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Freelance Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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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 Virginia? The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Freelance Embedded Software Engineer job openings:
Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4

Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Dulles, VA

$130K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 353 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

If forging a secure future excites you, look no further! Northrop Grumman's Space Sector provides an arena where your passion for innovation and quest for exploration are welcome. As an Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4, your role at Dulles, VA, will be pivotal in supporting mission-critical efforts to national and global security.

Ready to join forces with our visionary team?

This Embedded Software Engineer will join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in the Space Systems organization, developing space flight software platforms for National Space Security programs. The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented.

This work does require a TS/SCI clearance and will primarily be performed in a SCIF environment.

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Develop embedded software modules and have familiarity with data protocols including UART, Synchronous Serial, MIL-STD-1553, SPACEWIRE, SPI, discrete digital and analog IO, and others

  • Work with other disciplines to establish Flight-Software requirements, testing, and verification plan.

  • Develop and configure board support packages (BSPs) and integrate device drivers.

  • Performs trade studies via computer simulation or kits & development boards.

  • Work with multiple engineers to integrate spacecraft components and flight software with the simulation platform.

  • Be involved in the hardware definition and software design, development, debug and integration on simulation and hardware-in-the-loop platforms.

  • Analyze system resources to enhance efficiency, stability, and processing speed.

  • Prepare design documentation, analysis, test results and presentation materials for internal and external customers.

  • Work with software developers and other engineers, as needed, to help diagnose and identify the root cause of problems found during software installation, integration, acceptance test, and operational events.

  • Work in an innovative environment across diverse assignments and in collaborative team settings across all levels.

  • Other duties as assigned.

This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.

This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or a Level 4.

Basic Qualifications for Level 3:

  • Bachelor's degree in STEM (Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering) with 5 years of relevant professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 3 years of relevant professional experience - OR - PhD with 1 year of relevant professional experience.

  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance, current and within scope, at time of application [US citizenship required]

  • Advanced programming proficiency with C/C++, Python.

  • Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems, and avionics integration and test practices

  • Core affinity and parallel processing experience

  • Experience with understanding the difference between concurrent and parallel processing

  • Familiarity with Stellar or CFS

  • Demonstrable programming experience on Linux

Basic Qualifications for Level 4:

  • Bachelor's degree in STEM (Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering) with 8 years of relevant professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 6 years of relevant professional experience - OR - PhD with 4 years of relevant professional experience.

  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance, current and within scope, at time of application [US citizenship required]

  • Advanced programming proficiency with C/C++, Python.

  • Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems, and avionics integration and test practices

  • Core affinity and parallel processing experience

  • Experience with understanding the difference between concurrent and parallel processing

  • Familiarity with Stellar or CFS

  • Demonstrable programming experience on Linux

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance, current and within scope at time of application, with the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) approval/access within a reasonable amount of time [US citizenship required]

  • Experience with Yocto or Vulcan

  • System knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness, and Visualization

  • Experience with Digital, Analog, RS-422 synchronous serial and UART, MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire electrical interfaces

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939