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Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Firmware Engineer III

Cary, NC · On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

Embedded Firmware Engineer III Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Embedded Firmware Engineer III to develop embedded firmware for professional battery, power, and LED lighting products ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$112K - $153K/yr

Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer (Avionics / Platform Interface) Level: Engineer IV Location: In Person We are seeking a Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer to develop and integrate flight-critical ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Greenwood Village, CO · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled Embedded Firmware Engineer to design, develop, and optimize low-level software for advanced embedded systems. This role involves working across the full firmware stack ...

$105K - $143K/yr

Embedded Firmware Engineer III Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Embedded Firmware Engineer III to develop embedded firmware for professional battery, power, and LED lighting products ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer III

Cary, NC

$101K - $138K/yr

Embedded Firmware Engineer III Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Embedded Firmware Engineer III to develop embedded firmware for professional battery, power, and LED lighting products ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Matawan, NJ · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

Embedded Firmware Engineer Summary You will contribute to the embedded software and firmware that power PIXCEL's photonic and imaging systems. You will work across embedded Linux, firmware, system ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Matawan, NJ · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

Embedded Firmware Engineer Summary You will contribute to the embedded software and firmware that power PIXCEL's photonic and imaging systems. You will work across embedded Linux, firmware, system ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Embedded Firmware Engineer Duties and Responsibilities * Develop and maintain firmware on STM32 / TI / Renesas MCU platforms * Implement and debug low-level drivers (ADC, GPIO, PWM, SPI, I2C, UART ...

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Matawan, NJ · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

Embedded Firmware Engineer Summary You will contribute to the embedded software and firmware that power PIXCEL's photonic and imaging systems. You will work across embedded Linux, firmware, system ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer information

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$73.5K

$122K

$164K

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

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance embedded firmware engineer in the United States is $122,008.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,000.00 and $141,000.00 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.
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Infographic showing various Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $122,008 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

Embedded Firmware Engineer III

Cary, NC • On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Embedded Firmware Engineer III
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Embedded Firmware Engineer III to develop embedded firmware for professional battery, power, and LED lighting products used throughout the cinema, broadcast, photography, and content creation industries.
In this role, you will design and develop production-quality firmware from concept through release, working closely with electrical, mechanical, software, product management, and test engineering teams. You'll play a key role in developing battery management systems, lighting controls, wireless connectivity, embedded communications, automated testing, and manufacturing support for commercial hardware products.
This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on engineer who enjoys solving complex embedded systems challenges while contributing to products trusted by professional filmmakers and broadcasters worldwide.
What You'll Do
Embedded Firmware Development
  • Design, develop, test, document, and maintain embedded firmware for battery, power, and professional LED lighting products.
  • Develop bootloader and application firmware for ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers.
  • Create reusable embedded C libraries with appropriate unit tests and documentation.
  • Develop production-ready embedded software throughout the entire product lifecycle.
Hardware Integration & Debugging
  • Perform board bring-up and on-target debugging.
  • Troubleshoot firmware using schematics, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG/SWD debugging tools.
  • Develop low-level device drivers and hardware interfaces.
Battery Management Systems
  • Implement battery-management functionality including:
    • State of Charge (SOC)
    • State of Health (SOH)
    • Coulomb counting
    • Cell balancing
    • Smart Battery Specification (SBS)
Lighting & Connectivity
  • Develop firmware supporting professional lighting-control protocols including:
    • DMX512
    • RDM
    • CRMX
    • Art-Net
    • sACN
  • Implement Bluetooth® LE and Wi-Fi provisioning.
  • Develop secure MQTT-based cloud connectivity.
Communications & Embedded Systems
Develop and maintain embedded communications using:
  • SMBus / I²C
  • UART
  • SPI
  • Modbus
  • TCP/UDP sockets
Testing & Validation
  • Plan and execute structured verification and regression testing.
  • Conduct battery lifecycle, thermal, and load testing.
  • Develop Python tools for:
    • Test automation
    • Data collection
    • Calibration
    • Engineering analysis
Product Support
  • Support firmware releases and manufacturing.
  • Assist with regulatory testing.
  • Troubleshoot field issues and customer-reported problems.
  • Collaborate across engineering teams throughout product development.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field (or equivalent professional experience).
  • 5+ years of embedded firmware development experience with commercial hardware products.
  • Advanced programming experience using Embedded C.
  • Strong experience developing firmware for ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers.
  • Experience with real-time operating systems such as ThreadX or FreeRTOS.
  • Experience with:
    • Hardware bring-up
    • Embedded debugging
    • Device drivers
    • Communication protocols
  • Working knowledge of:
    • Git
    • CMake
    • GNU Arm Embedded Toolchain
    • CI/CD practices
  • Ability to interpret electrical schematics and troubleshoot hardware/firmware interactions.
  • Experience writing maintainable, well-documented production firmware.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with any of the following is highly desirable:
Embedded Platforms
  • Renesas Synergy SSP
  • Renesas RA FSP
  • e² studio
  • Espressif ESP-IDF 5.x
  • ESP32 devices
Battery Systems
  • Smart Battery systems
  • TI bq-series battery-management ICs
  • Battery cyclers
  • Battery test equipment
  • UN 38.3
  • UL/IEC 62133
Lighting Control
  • DMX512
  • RDM
  • CRMX / LumenRadio
  • Art-Net
  • sACN
  • Professional lighting systems
Embedded Software Tools
  • GUIX
  • GUIX Studio
  • Segger J-Link
  • J-Flash
  • Ozone
  • PC-lint
  • Doxygen
  • Teamcenter
Industry Experience
Experience developing products for:
  • Professional cinema
  • Broadcast
  • Photography
  • Professional LED lighting
  • Gold Mount, V-Mount, or B-Mount battery systems

Additional experience with:
  • Color science (CCT, xy chromaticity, spectral measurement)
  • Thermal or fan-control firmware
  • Motor control
  • FPGA interfaces
  • QSPI devices
  • Battery laboratory safety and thermal-runaway testing
Why Join Us?
You'll work on cutting-edge products used by professional filmmakers, broadcasters, photographers, and content creators around the world. As part of a collaborative engineering team, you'll have the opportunity to influence product architecture from concept through production while solving challenging real-world embedded systems problems.
If you're passionate about embedded systems, commercial hardware development, and building products that professionals rely on every day, we'd love to hear from you.
Benefits
  • Competitive salary
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Collaborative and innovative engineering environment
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
  • Fun company events throughout the year

Department Engineering Role Firmware Engineer Locations SmallHD - Cary, NC Yearly salary $125,000 - $140,000