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Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs in Washington

Fend Incorporated

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Arlington, VA

$118K - $162K/yr

This position will work with the Chief Engineer to develop embedded software for this security ... Experience designing embedded firmware. We will look at a sample of your work US Citizenship is ...

Fend Incorporated

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

This position will work with the Chief Engineer to develop embedded software for this security ... embedded firmware. We will look at a sample of your work • US Citizenship is required Desired ...

Molg

Firmware Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

As a Firmware Engineer, you will ... Design, develop, and maintain firmware for embedded systems across Molg's robotic platforms ...

Kastle Systems

Firmware Engineer

Falls Church, VA · Hybrid

$140K - $160K/yr

Experience: 5+ years of developing firmware for mass market on Embedded Linux stacks * SDLC and programming languages: C, C++, Python, Go, Rust, Shell scripting * Parallel processing: Multiprocessing ...

Kastle Systems

Firmware Engineer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Experience: 5+ years of developing firmware for mass market on Embedded Linux stacks * SDLC and programming languages: C, C++, Python, Go, Rust, Shell scripting * Parallel processing: Multiprocessing ...

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

Fend Incorporated

Arlington, VA

$118K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Fend protects the infrastructure that powers cities, delivers food, and keeps you and your family safe from physical harm. Fends products create a physical barrier to cyberattack and provides utility equipment owners the information they need to improve efficiency and reduce downtime. Fend keeps hackers out, completely, so people can be safe and customers can sleep at night. Fend needs you to help improve our hardware and software.

Fend has created a new category of security hardware and the software to help equipment owners better run their operations. Fend hires for the long term and provides opportunities for flexible work schedules and on-the-job training. Fend is very much a startup environment with new challenges every day. Fend is hiring new teammates after winning a major R&D contract.

Job Description

This position will work with the Chief Engineer to develop embedded software for this security appliance.

Your goals are to increase the number of applications that the hardware can be used for, continue to harden the appliance so it can run in an industrial environment for many years, and continue to improve the encryption technology that is being used.

Tasks can include writing code, testing and debugging of the hardware and software in the field, working with the manufacturer to program the device, and related development tasks.

As an early employee to the company you will be given a great deal of autonomy be expected to deliver results that get Fend closer to the project goals.

Compensation is in line with market rates and you will have an opportunity to earn equity in the form of stock options. Fend pays for medical and dental insurance, paid time-off, and paid holidays.

Daily Task includes and are not limited to

      Designing and testing embedded (what is it written in) software

      Test hardware in the field. There is less than 10 percent travel

      Set up a JIRA shop and promote agile development

      Regularly communicate progress with team members

      Communicate with contractors and suppliers to keep the project on track

      Speak with our clients on a regular basis to fully understand their needs and make sure we are delivering on them

      Mentor employees as company grows

      Participate in product demonstration to potential clients

      Follow information security procedures such as two factor authentication and other DoD NIST 800 Cybersecurity Standards

      We need you to jump in wherever you are needed

Qualifications

Required Skills and experience:

      Experience designing embedded firmware. We will look at a sample of your work

      US Citizenship is required

Desired Traits:

      Ability to learn and figure out solutions to novel problems.

      Ability to be both a focused independent worker and a contributor to a team.

      Strong written and verbal communication.

Preferred (not required) Skills, Education, and Background:

      Degrees in Electrical or Computer Engineering.

      Experience with AWS.

      Professional experience with building controls, industrial systems, utilities.

      Portfolio of software projects

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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