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Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kapta Space

Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$117K - $160K/yr

Kapta Space is seeking a Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer to lead the complete lifecycle development, including development, testing, and support of the radar operation, data collection, storage and ...

Vicor Corporation

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Andover, MA

$90K - $115K/yr

• Participate in the development of embedded firmware architecture and code optimized for controlling families of VI Chip power components. • Work alongside Analog Engineers to generate control ...

J.W. Speaker

Embedded Firmware Engineer II

Germantown, WI · On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

As an Embedded Firmware Engineer II, you will play a critical role in designing and implementing robust firmware solutions that drive the success of our lighting products. From concept to production ...

Vicor Corporation

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Andover, MA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

• Participate in the development of embedded firmware architecture and code optimized for controlling families of VI Chip power components. • Work alongside Analog Engineers to generate control ...

OnePointOne, Inc.

Embedded Firmware Engineer

San Jose, CA

$120K - $164K/yr

We are seeking a full-time Embedded Firmware Engineer to join our software team and work on development of our mobile robotics fleet and proprietary farm control system. We are seeking a self-driven ...

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Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer information

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$122K

$164K

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

As of Jun 22, 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 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, and why are they important?

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.
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Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 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.

Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer

Kapta Space

Seattle, WA • On-site

$117K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Kapta Space, a VC-funded early-stage startup in Seattle, WA, is breaking new ground in Geospatial Intelligence.  Our technology centers around a proven, scalable electronically-steered radar for sophisticated spaceborne applications such as earth observation using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) techniques, as well as enabling advanced defense missions such as target tracking on the ground and in the air.

Kapta Space is seeking a Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer to lead the complete lifecycle development, including development, testing, and support of the radar operation, data collection, storage and processing. Kapta Space is seeking a Senior Embedded Firmware Engineers with experience in mission-critical software development that have the drive and experience to complete projects independently and on time.
You Are the Right Fit for the Role at Kapta Space If:
  • You are able to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in creating software requirements
  • You have the ability to architect, design, and implement embedded firmware for our Radar Sensor
  • You can work collaboratively with radar algorithm, hardware, FPGA and mechanical engineers to build reliable embedded firmware for the payload
  • You are able to assist in Hardware-aware optimizations of algorithms targeting Embedded Processors, Edge Compute, and ground-based servers
  • You have experience evaluating implementation/maintenance, complexity and resource requirements (compute, memory, power). Produce trade-studies to support decision making
  • You are able to generate test plans and methods to test software on hardware platforms so that they meet end-user needs/expectations.
  • You are comfortable assisting in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring additional teammates to our rapidly growing team
Requirements of the Role:
  • BS or MS degree in engineering, computer science, or related field
  • 8+ years of experience in embedded firmware development (ideally radar)
  • Good understanding of one or more of the following: Board Support Package, Operating Systems, Bootloader, Microcontrollers
  • Comfortable with Git, CI, Code Reviews, and Version Control and organized enough to be productive in a lean startup environment
  • Experience with C/C++
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret/SCI security clearance
Bonus if candidates have experience and skills in the following areas:
  • Experience with satellites or spacecraft systems
  • Experience with multi-threaded system concepts including tasks, priorities, and deadlocks
  • Embedded firmware debugging experience including clock level issues, interrupts, and hardware interfaces
  • Experience with embedded designs with multiple processors and peripheral interfaces (SPI, UART, GPIO, I2C, Ethernet)
  • Experience implementing efficient, low latency data movement between FPGAs, processors, storage devices, and networking interfaces
  • Working knowledge of networking stacks (Ethernet, TCP/IP)
  • Ability to read schematic diagrams
  • An active or previously held US Government TS/SCI security clearance is considered a strong plus.

Concerned you do not meet all the requirements? Not a problem - please apply even if you do not meet all these criteria.
U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Kapta Employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful U.S. permanent residents (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Commerce as applicable.

Kapta Space is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation, strengthens our team, and broadens our capabilities. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

Kapta Space does not engage with external recruiters or agencies without prior written agreement. If you are a recruiter (individual or agency) and wish to engage with Kapta Space for talent acquisition, please email hr@kaptaspace.com.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. All final hiring decisions are made by humans.