Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Burlington, MA

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Embedded Software Engineer to provide technical leadership in the design, development, and delivery of embedded software solutions for complex products and systems. This role serves as a recognized technical expert, driving software architecture, technology strategy, and engineering excellence across multiple programs. The ideal candidate combines deep hands‑on embedded software expertise with strong leadership, mentoring, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

• Technical Leadership: Define and drive the embedded software architecture, design standards, and development best practices. Lead technical decision‑making for embedded systems, including RTOS, Linux‑based platforms, device drivers, middleware, networking, and application software. Serve as the highest level of technical escalation for complex software issues. Evaluate and introduce emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies to improve product quality and development efficiency. Drive software quality, reliability, safety, security, and maintainability throughout the product lifecycle.
• Software Development: Participate in requirements analysis and system‑level trade‑off decisions. Lead implementation of complex features and critical software components. Perform code reviews and ensure adherence to coding standards and software development processes. Optimize software performance, memory utilization, power consumption, and system reliability. Ensure scalability, reuse, and long‑term maintainability of software platforms.
• Project & Team Leadership: Mentor senior and junior engineers across the organization. Lead technical planning, risk management, and estimation activities. Influence engineering roadmaps and strategic technology direction. Support project execution by identifying technical risks and mitigation strategies. Foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement. Collaborate with hardware, firmware, systems, validation, cybersecurity, and product teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of embedded software development experience.
• Extensive experience programming in C and C++.
• Strong expertise in embedded system architecture and software design principles.
• Experience with Real‑Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and Embedded Linux.
• Strong understanding of microcontrollers, processors, memory architectures, and hardware/software interfaces.
• Experience with communication protocols such as Ethernet, TCP/IP, CAN/CAN‑FD, SPI, I2C, UART, USB.
• Proficiency with debugging tools, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and software analysis tools.
• Experience with software version control systems (GitHub preferred).
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Experience with safety‑critical or regulated systems.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles for embedded systems.
• Experience with model‑based design and auto‑code generation tools.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum development methodologies.
• Experience leading geographically distributed engineering teams.
• Knowledge of cloud‑connected and IoT‑enabled embedded devices.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and DevOps practices.

• Embedded Linux
• FreeRTOS, VxWorks, QNX, ThreadX, or similar RTOS platforms
• Device driver development
• Board Support Packages (BSP)
• Bootloaders and secure boot
• Networking and communications protocols
• Multi‑threaded and concurrent programming
• Cybersecurity and secure software development
• Software architecture and design patterns
• Functional safety standards (IEC 61508, ISO 26262, IEC 62304, etc.)
• Software verification and validation

Recognized technical authority within the organization. Influences engineering strategy and technology roadmaps. Guides architectural decisions across multiple product lines. Mentors engineers and develops technical talent. Drives engineering best practices and continuous improvement initiatives. Builds strong partnerships across software, hardware, systems, quality, and product management teams.

• Delivery of high‑quality, reliable embedded software solutions.
• Successful implementation of scalable software architectures.
• Reduction in software defects and technical debt.
• Improved engineering productivity and development efficiency.
• Growth and development of engineering talent.
• Achievement of project, product, and business objectives.

• Competitive Salary
• Paid vacation/holidays/sick time
• Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care
• On the job/cross training opportunities
• Encouraging and collaborative team environment
• Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy
• Global Fire Detection product group located in Westford, MA, offering interaction with other development centers and teams around the world
• Professional development and career opportunities across our broad portfolio of products and services within Fire Detection
• Work/life balance with a flexible hybrid work model
• Exposure to leading edge technology, exciting projects, and life‑saving products that promote global safety of more than just facilities, but people

$117,000 - $196,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.)

To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers.

Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non‑discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.