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Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI

Embedded Software Engineer

Allen Park, MI · On-site

$119K - $157K/yr

Stefanini is looking for an Embedded Software Engineer (Allen Park, MI) For quick apply, please ... Experience in embedded systems development and testing. Education RequiredBachelor's Degree, Master ...

Work closely with validation, controls, systems, and application engineering teams throughout development. * Utilize oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and CAN tools to debug software and hardware ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site

$129K - $170K/yr

Strong programming proficiency in C/C++ and Python. * Working knowledge of embedded software ... Familiarity with AD/ADAS systems and automotive compute platforms. * Understanding of software ...

Software Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

The engineer is expected to continuously develop technical skills and actively participate in ... Support embedded software development activities for automotive and edge-computing systems when ...

New

Embedded Software Engineer

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site

$129K - $170K/yr

Strong programming proficiency in C/C++ and Python. * Working knowledge of embedded software ... Familiarity with AD/ADAS systems and automotive compute platforms. * Understanding of software ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$69.3K

$151.8K

$172.3K

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance embedded system software engineer in Detroit, MI is $151,844.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,200.00 and $171,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance embedded system software engineer do?

A Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software that runs on embedded systems, which are specialized computing systems within larger devices like cars, appliances, or industrial machines. They typically work independently or on a contract basis, collaborating with clients to understand requirements and deliver customized software solutions. Their responsibilities often include writing low-level code, optimizing for performance and memory usage, and troubleshooting hardware-software integration issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance embedded system software engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer, you need a solid background in embedded C/C++ programming, microcontroller architecture, and real-time operating systems, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or computer science. Familiarity with hardware debugging tools, version control systems (like Git), and development platforms such as ARM, AVR, or PIC is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, self-motivation, and clear client communication help freelancers stand out in this role. These competencies ensure reliable, efficient solutions and successful project delivery in dynamic and client-driven environments.

How do freelance embedded system software engineers typically manage project scope and communication with clients?

Freelance embedded system software engineers often work independently or as part of small remote teams, making clear communication and project scope management essential. They regularly use project management tools and set milestones to clarify deliverables and timelines with clients. Addressing technical constraints and hardware integration challenges early in the process helps avoid misunderstandings. Frequent status updates and transparent discussions about changes or obstacles ensure projects stay on track and meet client expectations.

What is the difference between Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer vs Embedded Firmware Developer?

AspectFreelance Embedded System Software EngineerEmbedded Firmware Developer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields; certifications are optionalSimilar educational background; certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Engineer can be advantageous
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based work often remote; collaborates with multiple clientsUsually employed by a company or works on in-house projects; may work on-site or remotely
Industry UsageUsed across various industries including IoT, automotive, consumer electronicsPrimarily in product development, consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial systems

Both roles require embedded programming skills and knowledge of hardware. The main difference lies in the work setting: Freelance Embedded System Software Engineers work independently on diverse projects, while Embedded Firmware Developers are often employed by companies focusing on firmware development for specific products.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI?

The most popular types of Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer job openings:

RTOS Embedded Software Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, MI • Hybrid

$86K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

In this position...

Candidate should be highly skilled and motivated software engineer with strong experience in RTOS embedded systems development. Candidate should possess strong experience on CAN and Ethernet communication protocols. Experience in AUTOSAR is a plus. Candidate will be a key contributor to the development of next-generation automotive software systems, working closely with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and validate robust solutions that meet industry standards. 

You'll have...

  • Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer science, Electronics or an equivalent engineering degree.
  • 7+ Years of Automotive SW development experience
  • Strong Embedded software development expertise (modern C++ and embedded C proficiency), Min 5 years of experience.
  • Must have FreeRTOS/SafeRTOS experience. Min 5 years of experience.
  • Must be skilled to support all layers of the software stack from low level device drivers to applications. Should have expertise in debugging low-level performance issues across a complex embedded system. Min 5 years of experience.
  • At least 3 years of experience with AUTOSAR tool chain e.g. Davinci to design BSWs/SWCs/RTE and to generate diagnostic descriptions files.
  • At least 2 years of experience developing Mem drivers for internal/external memory. Development experience in emulated flash drivers is mandatory, Candidate should have thorough understanding of concepts like wear-leveling, garbage collection, page-swap, redundant storage and recovery strategies for data flash block management.
  • Proficient in ISO26262, SOTIF, & ASPICE or similar standards for automotive safety critical applications. Min 3 years of experience
  • Min 2+ years of development experience with ISO-14229 UDS protocol for automotive.
  • Min 1+ years of working experience with Unit testing tools: GTest, Parasoft
  • Min 2+ years of experience using Lauterbach (Debugging tool)
  • Min 4+ Experience developing or debugging CAN-FD and Ethernet communication drivers

Even better, you may have...

  • Min 2 years of experience in python scripting.
  • Should have experience in Boot-time/ Runtime profiling and optimization.
  • Min 2+ years of development experience within Linux/QNX domain
  • Experience in Manufacturing SW support
  • Multicore realtime experience for DMA, shared mem concepts, Multicore BSW
  • Interprocessor communication protocols SPI, IPC, PCIe, SDIO and UART.
  • Experience developing BIST and runtime safety check driver based on Microcontroller safety manual.
  • Extensive experience working with ADAS SOCs and ADAS technologies.
     

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service 
A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day 
Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time. 
 

This position ranges from a salary grade 6-8 from $86,000 - $160,000.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR. 

Visa sponsorship is available for this position.


Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.


This position is hybrid (onsite four days per week). 

#LI-Hybrid 
  #LI-CL2
 

What you'll do...

Design and implement software running on a distributed embedded system with multiple microcontrollers with a focus on creating re-usable software designs / components.

Design and implement real-time Ethernet communication.

Develop custom serial communication protocol over UART, SPI, IPC and I2C interfaces to support reliable data exchange between the device and external components.

Specify requirements, design, implement, and test both bare metal and RTOS low-level software for creating a scalable platform.

Work with/resolve ambiguity in requirements/specifications/designs. Maintain clear and concise documentation of design and firmware architecture.

Create elegant, efficient real-time software components and interfaces.

Develop software component testing methodologies and implementations to ensure maturity/stability/release readiness, code coverage and adherence to MISRA guidelines

Create traceability matrix between all SW work products as per ASPICE and ISO26262 guidelines based on safety rating of the component.

Work with hardware and debuggers at a bench and HIL level to verify software operation.

Profile power / CPU / bus usage and identify opportunities for optimization on the component/ system level.

Collaborate with V&V to develop comprehensive test plans and perform thorough testing to validate firmware functionality, stability, and performance under various conditions, including low power modes.

Interface with external vendors, including review of firmware specifications, providing design guidance, and integrating code releases.

Work with integration test team to automate unit tests / SW components tests in nightly builds with python scripting


Ford logo

About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982