Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs in Decatur, AL

i3 is seeking a part-time Electrical Engineering Lead to support a unique and complex prototyping and development effort located in Huntsville, Alabama. This role will lead electrical system design, development, integration, test, troubleshooting, and documentation across the prototyping lifecycle. The ideal candidate brings senior-level technical judgment, strong hands-on lab experience, and the ability to drive execution in a fast-paced modular environment. The candidate can expect up to 10% travel.

This is a part-time position.

• Develop and execute test procedures, verification plans, and acceptance criteria to ensure compliance with requirements.
• Lead design package reviews, providing expertise on schematics, PCB layouts, and component selections.
• Own test documentation and technical reporting, providing data-driven recommendations during design reviews.
• Lead troubleshooting of hardware issues, including wiring faults, power distribution problems, and signal integrity concerns.
• Drive system integration activities, including prototype builds, functional verification, and coordination with senior engineers.
• Develop and maintain lab work instructions, wiring diagrams, and build notes to ensure repeatable testing and assembly.
• Manage lab instrumentation readiness, including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, power supplies, multimeters, and signal generators.
• Partner with engineering leadership and cross-functional design teams to shape design-for-testability (DFT), manufacturability, and production-readiness.
• Lead electrical testing and validation of digital, analog, RF, and mixed-signal systems using standard lab equipment.
• Lead lab process improvements, including workflow optimization, calibration planning, and safety protocol implementation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 15 years of experience in electrical test, integration, or lab engineering.
• Advanced hands-on expertise with test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum/network analyzers, power supplies, signal generators, continuity testers).
• Ability to develop, lead, execute, and document test procedures with attention to detail and repeatability.
• Proficiency in Python, C, or C++ for test automation, scripting, or data analysis.
• Strong knowledge of circuit fundamentals, wiring, connectors, and power distribution systems.
• Ability to create and review schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills and a structured approach to root-cause analysis and problem solving.
• U.S. Citizenship. 
• Must possess and maintain an active Top Secret security clearance.

Desired:

• Experience using ECAD tools (Altium, OrCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks Electrical, EPLAN).
• Experience reviewing PCB design reviews, supporting embedded firmware debugging, or conducting signal analysis.
• Knowledge of mil-spec components, cabling standards, and DoD test environments.
• Experience managing design and test artifacts using configuration management or PLM tools.
• Hands-on experience with RF systems, EMI/EMC testing, and digital signal processing (DSP).

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Regular i3 hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, however, additional hours may be required on occasion. Regular and punctual attendance is required.

i3 is a technically diverse, 100% team member owned business, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama specializing in missile and aviation systems engineering and logistic services, electronic warfare and electromagnetic effects analysis, UAS system integration and flight operations, full lifecycle C5ISR engineering services, cybersecurity and IT/IA innovative solutions and virtual training, simulation & serious game development and implementation. We have established a broad offering of products and capabilities collectively providing decades of experience supporting the full complement of DoD military services, Missile Defense Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and a variety of other Government organizations and private industry customers.  

Perks of being a team member owner include:

• Long-term financial security
• Higher job satisfaction
• Greater job security
• Personal and professional growth
• Great company culture

Other outstanding benefits:

• Excellent insurance coverage
• 401(k) match
• Generous PTO
• Health and wellness incentives
• Tuition and certification reimbursement
• Countless opportunities to give back to the community through i3 Cares

We work hard. We compete hard. We play hard. Apply now to join us!