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Freelance Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania State University

$92K - $174K/yr

POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for a motivated and technically strong Embedded Software Engineer to join our Embedded Software Department within the Guidance and Control Technologies Division at ...

Eaton

Embedded Software Engineer

PA · On-site

$86K - $126K/yr

As an embedded software engineer, you will work with global engineering teams to design and develop the firmware for our next generation control and monitoring systems integrated with Eaton's Circuit ...

Glydways

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · Hybrid

$120K - $157K/yr

As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer , you will own critical firmware domains, lead complex cross-functional projects, and help shape our embedded platform and engineering best practices. This is ...

Cmu

Real-Time Embedded Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · Hybrid

$127K - $168K/yr

SEI is seeking an enthusiastic experienced real-time embedded engineer to work on safety-critical embedded software. You will work closely with a variety of software and hardware systems including ...

Innovative Aerosystems

Embedded Software Engineer

Exton, PA · On-site

$126K - $167K/yr

Responsible for embedded software engineering on Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) product platforms. Candidate needs to be able to work in a team environment with other engineers and disciplines ...

Lawrence Harvey

Embedded Software Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

We are looking for an Embedded Software Engineer with 2-4 years of experience to help scale our edge deployment platform for inline manufacturing inspection. You'll be the "rubber meets the road ...

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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 Pennsylvania? The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania? For Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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.

Real-Time Embedded Software Engineer

Software Engineering Institute

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

SEI advances software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering and computer security. The SEI works closely with academia, defense and government organizations, and industry to continually improve software-intensive systems. We deliver innovative technologies and solutions, collaborate on research in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence systems, and transition maturing technologies into practice.
Joining the SEI means becoming part of a world-class organization at the forefront of software engineering innovation. Our work has a profound impact on software systems across both government and industry. You'll collaborate with leading experts and work with cutting-edge technologies to tackle some of the nation's most complex and critical challenges.
Position Summary:
SEI is seeking an enthusiastic experienced real-time embedded engineer to work on safety-critical embedded software. You will work closely with a variety of software and hardware systems including bare-metal embedded systems, RTOSes, FPGAs, and embedded Linux. You will have opportunities to develop tools, techniques, and processes to solve some of the most difficult software problems that our government faces.
Who you are:
  • You have a BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related disciple with eight (8) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with five (5) years of experience; OR a PhD in the same fields with two (2) years of experience.
  • You've worked in a collaborative team environment as a software developer, software engineer, verification engineer, or related field.
  • You have proficiency in one or more of the following: C, C++, VHDL, Verilog, Python, C#.
  • You've built, analyzed, debugged, and/or tested bare-metal systems and are familiar with a CMSIS/HAL/specific peripheral driver.
  • You have experience in one or more of the following: Java, Go, Rust, Ada, MATLAB.
  • You have experience with FPGAs and/or heterogenous computing boards that require communication and synchronization between specialized hardware/chips.
  • You have exposure with modern RTOSes, e.g. VxWorks or Integrity, and developed and analyzed embedded software.
  • You have worked with common embedded interfaces and protocols: I2C, CAN, SPI, RS-232, RS-422, etc.
  • You've developed embedded software and performance tests and have experience interpreting the results.
  • You have an understanding of the Department of War (DoW) Systems Engineering lifecycle.
  • You have strong communication skills and the ability to convey difficult engineering or technical challenges to stakeholders.
  • You are willing to work 100% of your week onsite at either the SEI or customer facility.
  • You can pass a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of War (DoW) security clearance.
  • You have a willingness to travel (25%) outside of your office location to other SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.

What you'll do:
  • Understand complex, inter-dependent systems that hit multiple abstraction levels for embedded systems, interacting across a number of system interfaces.
  • Design and develop embedded software tools and capabilities to analyze, test, and evaluate existing software.
  • Apply systems engineering knowledge to identify and communicate weaknesses and flawed implementations of embedded functionality tracing from requirements.
  • Utilize static analysis, dynamic testing, and complexity analysis tools to uncover software weaknesses, security vulnerabilities, and instances of poor engineering judgment, guiding a high-impact, safety-critical system toward robustness, reliability, and engineering soundness.
  • Conduct research, experimentation, and present knowledge-sharing initiatives to enhance software development processes, demonstrate analytical capabilities, and foster a comprehensive understanding of system-of-systems (SoS) integration and performance.

What we offer you
Our benefits philosophy encompasses three driving priorities: choice, control, and well-being. Through Carnegie Mellon University, SEI offers a wide range of competitive employee benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, tuition benefits, generous time off, and a robust retirement savings policy to name a few.
  • Join a world-class organization that has a significant impact on software.
  • Work with cutting edge technologies and experts to solve tough problems for the government and the nation.
  • Publish your research, attend or present at prestigious events, and enjoy annual professional development opportunities.
  • Get an 8% monthly contribution for your retirement plan without having to contribute to it yourself.
  • Get tuition benefits to attend classes at Carnegie Mellon University for you and your dependent children.
  • Get access to university resources, including campus fitness facilities, mindfulness programs, childcare, free transportation on the Port Authority Transit System, and more.
  • Enjoy paid parental and military leave.
  • Work in the heart of Oakland, a few blocks from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.
  • Qualify for relocation assistance and so much more.

Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Software/Applications Development/Engineering
Position Type
Staff - Regular
Full time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
  • Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
  • Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
  • Statement of Assurance

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