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Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs in Missouri

The Electrical Engineer I (EE) plays an important role in the new product development function of ... In addition, the EE may support software and embedded firmware development activities. Additional ...

Embedded Software Engineer

MO · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

... and firmware. • Diagnose issues related to startup behavior, communication failures, timing ... in embedded programming languages (e.g., C/C++), version control (Git/Github) and real-time ...

This role combines hands-on product security engineering with cybersecurity compliance across ... Your work will span embedded devices, firmware, networking, software dependencies, and cloud ...

Provide leadership and direction for assigned hardware engineering team(s), including electrical hardware, electronics, embedded firmware coordination, product validation, and related technical ...

Flash and validate firmware builds on embedded devices. * Test Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE ... Identify, document, and communicate defects with engineering teams. * Support production and ...

Flash and validate firmware builds on embedded devices. * Test Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE ... Identify, document, and communicate defects with engineering teams. * Support production and ...

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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 Missouri?

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

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Missouri?

For Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Embedded Software Engineer, Electronics Engineering

Nidec Corporation

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Nidec rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

314th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

We begin with dreams. Dreams drive our motivation. Dreams are our future. The world's dreams, people's dreams, our dreams. Our passion creates ideas that make dreams come alive. Technology and products that were only dreams become reality.
All for dreams. Dreams challenge and the Nidec-Group will continue to meet the challenge. For the world's and people's tomorrows; the world's first, the world's best technologies and products; we will continue our part in creating a better society.
Job Summary
Serve as the technical authority for embedded motor control software, controls algorithms, and system behavior within C&I motor control and drive products.
Lead the architecture, design, implementation, validation, and release of embedded motor control software, from concept through product launch, ensuring performance, real-time reliability, stability, safety, and compliance with applicable standards.
Operate with a high degree of autonomy, providing technical leadership, design direction, and mentoring other engineers while partnering closely with power electronics, mechanical, manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams
Job Description
What it does / How to / Aiming at Results
  • Develop and implement motor control algorithms such as Field Oriented Control (FOC), six-step / trapezoidal control, sensorless back-EMF methods, observers and estimators, and torque, speed, and position control loops (PID, adaptive control)
  • Develop firmware on embedded platforms, including PWM generation, ADC synchronization, and real-time signal processing
  • Develop control methods to improve efficiency and performance, including loss reduction and switching strategies
  • Own motor control system performance from concept through validation, including requirements interpretation, design trade-offs, and issue resolution
  • Develop and maintain MATLAB/Simulink models to simulate motor behavior, control design, and system stability
  • Work closely with power electronics and hardware teams
  • Interface with current and voltage sensing circuits, and validate signal scaling, offsets, and calibration
  • Debug system-level issues across firmware and hardware, including control performance, sensing, and power stage behavior
  • Implement communication interfaces such as Modbus, BACnet, UART, SPI, I2C, and wireless protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi)
  • Implement protection features such as overcurrent, overvoltage/undervoltage, and stall/lock detection
  • Ensure compliance with safety requirements (e.g., Class B software per UL 60730)
  • Write design documentation (control strategies, architecture), test plans, and validation reports
  • Establish and lead processes for managing embedded motor control software across development, validation, and production, ensuring controlled changes, consistent configurations, and repeatable software releases
  • Define and implement structured verification processes, including black box and white box testing, standardized validation methods, and formal peer reviews to ensure performance, stability, and quality

DIMENSIONS
Geographic Scope: United States - Global Impact
Product Scope: Motor-mounted electronics, embedded controls and human-machine interfaces.
Business Impact: Direct influence on NPD time to market, product performance, compliance, quality & cost.
KPI
  • Electronics NPD OTD >80% for FY26
  • Electronics VAVE cost saving results
  • Product reliability, robustness and compliance metrics
  • Electronics components obsolescence risk mitigation
  • Mean time to resolution for electronics issues
  • Manufacturing yield and scrap related to electronics NPD

REQUIREMENTS
Education
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related field.
Master's degree preferred.
Experience
  • 10+ years of experience in embedded systems, control systems, or electronics engineering
  • 7+ years of experience in motor control systems for industrial equipment or drives applications
  • Proven experience developing and implementing motor control algorithms (e.g., FOC, PID control, observers, sensorless methods) on embedded platforms
  • Strong hands-on experience in real-time embedded firmware development (C/C++) for control applications
  • Experience designing and optimizing control loops (current, speed, position) in real-world systems
  • Experience working with power electronics systems (inverters, motor drives) and understanding their interaction with control algorithms
  • Practical experience with current and voltage sensing systems, including signal conditioning, scaling, and calibration in control applications
  • Experience debugging system-level issues involving firmware, control behavior, and hardware interaction
  • Experience with MATLAB/Simulink or similar tools for control design, modeling, and validation
  • Experience implementing or integrating communication protocols, including wired (UART, SPI, I2C, Modbus, BACnet) and wireless (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi)
  • Experience developing or supporting safety-critical embedded software (e.g., UL 60730 or similar standards)
  • Participation in full product lifecycle development, including prototyping, validation, and production support
  • Participation in product industrialization activities, including prototype builds, pilot runs, and production ramp-up support

Skills
  • Clear written communication skills for technical documentation, design rationale, and engineering review.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and concisely across diverse audiences, including non-technical stakeholders
  • Confidence to challenge assumptions and decisions constructively using data, experience, and engineering judgment
  • Strong time-management skills to balance deep technical work with cross-functional engagement

CUSTOMERS
Internal: Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Sales/Marketing, Service
External: Electronics suppliers, contract manufacturers, certification bodies.
LANGUAGES
Fluent English
Additional Job Details
Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action at Nidec
Nidec is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, genetic information, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following website: http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf
Work Shift Schedule
No Soliciting
Nidec will not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies in response to Nidec job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Nidec Talent Acquisition team is required before any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Nidec Talent Acquisition team.

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