Freelance Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX

Please Note:To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

CesiumAstro is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer II with a strong background in embedded Linux development and the Yocto build system. This role is ideal for engineers with hands-on experience in embedded systems, including device drivers, kernel customization, bootloaders, and board bring-up, with a preference for experience with the Xilinx platform (experience with other platforms is also valued).

As a member of our software team, you will contribute to the full software development lifecycle, from product concept through production, participating in architecture design, implementation, testing, qualification, and in-orbit support. This role involves working closely with hardware, systems, and FPGA engineers, and provides opportunities for technical leadership and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

• Develop and port embedded Linux applications, device drivers, and libraries.
• Configure, customize, and integrate the Linux kernel and embedded bootloaders (e.g., U-Boot).
• Maintain and evolve the Yocto-based Linux build system within a CI/CD pipeline.
• Package and deploy software images for diverse embedded hardware platforms.
• Create tailored Linux distributions for specific embedded applications.
• Collaborate across disciplines (firmware, hardware, systems) to ensure seamless system integration and performance.
• Participate in design reviews and contribute to customer-facing technical documentation and proposals.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of professional experience in embedded software development.
• Proficiency in C or C++ for embedded systems.
• Experience developing and debugging software on embedded hardware (e.g., power systems, motors, sensors).
• Understanding of multi-threaded programming and resource-constrained environments.
• Familiarity with version control, issue tracking, and peer review workflows.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Practical experience with Embedded Linux and the Yocto Project.
• Experience with Xilinx SoCs or other microcontroller-based systems.
• Proficiency with bootloaders, kernel development, and system bring-up.
• Familiarity with CI/CD tools and practices in embedded environments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment.

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

• Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard torace, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.