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Freelance Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Washington

Embedded Software Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site +1

$135K - $177K/yr

Overview We are looking for a professional Embedded Software Engineer, a team player with solid technical skills to add to our core engineering team. Candidates must have a strong technical ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$106K - $159K/yr

Overview of Opportunity Two Six Technologies is actively seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to join our Trusted Electronics & Effects team in Herndon, Virginia. We are looking for someone with a ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Savage, MD

$137K - $180K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Savage, Maryland 1 Year Must haves 10+ years of experience Embedded microprocessor design experience C/C++ Experience writing unit tests/test plans Code optimization ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Savage, MD ยท On-site

$137K - $180K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Savage, Maryland 1 Year Must haves 10+ years of experience Embedded microprocessor design experience C/C++ Experience writing unit tests/test plans Code optimization ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$125K - $225K/yr

This position focuses on Embedded Software Engineering for high-performance RF and DSP systems, leveraging Xilinx SoCs and FPGA-based signal processing chains in support of digital signal processing ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$151K - $199K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Apogee Research is at the forefront of a revolution in how the DoD operates: a turn towards compositional systems of systems instead of traditional monolithic architectures.

Embedded Software Engineer

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$151K - $199K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Apogee Research is at the forefront of a revolution in how the DoD operates: a turn towards compositional systems of systems instead of traditional monolithic architectures.

Embedded Software Engineer

Hanover, MD ยท On-site

$129K - $170K/yr

... embedded software or firmware development. - Proficient in C for embedded/systems programming; familiarity with C++ a plus. - Hands-on experience with embedded Linux (kernel drivers, device trees ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Arlington, VA ยท Hybrid

$142K - $186K/yr

Who we are SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national ... Design and analyze embedded software tools and capabilities, including software exception handlers ...

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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 Washington? The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Washington are:
Infographic showing various Freelance Embedded Software Engineer job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, 60% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Embedded Software Engineer

Embedded Software Engineer

iDirect GOVERNMENT

Herndon, VA โ€ข On-site, Remote

$135K - $177K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Overview
We are looking for a professional Embedded Software Engineer, a team player with solid technical skills to add to our core engineering team. Candidates must have a strong technical background and be capable of coming up to speed on new technologies quickly. Good communication skills, great problem-solving skills, and the ability to work both individually and collaboratively in a team environment are required. If you enjoy working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with the smartest team and the very latest technologies, then this is the job for you!
iDirect Government is a leading ground systems provider to the military satellite industry. We offer platforms connecting a variety of satellite constellations with an array of remote terminals. Terminals are installed on aircraft, maritime vessels, and other ground-based military and government assets. These terminals provide internet and voice capabilities to remote and austere locations.
This is a cross-functional engineering position, developing embedded software for our satellite products on a Linux platform.
This position is based in Herndon, VA.
Responsibilities
  • Develop the C++ applications that control our next generation of satellite terminals
  • Design, code, test, and integrate software from requirements to production and commercial deployment
  • Assist with the estimation of time and effort required to implement new features
  • Participate in design reviews, peer code reviews, and improve product quality
  • Interface and work with cross-functional teams to successfully implement feature dependencies
  • Integrate and validate new product designs
  • Act as a member of an Agile scrum team

Qualifications
  • 4+ years of experience in software development
  • Understanding of hardware design and architecture
  • Solid programming experience in C/C++ object-oriented design and development
  • Linux or a POSIX O/S environment
  • Familiarity with software configuration management, defect tracking tools, and peer review
  • Strong documentation and writing skills

Additional experience in the following areas is a plus:
  • Embedded development including hardware debug, device drivers, and real-time constraints in a complex multi-processor system
  • Cross-functional (hardware/firmware/software) development and verification
  • Knowledge of satellite communication protocols
  • Satellite communications protocols such as DVB-S2 and TDMA
  • Networking protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP and IPv6
  • 509 Certificate and Crypto key management
  • Shell scripting, Perl, Lua, or Python
  • Docker, Conan, cmake, C++11
  • Knowledge of Jira, Confluence, BitBucket, Git, SharePoint, Jenkins and Artifactory is a plus
  • Working knowledge of GCC, grep/awk/sed command line tools, bash scripting, GDB debugger, systemd suite

Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software, Systems, Mathematics, or related technical field/experience

Clearance
  • Active DoD clearance or ability to obtain a DoD clearance

Travel
  • 0-10%

iDirect Government is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or protected veteran status.