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Freelance Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Florida

Software Engineer Embedded

Melbourne, FL

$121K - $160K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Please specify.:* Contractor Essential Functions / Responsibilities:* Responsible for definition, development and maintenance of real time embedded software applications ...

Software Engineer Embedded

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Please specify.:* Contractor Essential Functions / Responsibilities:* Responsible for definition, development and maintenance of real time embedded software applications ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Embedded Software Engineer is responsible for the architecture, design, development, integration, verification, and sustainment of complex embedded software solutions. This ...

$119K - $157K/yr

Job Summary The Embedded Software Engineer III designs and develops software applications. Performs coding, debugging, testing and troubleshooting throughout the application development process. The ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Embedded Software Engineer is responsible for the architecture, design, development, integration, verification, and sustainment of complex embedded software solutions. This ...

22191-1 Embedded Software Engineer 5, Orlando, FL (Secret Clearance) DESCRIPTION: PSCI is seeking a qualified embedded real-time Software Engineer with Ada experience to work in Orlando, Florida. The ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Pompano Beach, FL

$123K - $162K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Duration: 12+ Months (Could go beyond) * Knowledge of Algorithm development, system identification and control design. * Hands-on experience programming DSP and MCU (C/C ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Largo, FL · On-site

$111K - $146K/yr

Learn More About EAS Job Purpose The Senior Embedded Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining high-performance, reliable, and scalable embedded software solutions ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Florida? The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Florida are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Freelance Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Freelance Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Leonardo DRS

Melbourne, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Leonardo DRS rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

114th of 537 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job ID: 114737
Location: Melbourne FL
Schedule: 9/80

The Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business within DRS has locations in Dallas and Austin, TX, Melbourne, FL, and Cypress, CA. EOIS develops, manufactures, and supports infrared and electro-optical solutions for soldiers, ground vehicles and airborne platforms. We offer an exciting and challenging work environment, a competitive salary and benefits package, and a business culture that rewards performance.
Employing the world's brightest. Supporting the world's bravest.
Job Summary
The Principal Embedded Software Engineer serves as a technical leader responsible for defining software architecture, leading execution of complex embedded software projects, and driving technical decisions across multiple disciplines. This role combines deep hands-on technical expertise with project leadership responsibilities. The individual is expected to function as an individual contributor while also leading small software teams, coordinating technical execution, assigning work, monitoring progress, managing technical risks, and communicating project status to engineering and program leadership. The Principal Engineer is recognized as a subject matter expert and is responsible for ensuring successful technical execution of critical business and customer programs.
Job Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
  • Define software architectures for complex embedded systems and mission-critical products.
  • Lead technical strategy, design reviews, and architectural decisions.
  • Serve as the technical authority for software development activities.
  • Drive technical solutions involving processors, FPGAs, sensors, imaging systems, networking, and embedded platforms.
  • Evaluate technologies, tools, frameworks, and development approaches.
  • Lead root-cause investigations for complex system-level issues.

Project Leadership
  • Lead small software development teams while remaining an active contributor.
  • Translate program objectives into executable software development plans.
  • Break down project work into tasks and assign responsibilities across team members.
  • Track execution against schedules, milestones, and technical deliverables.
  • Identify, communicate, and mitigate technical and program risks.
  • Coordinate software activities across systems, hardware, FPGA, verification, manufacturing, and program teams.
  • Provide regular project status, risks, and recovery plans to engineering management and program leadership.
  • Support staffing, workload balancing, and technical mentoring activities.

Individual Contributor Responsibilities
  • Develop, integrate, debug, and verify embedded software.
  • Perform code reviews and maintain software quality standards.
  • Support customer demonstrations, field activities, integration events, and technical reviews.
  • Contribute directly to critical project deliverables when needed.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical discipline.
  • Minimum 8 years of embedded software development experience.
  • Expert-level proficiency in C and C++.
  • Strong Python development experience.
  • Extensive experience with Bare-Metal, FreeRTOS, and Embedded Linux environments.
  • Extensive experience with AMD/Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC and/or MicroBlaze platforms.
  • Strong understanding of embedded software architecture, real-time systems, and hardware/software co-design.
  • Experience developing complex device drivers and middleware components.
  • Experience leading software development efforts through the full product lifecycle.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead small engineering teams while remaining a hands-on contributor.
  • Experience developing project schedules, assigning technical work, and tracking execution.
  • Experience presenting technical status, risks, and recommendations to management and stakeholders.
  • Strong technical decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience leading embedded software efforts for defense, aerospace, medical, or safety-critical products.
  • Experience with EO/IR imaging systems, video processing, sensor integration, and high-speed interfaces.
  • Experience with Ethernet, TCP/IP, lwIP, networking protocols, and distributed embedded systems.
  • Experience with requirements-based development and formal verification methodologies.
  • Experience supporting proposal activities, technical planning, and technology roadmaps.
  • Experience serving as a technical lead, team lead, or project lead on multi-disciplinary engineering

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.
Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only
Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.
Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:
- Integrity
- Agility
- Excellence
- Customer Focus
- Community & Respect
- Innovation
We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.

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