self-motivation and efficient troubleshooting skills. Additionally, clear documentation and collaboration with hardware engineers or cross-functional teams are critical to ensure smooth system integration. These challenges can be rewarding, as they provide opportunities to develop broad technical expertise and experience a wide variety of products and industries.

What is a contract embedded software?

A Contract Embedded Software job involves developing, testing, and maintaining embedded systems software for a company on a temporary or project basis. Contractors typically work with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and low-level programming languages like C or C++. These roles can vary in duration and may involve working remotely or onsite. Contract engineers often collaborate with hardware teams, follow specific project requirements, and ensure system reliability and performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the contract embedded software position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Contract Embedded Software professional, you need strong experience with programming languages like C or C++, real-time operating systems (RTOS), hardware interfacing, and a relevant degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with development tools such as JTAG debuggers, oscilloscopes, version control systems, and certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Engineer (CESE) are highly valued. Effective problem-solving, adaptability, and clear communication are important soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and managing project-based work. These capabilities ensure you can deliver robust, efficient solutions within project timelines in dynamic, technology-driven environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software jobs in Massachusetts?

The most popular types of Embedded Software jobs in Massachusetts are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Contract Embedded Software jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Contract Embedded Software job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Embedded Software job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,514 per year, or $80.5 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer (Avionics)

Motion Recruitment Partners, LLC

Cambridge, MA โ€ข On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Embedded Software Engineer (Avionics)
Cambridge, MA
12+ month contract
Responsibilities
  • Seeking a software engineer for the development of embedded real-time avionics systems.
  • The engineer will develop high-performance embedded solutions for resource-constrained targets, including next-generation resilient and fault-tolerant software across application domains such as undersea, terrestrial, air, hypersonic systems, and space.
  • The engineer will be involved in the full software development lifecycle, including requirements definition, design, implementation, testing, and deployment in operational environments.

Qualifications
  • B.S. or M.S. in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent, with 5+ years of experience
  • Experience in embedded software development with:
    • RISC-V and Ultrascale+ (ARM) processors or other low-power microcontrollers (e.g., PowerPC, TMS320)
    • Real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, Integrity, Embedded Linux, Zephyr, or FreeRTOS
    • C/C++ and assembly programming languages
  • Strong development and troubleshooting skills on embedded targets
  • Solid understanding of OS coding techniques, hardware/software interfaces, and subsystem integration
  • Experience developing device drivers, board support packages (BSP), and boot code
  • Knowledge of embedded system buses and communication protocols such as CAN, I2C, SPI, Serial, SpaceWire, and MIL-STD-1553
  • Experience with development toolchains (e.g., GCC, LLVM), as well as static and dynamic analysis tools; QEMU-based development experience preferred
  • Familiarity with configuration management tools, defect tracking systems, and peer review processes
  • Experience with in-circuit emulators, JTAG debuggers, and laboratory test equipment
  • Experience developing formal requirements, design documentation, and test artifacts, and supporting formal design reviews
  • Active Secret clearance (or higher) required
  • Must be able to work onsite in Cambridge, MA, with occasional travel to Lowell, MA
Top Skills
Embedded Software Development (C/C++, RTOS - VxWorks, Integrity, Embedded Linux, FreeRTOS)
Low-level systems programming (device drivers, BSP, boot code, hardware interfaces)
Experience with embedded processors (RISC-V, ARM/Ultrascale+, PowerPC) and communication protocols (CAN, SPI, I2C, 1553, SpaceWire)
Worksite Location
Cambridge, MA (primary) + occasional travel to Lowell, MA
Additional Detail:
Active Secret clearance strongly preferred (or ability to obtain)
Strong embedded avionics / aerospace / defense background
Experience with fault-tolerant / mission-critical systems
Must be comfortable working close to hardware and debugging at system level
Top skill(s)
Avionics or aerospace embedded systems
RTOS + driver/BSP development
Mission-critical / fault-tolerant systems (air, space, hypersonics, undersea)
Experience with tools like GCC, LLVM, QEMU, JTAG