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Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

As part of a hardworking team of specialists and engineers, you will develop firmware for the ... Experience debugging and validating embedded firmware and hardware/software interactions. Preferred ...

Technical Program Manager -- Firmware

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$141K - $182K/yr

Required Qualifications * 6+ years of Technical Program Management or Engineering Program Management experience supporting firmware or embedded software programs. * Demonstrated experience taking ...

Technical Program Manager -- Firmware

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$144K - $187K/yr

Required Qualifications * 6+ years of Technical Program Management or Engineering Program Management experience supporting firmware or embedded software programs. * Demonstrated experience taking ...

... embedded software for System on a Chip (SoC) bring up and test. You will work closely with the Software Engineering team ensuring the quality of their firmware for manufacturability ...

Wireless SOC FW Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$122K - $214K/yr

... embedded software for System on a Chip (SoC) bring up and test. You will work closely with the Software Engineering team ensuring the quality of their firmware for manufacturability ...

Proficiency in programming with python and C. Knowledgable with hardware/firmware development life ... Understanding of embedded SW fundamentals and low-level hardware interfaces. Strong wireless/PHY ...

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$120K - $220K/yr

About the Role This team is looking for a Sr. Electrical Engineer to run hardware design, initial ... Familiarity with embedded firmware development (C/C++) * Ability to solder 0402 components by hand ...

Electrical Engineer

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

... embedded electronics, and complex system integration. The ideal candidate has experience leading or ... mechanical, software, firmware, systems, manufacturing, and program management teams. The ...

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Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$80.4K

$133.4K

$179.3K

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

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance embedded firmware engineer in Santa Rosa, CA is $133,395.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,600.00 and $154,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

Are freelance embedded firmware engineers in demand?

Freelance embedded firmware engineers are in high demand due to the growth of IoT devices, consumer electronics, and industrial automation. Skills in C/C++, real-time operating systems, and experience with hardware integration increase employability, with many opportunities available for remote and contract work across various industries.

How much do freelance embedded firmware engineers make?

Freelance embedded firmware engineers typically earn between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, project complexity, and location. Senior engineers with specialized skills in microcontrollers, real-time operating systems, or hardware integration may command higher rates, especially for long-term or complex projects.

What job categories do people searching Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer job openings in Santa Rosa, CA 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, with an average salary of $133,395 per year, or $64.1 per hour.

Senior Firmware Engineer, Security

Bodega Bay, CA • On-site

Blue Origin
Space Research Administration • 1 - 5K employees

$230K - $322K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Blue Origin rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 92 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.Job Description

As part of a hardworking team of specialists and engineers, you will develop low-level firmware for the secure enclaves of custom ASICs in the TeraWave system. You will work closely with silicon, software, security, and system engineering teams to develop the foundational firmware required to securely boot, provision, operate, update, monitor, and recover custom silicon throughout its lifecycle.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Develop ROM code, bootloaders, and runtime firmware for secure enclaves within custom ASICs.

  • Design and implement firmware supporting secure boot, device attestation, and root-of-trust functionality.

  • Develop firmware infrastructure for OTA updates, recovery, and secure firmware lifecycle management.

  • Support manufacturing provisioning, including device identity, keys, credentials, and secure configuration.

  • Develop and support secure debug, telemetry, tamper monitoring, and device recovery mechanisms.

  • Work closely with ASIC, security, software, and system teams to define hardware/software interfaces and security requirements.

  • Support pre-silicon firmware development and validation using simulation, emulation, FPGA, or other available development platforms.

  • Support silicon bring-up, debugging, validation, and production deployment of secure-enclave firmware.

  • Develop high-quality, maintainable embedded software with appropriate unit testing, code review, and documentation.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

  • 8+ years of experience developing embedded software or firmware for complex SoCs, ASICs, microcontrollers, or similar embedded systems.

  • Strong programming experience in C/C++ and low-level embedded software development.

  • Experience developing bootloaders, ROM code, board-support software, device drivers, or low-level firmware.

  • Strong understanding of embedded processor architectures, memory maps, interrupts, peripherals, and hardware/software interfaces.

  • Experience debugging embedded systems using tools such as JTAG, trace, logic analyzers, or equivalent debugging environments.

  • Experience with embedded security concepts such as secure boot, root of trust, cryptographic key management, device identity, or secure firmware updates.

  • Ability to work closely with ASIC and hardware teams during pre-silicon development and silicon bring-up.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience developing firmware specifically for secure enclaves, hardware roots of trust, or security subsystems.

  • Experience with manufacturing provisioning, device attestation, anti-rollback, secure debug, and tamper detection.

  • Experience with cryptographic hardware accelerators, key storage, OTP/eFuse, TRNG, or secure memory.

  • Experience with custom ASIC or SoC pre-silicon verification and post-silicon bring-up.

  • Experience developing firmware for high-reliability, aerospace, satellite, communications, networking, or other complex systems.

  • Familiarity with ARM or RISC-V processor architectures and associated embedded development environments.

Special Mentions
  • Relocation provided

  • Interviews will include a technical assessment


Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $230,398.00 - $322,556.85 WA applicants is $230,398.00 - $322,556.85

Other site ranges may differ


Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.


Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.


Background Check

  • Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.


Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.



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About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000