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Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$98.40K - $134.70K/yr

A Houston-based professional engineering firm is seeking a Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer to lead the architecture, design, development, verification, and maintenance of advanced safety ...

Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$98.40K - $134.70K/yr

A Houston-based professional engineering firm is seeking a Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer to lead the architecture, design, development, verification, and maintenance of advanced safety ...

Software Embedded Firmware Engineer

Goleta, CA ยท On-site

$111.10K - $152.10K/yr

Software Embedded Firmware Engineer * Embedded Firmware (FW) Design Engineer * Embedded Software (SW) Design Engineer * FPGA and SOC Firmware Development * Camera Firmware Development * Port/Adapt ...

EMBEDDED FIRMWARE ENGINEER

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Join Our Team as a n Embedded Firmware Engineer Company: Coreforce Location: Atlanta, GA Job Type: Full-time Salary: Based on Experience Company Overview: Coreforce is an innovative SaaS company ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Webster, TX ยท On-site

$79K - $150K/yr

The Embedded Firmware Engineer will work with a talented multidisciplinary team of engineers to help design cutting edge robotic systems and electromechanical hardware for clients in a wide variety ...

EMBEDDED FIRMWARE ENGINEER

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$99K - $135.60K/yr

Join Our Team as a n Embedded Firmware Engineer Company: Coreforce Location: Atlanta, GA Job Type: Full-time Salary: Based on Experience Company Overview: Coreforce is an innovative SaaS company ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Ripon, WI ยท On-site

$104K - $142.40K/yr

Overview The Embedded Firmware Engineer with Alliance Laundry Systems will focus on writing, designing and testing embedded firmware for electronic controls for commercial laundry equipment. The ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Longmont, CO ยท On-site

$79K - $150K/yr

The Embedded Firmware Engineer will work with a talented multidisciplinary team of engineers to help design cutting edge robotic systems and electromechanical hardware for clients in a wide variety ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Alpharetta, GA

$97.90K - $134K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled Embedded Firmware Engineer to design, develop, and optimize low-level software for advanced embedded systems. This role involves working across the full firmware stack ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Ripon, WI

$104K - $142.40K/yr

The Embedded Firmware Engineer with Alliance Laundry Systems will focus on writing, designing and testing embedded firmware for electronic controls for commercial laundry equipment. The products at ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Greenwood Village, CO ยท On-site

$101.70K - $139.20K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled Embedded Firmware Engineer to design, develop, and optimize low-level software for advanced embedded systems. This role involves working across the full firmware stack ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Alpharetta, GA ยท On-site

$97.90K - $134K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled Embedded Firmware Engineer to design, develop, and optimize low-level software for advanced embedded systems. This role involves working across the full firmware stack ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Englewood, CO ยท On-site

$101.70K - $139.20K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled Embedded Firmware Engineer to design, develop, and optimize low-level software for advanced embedded systems. This role involves working across the full firmware stack ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Baton Rouge, LA

$80.80K - $110.70K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field * Professional experience developing embedded firmware in C/C++ * Experience with real-time or ...

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Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer information

See salary details

$73.5K

$122K

$164K

How much do freelance embedded firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance embedded firmware engineer in the United States is $122,008.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer, you need strong expertise in C/C++ programming, microcontroller architectures, and embedded systems design, usually supported by a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with debugging tools, version control systems (like Git), real-time operating systems (RTOS), and relevant industry certifications such as ARM or IoT certifications is often required. Excellent problem-solving, self-management, and client communication skills are crucial for coordinating projects and delivering solutions independently. These abilities are essential to meet client expectations, deliver robust firmware solutions, and succeed in a highly technical and autonomous work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance embedded firmware engineers when working with remote clients?

Freelance embedded firmware engineers often encounter challenges such as aligning on hardware specifications without physical access, navigating diverse toolchains or development environments, and ensuring clear communication across time zones. Managing expectations and maintaining thorough documentation is key, especially when troubleshooting or delivering updates remotely. Building trust with clients requires proactive status reporting, flexibility in accommodating client workflows, and strong problem-solving skills to address unforeseen hardware or integration issues.

