Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Alpharetta, GA

Spectra Alpharetta is seeking a highly skilled Embedded Linux Software Engineer with deep expertise in the NXP i.MX95 processor family. In this role, you will design, develop, and optimize Linux-based embedded software, including BSPs, device drivers, kernel modules, boot loaders, root file systems and low-level system integrations. You will play a key part in architecting next-generation processing solutions for high-reliability systems in aerospace, defense, medical, or similar embedded environments.

• Develop and customize Linux Board Support Packages (BSPs) for the NXP i.MX95 platform, including kernel configuration, U-Boot updates, and hardware bring-up.
• Design, implement, and maintain Linux device drivers, kernel modules, and hardware abstraction layers.
• Work with Yocto/OpenEmbedded to build, maintain, and optimize embedded Linux distributions.
• Integrate and validate peripheral interfaces such as PCIe, I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, and Ethernet.
• Debug hardware–software interactions using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, and other low-level tools.
• Collaborate closely with hardware, systems, and engineering during board bring-up, prototype evaluation, and system integration.
• Develop robust, production-quality embedded applications in C/C++ for ARM-based SoCs.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design artifacts, test plans, and release notes, in alignment with NPI Phase Gate requirements (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR).
• Ensure software complies with performance, reliability, cybersecurity, and program standards.

• Strong proficiency in embedded Linux development on ARM-based architectures.
• Hands‑on experience with NXP i.MX processors (i.MX8, i.MX9 series; i.MX95 highly preferred).
• Expertise in Linux kernel internals, driver development, and system-level debugging.
• Fluent with Yocto/OpenEmbedded build environments.
• Strong background in C/C++ and low-level firmware development.
• Knowledge of hardware interfaces such as I2C, SPI, PCIe, GPIO, UART, and Ethernet.
• Experience using JTAG, Lauterbach, or equivalent tools for board bring‑up.
• Solid understanding of embedded system concepts, memory‑mapped I/O, and bootloaders.
• Familiarity with Git or other version control systems.
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical discipline.
• A Master’s degree is preferred but not required, especially for candidates with strong hands‑on experience.
• 7–10+ years of embedded Linux software development experience on ARM‑based SoCs.
• Significant hands‑on experience with NXP i.MX processors (i.MX8 or i.MX9 required; i.MX95 strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated experience developing BSPs, device drivers, kernel modules, U‑Boot, and working with Yocto/OpenEmbedded.
• Strong low‑level debugging experience (JTAG, logic analyzers, board bring‑up).
• Experience working in regulated or high‑reliability environments (aerospace, defense, medical, automotive) is an advantage.
• Experience within the defense, aerospace, and/or rugged electronics sectors is highly desirable.

• Experience with secure boot, Trusted Execution Environments (TEE), or ARM TrustZone.
• Exposure to real‑time Linux or mixed RTOS/Linux architectures.
• Experience with GPU accelerated applications on ARM‑based architectures.
• Background working in aerospace, defense, automotive, or other regulated environments.
• Scripting experience (Python, Bash) for automation and tooling.
• Knowledge of safety‑critical or high reliability software practices.

• Analytical and detail‑oriented with strong problem solving skills.
• Collaborative, communicative, and effective in cross disciplinary engineering environments.
• Comfortable working in fast‑paced, evolving technical landscapes.
• Committed to high‑quality, maintainable, mission‑ready software.
• Mission‑focused: Dedicated to delivering reliable, high‑performance systems that support critical operations.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, see, and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

May require occasional travel (up to 10%) for field service or customer support.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Office environment with temperature control, may be exposed to chemicals related to the manufacturing process. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Sprectra provides Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.