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Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs in Decatur, AL

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Leidos' Defense Systems Electrical Systems department is seeking a talented Embedded Firmware Developer to join our team. The Electrical Systems Department is a design-focused group of engineers ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Leidos' Defense Systems Electrical Systems department is seeking a talented Embedded Firmware Developer to join our team. The Electrical Systems Department is a design-focused group of engineers ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Leidos' Defense Systems Electrical Systems department is seeking a talented Embedded Firmware Developer to join our team. The Electrical Systems Department is a design-focused group of engineers ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Leidos' Defense Systems Electrical Systems department is seeking a talented Embedded Firmware Developer to join our team. The Electrical Systems Department is a design-focused group of engineers ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Leidos' Defense Systems Electrical Systems department is seeking a talented Embedded Firmware Developer to join our team. The Electrical Systems Department is a design-focused group of engineers ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Leidos' Defense Systems Electrical Systems department is seeking a talented Embedded Firmware Developer to join our team. The Electrical Systems Department is a design-focused group of engineers ...

Works as part of an innovative hardware design team to provide advanced embedded firmware for a ... Analyze architectural and system engineering requirements for embedded systems * Collaborate with ...

Analyze architectural and system engineering requirementsfor embedded systems * Collaboratewith the ... Develop embedded systems firmware to support core device operations and communications * Create ...

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Showing results 1-20

Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$68.9K

$114.4K

$153.7K

How much do freelance embedded firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance embedded firmware engineer in Decatur, AL is $114,376.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,600.00 and $132,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 popular job titles related to Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Decatur, AL? For Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Decatur, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Decatur, AL are:

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Leidos

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 485 rated business services


Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Your greatest work is ahead!

Leidos' Defense Systems Electrical Systems department is seeking a talented Embedded Firmware Developer to join our team. The Electrical Systems Department is a design-focused group of engineers specializing in advanced hardware-based products. The individual selected for this position will be an embedded design engineer with varied technical interests and demonstrated engineering and leadership skills. The individual must be a self- starter with experience working with inter-disciplinary teams to solve challenging technical problems. The engineer will lead efforts on and develop architectures for embedded systems integrated into a diverse range of aerospace and military systems including manned/unmanned ground/air vehicles, missiles, defensive radars, and space systems.

The selected candidate will be a key technical leader in a fast-paced, environment through all phases of the product life cycle from concept development and detailed design through manufacturing, qualification testing, and post-delivery support. The candidate will be responsible for architecting, implementing, and testing embedded firmware and software on a variety of platforms, including FPGAs, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and mixed signal designs. Additional skills such as communications data-link design, digital-signal processing (DSP) design, system design, experience with technical trade studies, and evaluation of technology improvements are a plus.

With a product focus, the individual is also expected to actively partner with other engineers, project managers, technicians, and the customer to develop solutions that adhere to a diverse set of requirements. This includes architecture decisions from requirements that help inform and drive hardware implementations and working closely with hardware engineers. Additionally, the engineer will support resolution of technical issues that are discovered during the manufacture and test of deliverable products. This will include troubleshooting board-level issues, assessing failures for root cause, and identifying corrective actions. The ideal candidate will thrive in a learning environment that encourages leadership and technical growth.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!

Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world's toughest security challenges for customers with "can't fail" missions. To explore and learn more, click here!

Are you ready to make an impact? Share your resume with us today!

Primary Responsibilities

  • Key technical leader in a fast-paced, environment.
  • Responsible for all phases of the product life cycle from concept development and detailed design through manufacturing, qualification testing, and post-delivery support.
  • Responsible for architecting, implementing, and testing embedded firmware and software on a variety of platforms, including FPGAs, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and mixed signal designs.
  • Additional skills such as communications data-link design, digital-signal processing (DSP) design, system design, experience with technical trade studies, and evaluation of technology improvements are a plus.
  • Support resolution of technical issues that are discovered during the manufacture and test of deliverable products.
  • Troubleshooting board-level issues, assessing failures for root cause, and identifying corrective actions.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent degree from an ABET-accredited institution.
  • Candidate must have at least 8+ years of experience in embedded system design and test or 6+ years with MS degree.
  • Understand trade-offs of embedded system targets (such as FPGA, SoC, microcontroller, RTOS, bare-metal) for developing best cost/option architectures
  • Proven experience with programming and/or hardware description languages such as: C, C++, assembly
  • Experience with programming and/or hardware description languages such as: VHDL, Verilog.
  • Experience with common communication protocols such as: UART, Ethernet, SPI, I2C,CAN bus, etc.
  • Hands-on laboratory experience with instrumentation, test equipment, and debug/test methods
  • Position requires candidates to be capable of performing in a collaborative engineering environment working closely with multi-disciplinary teams
  • Candidate must be a resident of the North Alabama area or willing to relocate to the Huntsville - North Alabama, AL area
  • Candidate must be a US Citizen and possess (and be able to maintain) a Final Secret Clearance or meet the eligibility to obtain (and maintain) a Secret Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Developing overall firmware/software architecture for embedded systems, including FPGAs and SoCs
  • Utilizing modern Xilinx FPGA and SoC families and design tools(Xilinx IP Cores, AXI4, AXI-Stream)
  • Firmware testing and verification (unit testing, testbenching, HWIL)
  • RISC microprocessors architectures (ARM Cortex, Microblaze, PowerPC, RISC-V)
  • Memory architectures, types,and caching
  • GNU/Linux and development of kernel drivers
  • Embedded operating systems (Linux, VxWorks, Integrity, FreeRTOS, uC/OS-II)
  • Electronics and PCBA design
  • Experience implementing high speed interfaces (PCIe, Aurora, 100GbE, JESD204B)

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:July 14, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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