Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Boston Engineering is where innovative ideas become real-world technologies. Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, we've spent more than 30 years partnering with commercial and government clients to solve complex engineering challenges and bring breakthrough products to market. From advanced robotics and autonomous systems to medical devices, digital solutions, defense technologies, and industrial automation, our teams work on meaningful projects that push the boundaries of what's possible. 

The company integrates advanced technologies with practical engineering execution, delivering end-to-end services from concept through commercialization. Boston Engineering combines technical rigor, cross-disciplinary teams, and proven processes to accelerate product development and solve complex challenges. The company is ISO-certified and CMMC-certified, with a commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and measurable client outcomes. Its mission is to improve the way people work and live through innovative product development and novel engineering

Boston Engineering is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to develop software for robotics, autonomous systems, medical devices, defense technologies, and commercial products. 

This is a hands-on role focused on building new products and solving novel technical challenges. Much of our work starts at 0-to-1, giving engineers the opportunity to contribute from early prototypes and architecture through integration, testing, and a working product. 

As a product development company, our projects vary significantly in technology, scale, and application. We choose the right tools for the problem, and our engineers gain experience across different platforms and architectures rather than working within a single technology stack. 

The work is highly cross-disciplinary. You'll work alongside engineers from other disciplines, contribute to system-level decisions, work directly with custom hardware and prototypes, and solve problems that cross the boundaries between software, electronics, and the physical system. 

Our projects tackle challenges in areas such as autonomy, perception, SLAM, sensor fusion, and real-time control. The applications range from robotics and defense systems to medical devices and commercial products. 

For an engineer early in their career, this is an opportunity to build strong technical depth while gaining exposure to the broader engineering system. You'll write software, work directly with hardware, solve difficult problems, and see your work become part of products that operate in the real world. 

What You'll Work On 

• Develop embedded software and firmware in C and C++ for new and existing products. 
• Work with microcontrollers, embedded processors, RTOS-based systems, and embedded Linux platforms. 
• Integrate sensors, actuators, communication interfaces, and other hardware into embedded systems. 
• Build and debug interfaces including I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Ethernet, GPIO, and similar protocols. 
• Use Python and other tools for testing, automation, system integration, and development support. 
• Bring up and debug software on custom hardware and early prototypes. 
• Investigate issues across software and hardware using debuggers, logs, bench equipment, and other engineering tools. 
• Implement software from system and software requirements while identifying edge cases, unclear behavior, and technical risks. 
• Write automated tests and support repeatable build, test, and integration workflows. 
• Participate in code reviews, technical discussions, design reviews, and project planning. 
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines throughout product development. 
• Document software designs, interfaces, implementation decisions, and test results. 

• BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related field 
• 0–5 years of professional software or embedded development experience; relevant co-op, internship, research, academic, and substantial personal project work will also be considered 
• Experience using Git and standard version control workflows 
• Familiarity with build systems, dependency management, debugging tools, and modern software development practices 
• Proven C and C++ fundamentals 
• Experience with Python or another scripting language 
• Understanding of embedded systems and how software interacts with hardware 
• Knowledge of real-time software concepts, including tasks, interrupts, scheduling, synchronization, timing, and concurrency 
• Working knowledge of common embedded communication interfaces and protocols 
• Comfort working in Linux and command-line development environments 
• Proficiency with standard software development tools and workflows 
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, datasheets, software requirements, and interface specifications 
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills 
• Sound judgment when identifying edge cases, questioning assumptions, and raising technical concerns 
• Demonstrated capacity to learn new technologies and apply them to unfamiliar engineering problems 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance 

Bonus Attributes 

• Experience with Docker, containerized development environments, CI/CD pipelines, or automated build and test workflows 
• Hands-on work with STM32, ARM-based MCUs/SoCs, ESP32, PIC32, or similar embedded platforms 
• Knowledge of Zephyr, FreeRTOS, or another RTOS 
• Familiarity with embedded Linux 
• Exposure to ROS2 
• Background in robotics, autonomous systems, UUVs, UAVs, or other uncrewed systems 
• Proficiency using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, protocol analyzers, or other bench equipment 
• Ability to read schematics and support board bring-up 
• Development of device drivers or communication stacks 
• Knowledge of networking and network debugging 
• Exposure to navigation, localization, SLAM, perception, controls, or sensor fusion 
• Experience with CI/CD, automated testing, or hardware-in-the-loop testing for embedded systems 
• Personal, academic, or professional projects involving embedded systems, electronics, robots, or other technical projects 
• Familiarity with safety-critical, mission-critical, or regulated product development 

Location: Office-based role in Waltham, MA

Reports to: Director, Software Engineering

Relocation: Relocation assistance is not provided for this role

This role is restricted to US persons (i.e., US citizens, permanent residents, and other protected individuals under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 USC 1324b(a)(3)) due to access to export-controlled technology. Boston Engineering will require proof of status prior to employment. 

Salary Range:  The base salary range for this position can range from $85,000 to $128,000 annually commensurate with experience and qualifications. The final offer amount will be determined by factors such as the candidate’s education, experience, and skills. During the initial interview process, we will review your skills and experience to find the best fit for our team and let you know the specific job level for which you qualify.

At Boston Engineering, you can grow in the direction YOU want. Subject matter depth, project management, sales, technical expert! You choose where you want your path to go. Through our mentoring program, hands-on training, and experienced leaders, you can explore what direction is best for you. Your future at Boston Engineering is in your hands!

Boston Engineering offers a full employee benefits plan, including a matching 401(k), in an open, energetic working environment that fosters strong client relationships and an entrepreneurial team spirit.

**Your application will not be considered complete without a submitted writing sample.**

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Questions?

Please contact Christine Higgins, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner, Boston Engineering 

email: chiggins-ctr@boston-engineering.com LinkedIn: Christine Higgins | LinkedIn