Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA

Job Title: Senior Electrical Engineer

Job Description

The Senior Electrical Engineer will lead troubleshooting and enhancement of existing products while contributing to new product development. This role focuses on resolving field issues through hardware component selection, low-level firmware programming, and circuit design, while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams and designers to deliver robust, reliable electronic solutions.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot existing products and diagnose issues with electrical components, circuit boards, and hardware performance.
• Analyze field performance data and make informed recommendations to resolve current problems in deployed products.
• Select appropriate hardware components to address field issues and improve product reliability and functionality.
• Program low-level, on-metal firmware to interface effectively with selected hardware components.
• Collaborate with designers to create and refine electrical schematics that meet product requirements and constraints.
• Support cross-functional teams by providing electrical engineering expertise for current product support and new product development efforts.
• Design printed circuit boards (PCBs) and components with communication protocols in mind, including Bluetooth, cellular, and UART.
• Develop test fixtures and test configurations to validate designs, troubleshoot issues, and ensure product quality.
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical feedback on electrical design, firmware integration, and hardware selection.
• Document designs, test results, and troubleshooting steps to support knowledge sharing and future product improvements.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, with electrical engineering preferred.
• Approximately 4 years of experience troubleshooting electrical components and circuit board designs.
• Strong experience in electrical engineering, including analog and digital circuit design.
• Hands-on experience with hardware troubleshooting for existing products and prototypes.
• Proficiency in on-metal, low-level firmware programming for embedded systems.
• Ability to design PCBs with consideration for communication protocols such as Bluetooth, cellular, and UART.
• Experience collaborating with designers to develop and refine electrical schematics.
• Ability to design and use test fixtures and configurations to validate hardware and firmware.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex hardware and firmware issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with PCB design tools, with Altium highly preferred; other design suites will also be considered.
• Familiarity with both analog and digital electronics and their integration in complex systems.
• Experience supporting both current product lines and new product development in a collaborative environment.
• Strong communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including designers, engineers, and product stakeholders.
• Ability to document designs, troubleshooting steps, and test outcomes clearly and thoroughly.
• Comfort working in a flexible environment that includes both independent work and team-based collaboration.

Work Environment

This role operates in a flexible hybrid work environment, combining office-based work with the option to work from home part of the time. The position requires a minimum of one day per week in the office, currently on Wednesdays, to collaborate in person with team members and access lab or test equipment as needed. The organization offers robust benefits, including unlimited paid time off with encouraged use, numerous paid holidays, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, a 401(k) plan with matching after an eligibility period, and access to supplemental insurance options. The work setting supports a professional, collaborative culture that values work-life balance, technical excellence, and cross-functional teamwork.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Ames, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $135000.00/yr.

bonus, 401k, unlimited PTO

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Ames,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.