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Freelance Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA

Transcend Softech LLC

Embedded Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$141K - $185K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Location: Irvine, California (onsite) Duration: Long Term Contract/Full time option as well. Job Overview: We are looking for an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to ...

Purple Hires Inc

Embedded Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$141K - $185K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Location: Irvine, California, 100% onsite (In-Person Interview) Domain - Avionics/Aerospace Domain Below is the detailed for your reference - Job Overview: We are looking ...

Boeing

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$171K - $232K/yr

Senior Embedded Software Engineer Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Company is looking for a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to join the AvionX Mission Systems Software team located in Long ...

Jobsbridge

Embedded Software Engineer

Irvine, CA

$141K - $185K/yr

Experience Hardware and software design of embedded microcontroller systems Experience with MS Visual Studio and C,C++, or C# programming languages Microcontroller system debugging Hardware assembly ...

Medium

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$140 - $220/hr

The Role Odin Dynamics is hiring multiple Senior Embedded Software Engineers to serve as Responsible Engineers for critical embedded subsystems across our platform. Each engineer will take primary ...

Silvus Technologies

Embedded Software Engineer

Irvine, CA

$141K - $185K/yr

THE OPPORTUNITY Silvus is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to join our Engineering Group, reporting to the Senior Engineering Director for Irvine with dotted-line reporting to the Director of ...

Silvus Technologies

Embedded Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$141K - $185K/yr

THE OPPORTUNITY Silvus is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to join our Engineering Group, reporting to the Senior Engineering Director for Irvine with dotted-line reporting to the Director of ...

Turion Space

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$133K - $174K/yr

As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you will work directly with the Turion team to assist in the architecture, development, and testing of the flight software that commands and monitors our ...

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All JobsEmbedded Software Engineer JobsFreelance Embedded Software Engineer JobsFreelance Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA

Freelance Embedded Software Engineer information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$75.1K

$164.6K

$186.8K

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance embedded software engineer in Irvine, CA is $164,640.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,200.00 and $185,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 Irvine, CA?

The most popular types of Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA?

For Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Freelance Embedded Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA 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 Irvine, CA 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 $164,640 per year, or $79.2 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer

Transcend Softech LLC

Irvine, CA • On-site

$141K - $185K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Position: Embedded Software Engineer

Location: Irvine, California (onsite)

Duration: Long Term Contract/Full time option as well.

Job Overview:
We are looking for an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to join our engineering team.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Participate in the complete Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) including requirements analysis, architecture/design, implementation, integration, and testing.
  • Develop and maintain embedded applications using C/C++.
  • Work closely with hardware teams on board bring-up, OS bring-up, and device driver development.
  • Develop and integrate hardware interface solutions for embedded platforms.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance with customer safety and security standards.
  • Debug, test, and optimize embedded software for performance and reliability.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including hardware, systems, and verification engineers.

 

Required Skills:

  • Ensure regulatory compliance with customer safety and security standards D0-178.
  • Strong experience in Embedded C/C++ development.
  • Hands-on experience with board bring-up, OS bring-up, and device driver development.
    • Experience with hardware interfaces such as:UART,USB,Ethernet,I2C,SPI,RS232 / RS422
  • Knowledge of communication protocols including:
    • CAN,TCP/IP,UDP

Experience:

  • 6 – 15 years of relevant experience in Embedded Software Development.