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Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

USA Firmware

Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$98K - $134K/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 ...

USA Firmware

Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$98K - $134K/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 ...

Actalent

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Manville, RI

$65/hr

Embedded Firmware Engineer The Embedded Firmware Engineer will design, develop, and maintain embedded C firmware for microcontroller-based fire detection and suppression controllers. This role ...

NextDeavor Inc.

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

Embedded Firmware Engineer Full-time Morrisville, NC, US Exclusive confidential search -- details shared with qualified applicants. Become a Key Player as an Embedded Firmware Engineer You will ...

Vitesse Systems

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Webster, TX · 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 ...

Vitesse Systems

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Webster, TX · 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 ...

ChaTeck Incorporated

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

Embedded Firmware Engineer Location: Dallas, TX Let's create our future together at The AES Group! About The AES Group: The AES Group is a premier technology consulting company that has been bringing ...

Alliance Laundry System

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Ripon, WI · On-site

$104K - $142K/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 ...

The AES Group

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Embedded Firmware Engineer Location: Dallas, TX Let's create our future together at The AES Group! About The AES Group: The AES Group is a premier technology consulting company that has been bringing ...

Sophia Space

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$112K - $153K/yr

Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer (Avionics / Platform Interface) Level: Engineer IV Location: In Person We are seeking a Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer to develop and integrate flight-critical ...

SCRAM Systems

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Englewood, CO · On-site

$101K - $139K/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 ...

SCRAM Systems

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Greenwood Village, CO · On-site

$101K - $139K/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 ...

Videndum

Embedded Firmware Engineer III

Cary, NC · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Embedded Firmware Engineer III Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Embedded Firmware Engineer III to develop embedded firmware for professional battery, power, and LED lighting products ...

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Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer information

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$73.5K

$122K

$164K

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

As of Aug 20, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance embedded firmware engineer?

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 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.

Are freelance embedded firmware engineers in demand?

Freelance embedded firmware engineers are in high demand due to the growth of IoT devices, consumer electronics, and industrial automation. Skills in C/C++, real-time operating systems, and experience with hardware integration increase employability, with many opportunities available for remote and contract work across various industries.

How much do freelance embedded firmware engineers make?

Freelance embedded firmware engineers typically earn between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, project complexity, and location. Senior engineers with specialized skills in microcontrollers, real-time operating systems, or hardware integration may command higher rates, especially for long-term or complex projects.
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Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,008 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer

USA Firmware

Houston, TX

$98K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

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

Apply