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Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs in Virginia

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... Rehost unknown or sparsely documented firmware by analyzing binaries, identifying hardware ...

STR

Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Responsibilities : • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and ...

STR

Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Responsibilities : • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and ...

STR

Principal Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Responsibilities : • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and ...

STR

Principal Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Responsibilities : • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and ...

STR

Senior Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Responsibilities : • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Arlington, VA

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... Rehost unknown or sparsely documented firmware by analyzing binaries, identifying hardware ...

STR

Principal Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Responsibilities : • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and ...

STR

Principal Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $208K/yr

Responsibilities : • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of ... Rehost unknown or sparsely documented firmware by analyzing binaries, identifying hardware ...

Zetier

CNO Embedded Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Development on embedded platforms (e.g. uBoot, IoT, drone firmware) * Successfully developed ... Reverse engineering experience (e.g. gdb, Binary Ninja, IDA Pro) * Developed software on mobile ...

Zetier

CNO Embedded Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Development on embedded platforms (e.g. uBoot, IoT, drone firmware) * Successfully developed ... Reverse engineering experience (e.g. gdb, Binary Ninja, IDA Pro) * Developed software on mobile ...

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All JobsEmbedded Firmware Engineer JobsFreelance Embedded Firmware Engineer JobsFreelance Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer information

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.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer job openings:
Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs near you

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

STR

Arlington, VA • On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our national security. In this role, you will work at the intersection of computer systems and real-world physical systems, building the tools and models that emulate complex cyber-physical platforms to enable analysis, reverse engineering, and experimentation.

We believe every employee brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives that are essential to providing innovative solutions for our customers. You do not need to have experience with every technology listed to be successful in this role. Strong fundamentals, curiosity, and the ability to learn new tools and domains are highly valued.

What you will do: 

  • Work as part of a small, focused team to architect, develop, implement, and test modular software applications and tools for emulating cyber-physical systems.
  • Extend and customize existing emulation frameworks (e.g., QEMU) in C/C++ and Python to support new targets, peripherals, and capabilities.
  • Rehost unknown or sparsely documented firmware by analyzing binaries, identifying hardware dependencies, and adapting these to run correctly in emulated environments.
  • Develop emulator tooling and virtual device models to support reverse engineering and analysis of embedded systems across diverse architectures (e.g., ARM, PPC).
  • Develop digital models using virtualization tools (e.g., QEMU) and network them together to create integrated, end-to-end system simulations that closely approximate real hardware behavior.
  • Ensure model quality and correctness through unit-level and system-level testing, and by validating behavior against first principles, measured data, documentation, and hardware/software artifacts.
  • Communicate technical foundations of models and algorithms through reports and briefings

Who you are:

  • This position requires an Active Secret security clearance with eligibility for Top Secret (TS) clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government. 
  • Proficiency in C/C++ for systems-level or embedded software development
  • Proficiency in Python for tool development, automation, and integration
  • Familiarity with emulation and virtualization tools (e.g., QEMU or similar frameworks)
  • Strong understanding of computer architecture, emulation principles, and software engineering best practices (e.g., modular design, testing, code review)
  • Experience using collaborative source code management (e.g., Git)

Education:

  • BS in Computer Engineering, Computers Science, Electrical Engineering or related field

Nice to have:

  • Active Top Secret (TS) Security Clearance
  • Familiarity with network architecture and protocols, and experience integrating networked simulations
  • Experience with low-level software modifications (e.g., implants, firmware changes, binary patch development)
  • Experience at the software/hardware interface, including device drivers or real-time/embedded operating systems
  • Experience with reverse engineering and firmware rehosting for embedded systems, including analysis of instruction set architectures (e.g., ARM, PPC) and use of tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, or Binary Ninja
  • Experience implementing component models (e.g., sensors, actuators, dynamics, environmental factors) in Python and/or C/C++, and integrate them into system-level simulations and software processing chains
  • Experience working with hardware components and interfaces
  • Masters or PhD in related field

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $110,000 - $151,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

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