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Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs in Arizona

Embedded Software Engineer

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$124K - $164K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Tucson, AZ(On-site) As an Embedded Software Engineer, you'll develop embedded software that powers ... Develop embedded software and firmware in C/C++ for real-time aerospace and defense applications.

IAM Engineer - Phoenix, Az

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborating closely with hardware, firmware, and platform teams, you'll be responsible for ... Design, train, optimize, and deploy ML models specifically for edge or embedded platforms, focusing ...

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Senior Electrical Engineer

Tempe, AZ ยท On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work closely with our team of software and firmware developers to create, troubleshoot, and maintain embedded code * Design precision instruments capable of applying and measuring DC signals from 1 ...

Be Seen First

Senior Electrical Engineer

Tempe, AZ ยท On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work closely with our team of software and firmware developers to create, troubleshoot, and maintain embedded code * Design precision instruments capable of applying and measuring DC signals from 1 ...

Principal Real-time Software Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$127K - $171K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... embedded real-time software within heterogenous systems composed of firmware and hardware ... Experience leading engineering teams in delivering systems (of various size) involving the ...

Principal Real-time Software Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$127K - $171K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... embedded real-time software within heterogenous systems composed of firmware and hardware ... Experience leading engineering teams in delivering systems (of various size) involving the ...

Principal Real-time Software Engineer

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$127K - $171K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... embedded real-time software within heterogenous systems composed of firmware and hardware ... Experience leading engineering teams in delivering systems (of various size) involving the ...

Principal Real-time Software Engineer

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$127K - $171K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... embedded real-time software within heterogenous systems composed of firmware and hardware ... Experience leading engineering teams in delivering systems (of various size) involving the ...

Principal Real-time Software Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$127K - $171K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... embedded real-time software within heterogenous systems composed of firmware and hardware ... Experience leading engineering teams in delivering systems (of various size) involving the ...

Principal Real-time Software Engineer

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$127K - $171K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... embedded real-time software within heterogenous systems composed of firmware and hardware ... Experience leading engineering teams in delivering systems (of various size) involving the ...

Principal Real-time Software Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$127K - $171K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... embedded real-time software within heterogenous systems composed of firmware and hardware ... Experience leading engineering teams in delivering systems (of various size) involving the ...

Principal Real-time Software Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$127K - $171K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... embedded real-time software within heterogenous systems composed of firmware and hardware ... Experience leading engineering teams in delivering systems (of various size) involving the ...

Principal Real-time Software Engineer

Phoenix, AZ

$134K - $179K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... embedded real-time software within heterogenous systems composed of firmware and hardware ... Experience leading engineering teams in delivering systems (of various size) involving the ...

Showing results 41-60

Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer information

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Arizona are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Embedded Software Engineer

GuideTech LLC

Tucson, AZ โ€ข On-site

$124K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Location: Tucson, AZ(On-site)
As an Embedded Software Engineer, you'll develop embedded software that powers advanced avionics and autonomous aerospace systems. You'll play a critical role in delivering reliable, high-performance software for mission-critical applications while collaborating across hardware, systems, and autonomy engineering teams throughout the product lifecycle.
GuideTech is a subsidiary of Palladyne AI (NASDAQ: PDYN), a U.S.-based defense and industrial technology company that delivers embodied AI-powered collaborative autonomy solutions, advanced avionics, precision-manufactured components, UAVs, and advanced aerospace design services.
At GuideTech, you'll contribute to technologies that support a diverse range of aerospace and defense platforms, including unmanned aircraft, launch vehicles, spacecraft, missiles, and other autonomous systems. Our engineers work across the full development lifecycle from embedded software development and hardware bring-up to hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation, system integration, and testing which provides the opportunity to see your work running on production hardware and supporting real-world missions.
You'll thrive in this role if you enjoy solving complex technical challenges, working close to the hardware, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to build reliable, high-performance systems. You're naturally curious, take ownership of your work, and are motivated by developing technology that performs in demanding real-world environments.
What You'll Do
  • Develop embedded software and firmware in C/C++ for real-time aerospace and defense applications.
  • Write efficient, reliable code that runs directly on embedded processors and microcontrollers.
  • Develop software that interfaces with sensors, actuators, communication buses, and other hardware peripherals.
  • Optimize software for performance, memory utilization, and real-time responsiveness.
  • Support hardware bring-up, integration, debugging, and system testing.
  • Debug and validate software using simulators, debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments.
  • Collaborate closely with electrical, systems, and autonomy engineers throughout the development lifecycle.
  • Contribute to technical documentation, design reviews, and continuous improvement of software quality.

What Makes Someone Successful Here
  • You communicate effectively through technical discussions, documentation, and collaboration.
  • You embrace new challenges, evolving priorities, and opportunities to learn.
  • You work well within multidisciplinary and geographically distributed teams.
  • You approach problems with curiosity, creativity, and sound engineering judgment.
  • You take ownership of your work and are accountable for delivering high-quality results.
  • You build strong working relationships based on trust, respect, and open communication.
  • You are motivated by solving meaningful engineering challenges that support critical missions.

Requirements
  • C/C++ required.
  • Embedded applications strongly preferred.
  • Experience with Zynq/ARM platforms and the AMD/Xilinx development environment (Vivado, Vitis) strongly preferred.
  • Experience with UART, I2C, SDLC, CAN, and SPI interfaces preferred.
  • Experience with Python, C#, and Linux shell scripting preferred.
  • Experience using test equipment, including oscilloscopes and logic analyzers, preferred.
  • VHDL desired.
  • Soldering experience (cables/harnessing, surface-mount components) desired.

Benefits & Perks
  • Competitive salary
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Professional development opportunities

Work Authorization & Clearance
This position requires the ability to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship. Depending on the nature of the work, the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance may be required. Candidates may be asked to provide additional information relevant to clearance eligibility in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The Fine Print
No 3rd party candidates will be accepted. It is Palladyne AI's policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, local law.