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Freelance Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX

SpaceX

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX · On-site

$123K - $161K/yr

Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. SR. EMBEDDED SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK) Starlink is the world ...

Fidus Systems

Embedded Software Designer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent. * Minimum 8 years' experience in BSP-level software development within embedded Linux, RTOS, or bare-metal environments. * Minimum 2 years ...

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All JobsEmbedded Software Engineer JobsFreelance Embedded Software Engineer JobsFreelance Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX

Freelance Embedded Software Engineer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$69.4K

$152K

$172.5K

How much do freelance embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance embedded software engineer in Austin, TX is $152,035.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,300.00 and $171,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Austin, TX? The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Austin, TX? For Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Austin, TX 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 Austin, TX 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, with an average salary of $152,035 per year, or $73.1 per hour.

Principal Embedded Software Engineer II

CesiumAstro

Austin, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 hours ago

Job description

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.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Embedded Software Engineer II to join our software team. In this position, you will be responsible for low-level and high-level software in Cesium's products through all phases of the development process. Key projects will include Linux-based single-board computers and high-reliability microcontroller systems. Cesium's goal is to create an out-of-the-box hardware and software experience which enhances our customers' ability to rapidly integrate our products into their systems.

As a Cesium software team member, you will be responsible for software designs from concept through production, including product roadmaps, block diagrams, detailed design and coding, analysis, test, qualification, and in-orbit support. The ideal candidate will have development experience at nearly every level of the software stack, including microcontrollers, low-level drivers, board support packages (BSP), end-use applications, and user interfaces. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have experience in software testing and high-reliability qualification, as well as software engineering and software project management practices.

The successful candidate will present engineering design review materials to our customers and executive team, as well as participate in proposal-writing efforts. As such, excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Design and implement software for embedded devices and systems, from requirements to production and commercial deployment.
  • Design, develop, code, test, debug and document system software.
  • Review code and system designs.
  • Analyze code for efficiency, stability and scalability.
  • Integrate and validate new product designs.
  • Support software quality assurance and optimize I/O performance.
  • Provide post-production/in-orbit customer support.
  • Interface with hardware design and development engineers.
  • Assess third party and open source software.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master of Science (MS) degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
  • Minimum of 11 years of industry experience in software development.
  • Experience in hands-on development and troubleshooting of embedded hardware. API design for interfacing with FPGAs.
  • Extensive programming experience in C and an object oriented programming language, preferably C++.
  • Experience in embedded systems design with preemptive, multitasking real-time operating systems (experience with real-time Linux is desirable).
  • Familiarity with software configuration management tools, defect tracking tools, and peer review.
  • Excellent knowledge of real-time system coding techniques, IP protocols, interfaces, and hardware subsystems.
  • Excellent understanding of multi-threaded applications and resource management.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
  • Experience with products for aerospace applications.
  • Adequate knowledge of reading electronics schematics and component data sheets.
  • Experience with ARM processors and fully-featured microcontrollers.
  • Experience in design and development of a Software Development Kit (SDK).
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 to race, 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.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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