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Freelance Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in California

Embedded Software Engineer

Woodland Hills, CA ยท On-site

$103K - $194K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Real-time embedded software Location: Northridge, CA Position Overview Synovix is seeking two experienced Embedded Software Engineers to support an on-site missile and ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$154K - $203K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer, Santa Clara, CA We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Embedded Software Engineer to join a dynamic team. The ideal Embedded Software Engineer will possess a solid ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$141K - $185K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Location: Irvine, California (onsite) Duration: Long Term Contract/Full time option as well. Job Overview: We are looking for an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$141K - $185K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Location: Irvine, California, 100% onsite (In-Person Interview) Domain - Avionics/Aerospace Domain Below is the detailed for your reference - Job Overview: We are looking ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer Location: Carlsbad, CA or Marlborough, MA Duration: 6+ Months This position is open to W-2 CANDIDATES ONLY who are authorized to work in the USA WITHOUT ...

Embedded Software Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer San Diego, CA Lont term Contract MUST have the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance. The Embedded Software Engineer III is responsible for developing embedded ...

Embedded Software Engineer The Embedded Software Engineer develops hardware, firmware, and graphical user interface (GUI) applications for use in both modular components and larger integrated systems.

Embedded Software Engineer

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$155K - $204K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Location: Mountain View, CA (On-site interviews) - Client will pay Other Project Locations (Contract): Seattle, WA; San Francisco, CA; Pittsburgh, PA Duration: 12+ Months ...

The Reality Labs Research Software Team is looking for an Embedded Software Engineer to help bring all-day wearable AI research platforms to life through collaboration and commitment.Our prototype ...

Embedded Software Engineer (Automated Test & Fleet Systems) Location: Foster City, CA (100% In-Person / On-Site) Pay Rate: $99.26 USD / Hour Job Type: Full-Time Contract Industry: Autonomous Mobility ...

Zoox is looking for an embedded software engineer to join our Firmware Platforms team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing, extending, and maintaining support for multiple embedded ...

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Freelance Embedded Software Engineer information

What is a freelance embedded software engineer?

A Freelance Embedded Software Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, tests, and maintains software that operates on embedded systems, such as microcontrollers and specialized hardware, while working independently or on a contract basis. Unlike full-time employees, freelancers typically work with multiple clients on a project-by-project basis. Their responsibilities often include writing firmware, optimizing code for hardware constraints, and integrating software with electronic components. Freelancers in this field enjoy flexibility and variety in their work, but are also responsible for managing their own business operations.

What are some common challenges freelance embedded software engineers face when working with multiple clients?

Freelance embedded software engineers often juggle several projects simultaneously, each with unique hardware platforms, toolchains, and client expectations. Managing communication across different time zones and ensuring clear documentation for handoffs can be challenging. Additionally, freelancers must quickly adapt to varying development environments and maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry standards to deliver quality solutions. Effective organization and transparent project management are key to overcoming these hurdles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance embedded software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Embedded Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science or electrical engineering, proficiency in embedded C/C++, and experience with microcontrollers or real-time operating systems. Familiarity with development tools such as Keil, IAR, or Eclipse, version control systems like Git, and relevant certifications (e.g., ARM Accredited Engineer) are highly valued. Excellent problem-solving skills, self-motivation, and strong communication are crucial for managing diverse client projects and remote collaborations. These skills ensure you can deliver reliable, efficient solutions tailored to client needs while maintaining professional autonomy and quality standards.

What is the difference between Freelance Embedded Software Engineer vs Embedded Software Developer?

AspectFreelance Embedded Software EngineerEmbedded Software Developer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in computer engineering or related field, with certifications like ARM or RTOS expertiseSimilar credentials, often with certifications in embedded systems or specific platforms
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, often remote or client-siteUsually employed by companies, working in teams within offices or labs
Industry UsageFreelance market for custom projects, consulting, or short-term contractsFull-time or contract roles within tech, automotive, medical, or consumer electronics industries

While both roles require embedded systems knowledge and similar credentials, a Freelance Embedded Software Engineer works independently on diverse projects, often remotely, whereas an Embedded Software Developer is typically employed by a company, working within a team on ongoing product development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California?

For Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Embedded Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Embedded Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Embedded Software Engineer

Woodland Hills, CA โ€ข On-site

$103K - $194K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer

Real-time embedded software

Location: Northridge, CA


Position Overview

Synovix is seeking two experienced Embedded Software Engineers to support an on-site missile and weapon -systems program for a defense customer in Northridge, California. The engineers will design, implement, integrate, and verify real-time embedded software across the development lifecycle.

What You Will Do
  • Design, develop, integrate, and test real-time embedded software for safety- and mission-critical weapon system applications.
  • Translate system and software requirements into maintainable software architecture, detailed designs, code, and verification evidence.
  • Develop primarily in C and C++ using the Green Hills development environment or a comparable embedded toolchain.
  • Integrate software with processors, sensors, actuators, interfaces, and laboratory test assets.
  • Diagnose timing, memory, concurrency, interface, and hardware/software integration issues on target hardware.
  • Support peer reviews, configuration management, defect resolution, and test readiness; guide architecture decisions, mentor engineers, and coordinate with systems, GNC, algorithms, modeling, test, and hardware teams.
Required Qualifications
  • At least 8 years of relevant embedded software engineering experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
  • Demonstrated C and/or C++ development experience in a real-time or resource-constrained embedded environment.
  • Experience with the complete software lifecycle: requirements, design, implementation, integration, verification, and problem resolution.
  • Experience debugging software on target hardware using standard embedded development and laboratory tools.
  • Ability to work full-time on site in Northridge, California.
  • U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain a U.S. government security clearance if required by the program; an active clearance is not required at hire.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Missile, weapon system, avionics, flight control, seeker, or other aerospace/defense embedded software experience.
  • Green Hills MULTI, INTEGRITY RTOS, VxWorks, embedded Linux, or comparable RTOS/toolchain experience.
  • Experience with device drivers, board support packages, low-level interfaces, middleware, or hardware abstraction layers.
  • Familiarity with deterministic scheduling, interprocess communication, data buses, networking protocols, and performance optimization.
  • Experience with model-based development, software-in-the-loop, processor-in-the-loop, or hardware-in-the-loop test environments.
  • Knowledge of disciplined software standards and practices used in defense or safety-critical development.