Freelance Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

The Sr. Embedded Software Engineer will provide technical leadership in the architecture, design, and delivery of safety-critical embedded control systems for complex mobile equipment platforms. This role is responsible for setting technical direction, defining software and system architectures, and leading the development of robust, scalable embedded solutions using modern C++, model-based design, and high-performance vehicle networks. The Staff / Principal Engineer serves as a subject matter expert, mentor, and technical authority across multiple programs and product lines.

Why This Role Matters:

This role will be instrumental in guiding the development of Manitowoc's next-generation control system architecture, intended to be shared across numerous crane models and platforms. The system will integrate advanced capabilities such as telematics, over-the-air programming (OTAP), real-time diagnostics, and enhanced serviceability while maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability. In this role, you will directly shape how customers interact with our machines by translating user feedback and operational insights into architectural and design decisions that enable our cranes to exceed customer expectations in performance, uptime, and usability.

Responsibilities:

• Define and own embedded software and controls architecture for vehicle-level systems, ensuring safety, reliability, scalability, and long-term maintainability
• Architect, design, implement, and review embedded firmware in modern C++ for real-time control of complex vehicle functions
• Lead development and integration of device drivers, middleware, and application frameworks on safety-capable microcontrollers
• Establish and enforce coding standards, architectural patterns, and best practices across the organization
• Drive system-level design decisions through deep understanding of hardware, firmware, networks, operational use cases, service considerations, and customer feedback
• Contribute within an Agile development environment, applying iterative planning, regular feedback, and continuous integration principles to deliver high-quality embedded software
• Anticipate vehicle operation, safety, service, and lifecycle risks and ensure they are mitigated through sound engineering design
• Lead complex debugging and root-cause analysis across hardware, firmware, and system integration layers
• Serve as a technical mentor and reviewer, raising overall software and controls engineering maturity
• Collaborate closely with electrical, hydraulic, systems, validation, manufacturing, and service teams throughout the full product lifecycle
• Influence technology roadmap decisions related to controls architecture, functional safety strategy, development tools, and future platform capabilities.

Functional Safety and Verification:

• Apply functional safety principles in the design of embedded control systems in accordance with applicable standards (e.g., ISO 13849 / EN 13849)
• Experience working within a V-model development framework; familiarity with safety analysis and documentation tools such as SISTEMA is a strong plus
• Ensure software designs support safety goals, diagnostic coverage, and traceability throughout development and validation activities.

AI-Enabled Development Expectations:

• Practical experience using AI-assisted tooling to improve productivity or code quality, with the judgment to validate, review, and responsibly integrate outputs into safety-critical embedded software
• Ability to define and promote effective, disciplined use of AI within embedded software development workflows

Preferred Technical Expertise/Skills/Abilities:

• Advanced proficiency in C and modern C++ for embedded, real-time systems Strong experience with safety-capable microcontrollers, RTOS concepts, and low-level hardware interfaces
• Experience with vehicle and industrial communication networks (CAN, J1939, LIN, Ethernet; CANopen Safety preferred)
• Model-based design and auto-code generation using MATLAB/Simulink
• Modern development practices including Git-based workflows, Azure DevOps (or similar), and Linux-based development environments
• Background in off-highway, construction, agricultural, or other heavy-duty mobile equipment Ability to interpret electrical and hydraulic schematics and collaborate effectively across disciplines

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
• 10+ years of professional experience developing embedded software and control systems for real-time or safety-critical applications
• Proven experience operating at a technical leadership, staff, or principal-level scope across multiple projects or platforms

Travel Required: International & Domestic 10%

Other Duties:

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Manitowoc Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.