What does a Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer do?

A Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer designs, develops, and tests low-level software (firmware) that controls hardware devices. They often work on projects such as microcontroller programming, developing drivers, or integrating sensors and peripherals in embedded systems. As freelancers, they typically work with multiple clients, providing expertise in areas like C/C++ programming, hardware interfacing, and debugging. Their role is crucial in making electronic devices function efficiently and reliably.

What is the difference between Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer vs Embedded Software Developer?

AspectFreelance Embedded Firmware EngineerEmbedded Software Developer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related fields; certifications like ARM or embedded systems courses are commonSimilar credentials; often holds degrees in computer science or electrical engineering; certifications in embedded systems are beneficial
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based work often remote; collaborates with multiple clientsUsually employed by a company; works in office or remote teams
Industry UsageFreelance embedded firmware engineers are hired for specific projects in IoT, consumer electronics, or automotive sectorsEmbedded software developers are employed across industries like aerospace, medical devices, and consumer electronics

In summary, Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineers work independently on specific projects, often remotely, focusing on firmware development for embedded systems. Embedded Software Developers are typically employed by companies, working within teams to develop software for embedded devices across various industries.

More about Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,008 per year, or $58.7 per hour.
Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer

Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer

USA Firmware

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

$98.40K - $134.70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

A Houston-based professional engineering firm is seeking a Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer to lead the architecture, design, development, verification, and maintenance of advanced safety-critical medical device firmware. This role focuses on Class I, II, and III medical devices, including neuromodulation platforms, implantable pulse generators, and artificial pancreas systems. The position requires leadership in embedded firmware development, risk and reliability analysis, secure design, wireless communication systems, and low-power embedded architectures.
The Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams across software, electrical, and mechanical disciplines to deliver high-quality products on schedule. The role also includes mentoring engineers, leading project execution strategy, driving technical innovation, and serving as a customer-facing technical leader.
Key responsibilities include:
  • Firmware architecture, coding, testing, integration, and verification
  • Safety-critical embedded systems development
  • Low-power embedded design and optimization
  • Development of wireless and wired communication interfaces (BLE, UART, I2C, USB, NFC)
  • Cybersecurity implementation and FOTA update strategies
  • Risk assessment, technical planning, and lifecycle management
  • Cross-functional collaboration and technical mentorship

Candidates should have extensive experience with C/C++, Python, ARM Cortex architectures, RTOS and bare-metal systems, medical device development processes, and relevant regulatory standards such as IEC 62304 and ISO 14971.
Requirements
  • MS degree in a relevant engineering or technical field, or equivalent experience
  • 15+ years of experience in embedded firmware or related specialized engineering fields
  • Minimum 10 years of experience working within a requirements-driven structured development process
  • Strong experience with embedded microcontrollers, bare-metal systems, and RTOS environments
  • Proficiency in C/C++, Python, and assembly language programming
  • Experience with ARM Cortex architectures and low-power embedded system design
  • Experience with communication interfaces including UART, I2C, USB, BLE, and NFC
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) updates
  • Experience with firmware architecture, device drivers, testing, integration, and verification
  • Familiarity with software development tools such as Jira, Git, GitHub, and BitBucket
  • Working knowledge of IEC 62304, ISO 13485, ISO 14971, and other relevant medical device standards
  • Experience with safety-critical applications and medical devices preferred
  • Strong troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and risk assessment skills
  • Excellent communication, leadership, collaboration, and mentoring abilities
  • Proven ability to lead projects through the full software development lifecycle from architecture through release and maintenance

Benefits
Company-paid Vision and Dental insurance
Discounted Medical insurance
401(k) matching program
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge medical device technologies
Collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment
Exposure to a wide variety of advanced medical device projects
Continuous learning and professional growth opportunities
Leadership and mentorship opportunities within technical teams
High-impact work focused on improving patient outcomes and quality of life