Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Ohio

Embedded Systems Engineer

Job Description

This Embedded Systems Engineer role focuses on developing software for a broad range of devices used in surface heaters, temperature controllers, and insulators. These products support hundreds of industries by preventing freezing, maintaining flow, and ensuring critical process temperatures. You will contribute to product development from initial concept through to production in a fast-paced R&D environment, taking part in requirements assessment, user interface design, software architecture, backend development, and validation. The position also involves collaborating with third-party developers, supporting legacy products through bug fixes and feature enhancements, and working on multiple concurrent projects with a cross-functional team of engineers and designers.

Responsibilities

• Develop software for embedded microcontrollers across a variety of devices and platforms.
• Review and update software written by other developers to ensure quality, performance, and maintainability.
• Perform testing and validation of software and systems to verify functionality, reliability, and compliance with requirements.
• Interpret electrical schematic drawings to support design, troubleshooting, and implementation of embedded systems.
• Review and select appropriate electrical components that meet design specifications and performance criteria.
• Create clear and detailed technical documentation and instructions to support development, manufacturing, and end users.
• Collaborate on the creation of design requirements and specifications for new and existing products.
• Understand and meet compliance and testing requirements relevant to embedded systems and electronic products.
• Work closely with third-party developers and vendors on various applications and integrated solutions.
• Support manufacturing process controls as needed to ensure smooth production and product quality.
• Contribute to user interface design, software architecture decisions, and backend development activities for new products.
• Support legacy products with ongoing bug fixes, feature improvements, and maintenance activities.
• Participate in multiple simultaneous projects, coordinating with a cross-functional team of engineers and designers.

Essential Skills

• Strong experience writing software for embedded microcontrollers, using languages such as Embedded C and other embedded software technologies.
• Proficiency in C#, with at least 3+ years of relevant experience in C#, Embedded C, and related coding languages.
• Experience working with embedded Linux environments and tools, including familiarity with Embedded Linux concepts.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematic drawings to support design and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with PCB layout and PCB design, including tools such as KiCad.
• Experience selecting and evaluating electrical components for use in embedded systems.
• Proficiency with version control systems, particularly Git, for managing source code and collaborating with other developers.
• Ability to write clear technical documentation and instructions for engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Experience testing and validating embedded software and systems to ensure reliability and performance.
• Capability to collaborate effectively with third-party developers and vendors on software and hardware integration.
• Understanding of compliance and testing requirements relevant to embedded systems and electrical products.
• Associate or Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Java programming and Python for supporting applications, tools, or backend components.
• Familiarity with embedded Linux development frameworks and tools, such as the Yocto Project.
• Knowledge of PID control logic and its application in temperature control and process regulation.
• Understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer principles as they relate to surface heaters and temperature control systems.
• Experience with electrical schematic and PCB layout design beyond basic familiarity, including practical design and review work.
• Experience working in fast-paced R&D environments with cross-functional engineering and design teams.
• Ability to support legacy products by diagnosing issues, implementing bug fixes, and adding new features.
• Strong collaboration skills for working with manufacturing teams on process controls and production support.

Work Environment

The role is based in an engineering and research-focused environment that supports the design and development of surface heaters, temperature controllers, and insulators. You work closely with a cross-functional team of engineers and designers, engaging in multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced R&D setting. The environment emphasizes collaboration, thorough testing, and adherence to compliance and validation standards. You use modern development tools, including Git for version control, embedded Linux platforms, PCB design tools such as KiCad, and standard programming environments for C, C#, Java, and Python. The organization aims to provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, promoting an inclusive and supportive workplace.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.

The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $48.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 23, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.