ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Umbra

Embedded Systems Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

About the Job Umbra is seeking an Embedded Systems Engineer with a strong firmware background to support development of mission-critical satellite systems. This role focuses on bare-metal embedded ...

Vale Concepts

Embedded Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$118K - $155K/yr

We're looking for an embedded robotics engineer to help design and build the distributed embedded system that powers these machines. You'll work across firmware, real-time control, device ...

Vale Concepts

Embedded Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$118K - $155K/yr

We're looking for an embedded robotics engineer to help design and build the distributed embedded system that powers these machines. You'll work across firmware, real-time control, device ...

Toyon

Senior Embedded Systems Engineer

Goleta, CA

$145K - $235K/yr

Toyon is looking for a talented and passionate Senior Embedded Systems Engineer to join our growing Aerospace Systems team. In this role, you will play a lead role in the design, development, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs

Contract Embedded Systems Engineer information

See salary details

$62.5K

$137.3K

$192K

How much do contract embedded systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract embedded systems engineer in the United States is $137,274.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $163,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Embedded Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

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 are Contract Embedded Systems Engineers?

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.

More about Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Embedded Systems Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs are:
Contract Embedded Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Embedded Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,274 per year, or $66 per hour.
Embedded Systems Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineer

Umbra

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space-for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra's ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms).Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed.
About the Team
Space Systems - The Components
Space Systems is where Umbra turns hardware and software designs into on-orbit realities; developing, implementing and iterating mission-ready core technology, while simultaneously advancing the next generation of our own satellite constellation. Space Systems is vertically integrated across the satellite architecture, thus the team designs, builds, and tests an array of critical components and subsystems, including power systems, communications, control systems, deployment hardware, avionics, and payloads, as well as the flight software, firmware and digital design solutions to support the entire hardware stack. Our focus is on first principles engineering, and our mandate is simple: it has to work when it counts. Every bolt, board, and binary is proven on our own SAR constellation, ensuring flight-proven reliability where failure is not an option.
If you want to work on cutting edge space technology while maintaining the highest standard for innovation and mission ready performance, you belong here at Umbra.
About the Job
Umbra is seeking an Embedded Systems Engineer with a strong firmware background to support development of mission-critical satellite systems. This role focuses on bare-metal embedded development, system integration, and hardware bring-up, with opportunities to contribute across the full lifecycle-from prototype to flight-ready systems.
You will work closely with electrical, software, and systems engineers to build and validate embedded solutions on real hardware. This role is ideal for someone who can take well-defined problems, execute quickly, and contribute to improving firmware infrastructure, tooling, and system reliability.
This position is based on-site in our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, implement, and debug low-level drivers (SPI, UART/RS-485, GPIO, timers, interrupts).
  • Participate in code reviews and MR support, ensuring code quality and maintainability.
  • Contribute to architecture/design documentation (e.g., RFCs, ADRs, timing diagrams, interface definitions).
  • Develop embedded firmware in C and Rust for bare-metal and RTOS-based microcontroller systems.
  • Bring up and debug hardware systems, including board-level validation and peripheral integration.
  • Support system integration and verification across avionics, radios, and other spacecraft subsystems.
  • Define and execute test plans for firmware and hardware validation.
  • Troubleshoot issues across firmware, hardware, and system interfaces.
  • Contribute to shared firmware infrastructure, including HALs, drivers, and reusable libraries.
  • Improve development workflows through contributions to repository structure, CI/CD, and test infrastructure.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, systems, and flight software engineers.
  • Document designs, test procedures, and debugging processes to ensure repeatability and reliability.
  • Support test campaigns and mission-critical milestones as needed.

Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 5+ years of professional experience in embedded systems or firmware development.
  • Experience developing and debugging embedded communication and control interfaces, including SPI, UART/SCI (e.g., RS-485), and GPIO/interrupts.
  • Strong proficiency in embedded C and/or Rust programming.
  • Experience working with bare-metal microcontrollers.
  • Hands-on experience with hardware bring-up and debugging on physical systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and data sheets.
  • Experience with debugging tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and debuggers (e.g., JTAG/SWD).
  • Experience with system integration and verification.
  • Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and collaborative development workflows.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to execute independently.
  • Effective communication and ability to work in a cross-functional team environment.

Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with RTOS-based embedded systems.
  • Familiarity with hardware/software integration at the system level.
  • Experience contributing to CI/CD pipelines or automated test infrastructure for embedded systems.
  • Experience developing or maintaining HALs, drivers, or shared firmware libraries.
  • Background in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability environments.
  • Comfort working in a fast-paced, hardware-centric development environment.
  • Demonstrated ownership of projects from concept through validation.
  • Experience working in Agile/PI planning environments.
  • Experience supporting system-level testing or qualification efforts.

Benefits
  • Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
  • Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded)
  • 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution
  • Stock Options
  • Free Parking
  • Free lunch in office daily

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Employment Eligibility Verification
In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.
ITAR/EAR Requirements
This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable.
Pay Transparency
This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role's function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience.
Compensation Range
The Compensation Range for this role is $150,000 - $180,000 DOE.

Apply