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Freelance Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in California

Leidos

Embedded Software Engineer

San Diego, CA

$139K - $183K/yr

In this role, the Embedded Software Engineer will build high-performance software to meet extreme system requirements. They will be responsible for designing and implementing components to support ...

Project Canary

Embedded Software Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Embedded Software Engineer Department: Aeris Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hayward, CA Compensation: $170,000 - $190,000 / year Description Aeris Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Project ...

Leidos

Embedded Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

In this role, the Embedded Software Engineer will build high-performance software to meet extreme system requirements. They will be responsible for designing and implementing components to support ...

General Matter

Embedded Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

About This Role As a General Matter Embedded Software Engineer, you will develop performant, safe and high-quality software to directly control our systems. Your code will be responsible for ...

Rosenxt

Embedded Software Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$141K - $186K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This involves programming near hardware-software interfaces, developing or modifying embedded device drivers on Linux and other embedded kernels, implementing signal processing algorithms ...

General Matter

Embedded Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

About This Role As a General Matter Embedded Software Engineer, you will develop performant, safe and high-quality software to directly control our systems. Your code will be responsible for ...

Rosennxt

Embedded Software Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA

$141K - $186K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This involves programming near hardware-software interfaces, developing or modifying embedded device drivers on Linux and other embedded kernels, implementing signal processing algorithms ...

Align Technology, Inc.

Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA

$154K - $202K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About this opportunity As an Embedded Software Engineer, you will play a key role in defining and developing next-generation products and technologies. You will lead firmware architecture and ...

Impulse Space

Embedded Software Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$130K - $280K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Embedded Software Engineer Department: Software Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Compensation: $130,000 - $280,000 / year Description As an Embedded Software Engineer your core ...

Boeing Company

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$171K - $232K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Senior Embedded Software Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Company is looking for a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to join the AvionX Mission Systems Software team located in Long ...

New

Sunday Inc

Embedded Software Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$161K - $211K/yr

What to Expect As an Embedded Software Engineer, you'll own platform software for the embedded Linux compute units running our robotics stack. You will collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical ...

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All JobsEmbedded Software Engineer JobsFreelance Embedded Software Engineer JobsFreelance Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in California

Freelance Embedded Software Engineer information

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 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 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 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:

Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Embedded Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

BlackFern Recruitment

San Diego, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Senior or Principal Software Engineer (Full-time, On-site, San Diego, CA)

We are seeking an experienced Principal or Senior Embedded Software Engineer to design and develop embedded software for space-based systems, including computer boards. This is a hands-on, on-site position focused on real-time, high-reliability applications.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, document, and test embedded software for aerospace products.
  • Develop and debug bootloaders, BSPs, kernels, and device drivers for VxWorks 6.9/7.0, Embedded Linux, RTEMS, and bare-metal environments.
  • Write code in C/C++ and assembly for embedded systems; develop Python-based desktop GUI tools (e.g., pyvisa, nidaqmx) for automated test equipment.
  • Support system verification, debugging, and manufacturing with test programs, plans, and technical expertise.
  • Participate in technical customer discussions and cross-discipline design reviews.
  • Contribute to software architecture, planning, risk management, and process improvement across projects.
Qualifications
  • 8 30 years of experience in embedded software development.
  • Proficiency in C/C++, Python, BSP, kernel, and driver development.
  • Strong experience with VxWorks, Embedded Linux, and/or bare-metal systems.
  • Familiar with Buildroot/Yocto, NAND Flash file systems, and low-level hardware debugging using lab tools and in-circuit emulators.
  • BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field (MS preferred).
  • Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and teamwork skills.
Why is This a Great Opportunity

Well established company, great technology and projects, very interesting work, good team of engineers, doing work in the growing space industry

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