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Contract Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts

Sr Embedded Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$143K - $188K/yr

The Job's Responsibilities • Design and develop Android applications for embedded systems ... This will include microcontrollers, DSPs, and FPGAs. • Collaborate with hardware engineers to ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Framingham, MA

$107K - $147K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Experience in consumer audio, automotive audio, wearables, or other complex embedded product ... Experience using model-based systems engineering (MBSE) approaches to support architecture ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Framingham, MA · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Experience in consumer audio, automotive audio, wearables, or other complex embedded product ... Experience using model-based systems engineering (MBSE) approaches to support architecture ...

Showing results 41-60

Contract Embedded Systems Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract embedded systems engineer?

To thrive as a Contract Embedded Systems Engineer, you generally need a solid background in computer engineering or electrical engineering, with expertise in C/C++ programming, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and hardware-software integration. Familiarity with tools like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, version control systems (such as Git), and protocols like SPI, I2C, or UART is typically required, along with certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Engineer (CESE) being advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with diverse teams and clients. These skills and qualifications are essential to deliver reliable, efficient embedded solutions on time while meeting client specifications in a dynamic contract environment.

What is a contract embedded systems engineer?

Contract Embedded Systems Engineers are professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to design, develop, and maintain embedded systems—specialized computing systems that perform dedicated functions within larger mechanical or electrical systems. Unlike permanent employees, contract engineers typically work for a set period or until a specific project is completed, offering flexibility to both engineers and employers. They may work on projects involving hardware and software integration, firmware development, real-time operating systems, and troubleshooting embedded devices. Their skills are often sought in industries like automotive, consumer electronics, medical devices, and industrial automation.

What are some common challenges faced by contract embedded systems engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Contract embedded systems engineers often encounter challenges such as rapidly adapting to new codebases, working within tight project timelines, and ensuring seamless integration with existing hardware and software. Success in this role often requires strong communication with both in-house and external teams to clarify requirements and resolve issues quickly. Proactively documenting your work, asking clarifying questions early, and leveraging version control systems can help manage these challenges and deliver reliable solutions on schedule.

What is the difference between Contract Embedded Systems Engineer vs Contract Firmware Engineer?

AspectContract Embedded Systems EngineerContract Firmware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related; often certifications in embedded systemsBachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering; certifications in embedded or firmware development
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing embedded hardware/software in labs or on-siteDeveloping and debugging firmware primarily in software environments
Employer & Industry UsageElectronics, aerospace, automotive, industrial automationConsumer electronics, IoT devices, robotics, embedded systems

Contract Embedded Systems Engineers focus on designing and integrating hardware and software for embedded systems, often working with both hardware and firmware. Contract Firmware Engineers specialize in developing low-level software that runs directly on embedded hardware. While both roles require embedded systems knowledge, the embedded systems engineer has a broader scope including hardware design, whereas firmware engineers concentrate on software development within embedded environments.

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

The most popular types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Massachusetts are:

Infographic showing various Contract Embedded Systems Engineer job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Embedded System Software Engineer

Mpr Associates, Inc.

Burlington, MA • On-site

$143K - $188K/yr

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Overview
MPR Associates, Inc. (MPR), a thriving multi-discipline, specialty engineering services and consulting firm, is actively seeking a capable and motivated Embedded System Software Engineer to join our team. If you are seeking a unique, challenging, and rewarding career opportunity, MPR may be the right company for you.
Founded in 1964, MPR has a wide and growing client base in the fields of power and energy, federal services, and health and life sciences, in the United States as well as internationally. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, we also have offices in East Lyme, Connecticut, Burlington, Massachusetts, and Salt Lake City, Utah. MPR makes challenging projects successful, delivering safe and reliable technical solutions across the entire project or product life-cycle to benefit our clients and society as a whole. We hire the best and brightest, which results in a high-performance culture built on trust and respect, making MPR an exceptional place to work.
General Job Description
Join our engineering team as an Embedded System Software Engineer where you'll develop connected embedded systems and firmware that bridge the gap between hardware and software. We're looking for someone who thrives at the intersection of low-level programming, embedded control systems, and hardware-software integration, creating reliable systems that operate in demanding real-world environments.
We specifically seek engineers who bring an engineering mindset to software development - those who approach problems with the systematic, analytical thinking that comes from engineering training. As part of our team, you'll architect and develop embedded applications and firmware, working with embedded control systems and hardware interfaces while being willing to stretch into application development to support the full suite of software for device implementations.
Duties/Responsibilities
  • Embedded Systems Development: Design and implement firmware and low-level software for connected embedded platforms and microcontrollers.
  • Embedded Control Systems: Develop time-critical software that interfaces with hardware components and sensors.
  • Hardware- Software Integration: Work closely with hardware teams to ensure seamless integration between software and physical systems.
  • Application Development Support: Extend beyond embedded work to support higher-level applications that interface with you embedded systems.
  • Performance Optimization: Ensure embedded performance requirement are met while optimizing for memory and processing constraints.
  • Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with the remainder of the engineering team to implement a solution which fits all needs of the client.

Qualifications
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in an Engineering Discipline.
Experience
  • Two (2) or more years of software engineering experience.
  • Experience building production embedded systems or firmware.
  • Understanding of embedded operating systems and bare-metal programming
  • Comfortable working with hardware and debugging tools.
  • Strong problem-solving skills for performance and memory optimization challenges.
  • Proficiency in C for embedded development preferred.
  • Experience with microcontrollers, firmware development, and low-level programming preferred.
  • Understanding of embedded constraints, timing requirements, and deterministic behavior preferred.
  • Familiarity with hardware interfaces, protocols, and sensor integration preferred.
  • Experience with hardware bring-up, schematic reading, and familiarity with design tools like Altium or similar PCB/schematic software preferred.
  • Experience with SPI, I2C, UART or similar protocols preferred.
  • Willingness to work on high-level software that interfaces with embedded systems preferred.
  • Experience or willingness to learn PCB design via Altium preferred.
Skills
  • The ability to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies while multitasking.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across functional teams.
  • Exceptional time and project management skills.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
  • Persistent, questioning attitude and ability to accept that in others.
  • Motivated to expand skills and knowledge, as well as tackle new problem and take on new responsibilities.
  • Ability to participate in multiple projects and project teams concurrently.

MPR Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, who participates in E-Verify. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other classification as required by applicable laws. MPR is a certified Virginia Values Veterans (V3) employer.