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Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL

Ascend Engineering

Embedded Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

We are seeking an embedded software engineer to develop and maintain low-level flight software for ... level system behavior while maintaining a strong focus on reliability and practical field ...

New

Aquabyte

Embedded Software Engineer

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

About The Edge Systems Team: Edge engineering is responsible for the hardware and software ... Improve our embedded Linux build and deployment process * Develop software to automate hardware ...

Shure

Embedded Systems Development Engineer

Niles, IL · Hybrid

$113K - $181K/yr

Understanding of operating system concepts, embedded software development environment and tools for ... We engineer microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems, conferencing systems, and more. And ...

Shure

Embedded Systems Development Engineer

Niles, IL · Hybrid

$113K - $181K/yr

Understanding of operating system concepts, embedded software development environment and tools for ... We engineer microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems, conferencing systems, and more. And ...

Shure

Embedded Systems Development Engineer

Niles, IL · Hybrid

$115K - $185K/yr

Understanding of operating system concepts, embedded software development environment and tools for ... We engineer microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems, conferencing systems, and more. And ...

Shure

Embedded Systems Development Engineer

Niles, IL · On-site

$115K - $185K/yr

Understanding of operating system concepts, embedded software development environment and tools for ... We engineer microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems, conferencing systems, and more. And ...

Shure

Embedded Systems Development Engineer

Niles, IL · Hybrid

$115K - $185K/yr

Understanding of operating system concepts, embedded software development environment and tools for ... We engineer microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems, conferencing systems, and more. And ...

Shure

Embedded Systems Development Engineer

Niles, IL · Hybrid

$115K - $185K/yr

Understanding of operating system concepts, embedded software development environment and tools for ... We engineer microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems, conferencing systems, and more. And ...

New

Shure

Embedded Systems Development Engineer

Niles, IL · Hybrid

$113K - $181K/yr

Understanding of operating system concepts, embedded software development environment and tools for ... We engineer microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems, conferencing systems, and more. And ...

New

Motorola

Embedded Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL

$75K - $150K/yr

Candidates for this position are software engineers with strong programming skills who demonstrate ... Develop solutions for real world systems and standalone products to enhance existing Applied ...

Honeywell

Advanced Embedded Engineer

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$118K - $148K/yr

As an Advanced Embedded Engineer here at Honeywell, you will drive the design and development of ... systems engineers to ensure seamless integration of software and hardware. • Investigate and ...

Shure

Embedded Systems Development Engineer

Niles, IL · On-site

$113K - $181K/yr

Understanding of operating system concepts, embedded software development environment and tools for ... We engineer microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems, conferencing systems, and more. And ...

Motorola

Embedded Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL

$66K - $95K/yr

Hands-on experience in embedded software development is also beneficial. * Our products are ... Develop solutions for real world systems and standalone products to enhance existing Applied ...

Shure

Engineer Sr, Embedded Systems Development

Niles, IL · Hybrid

$113K - $181K/yr

Understanding of operating system concepts, embedded software development environment and tools for ... We engineer microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems, conferencing systems, and more. And ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsEmbedded System Software Engineer JobsFreelance Embedded System Software Engineer JobsFreelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL

Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$69.2K

$151.6K

$172K

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance embedded system software engineer in Elgin, IL is $151,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,000.00 and $171,000.00 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 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.

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 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.
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL? For Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer job openings:
Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs near you

Embedded Engineer

Ascend Engineering

Chicago, IL • On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

We are seeking an embedded software engineer to develop and maintain low-level flight software for UAV platforms running PX4 or ArduPilot. This role involves board bring-up, writing and porting device drivers, working directly with MCU peripherals and hardware buses, and getting firmware onto flight controllers reliably and repeatably. The engineer will work at the bottom of the UAV stack from bootloaders and RTOS internals up to MAVLink-level system behavior while maintaining a strong focus on reliability and practical field performance.

This position requires someone who is equally comfortable in a datasheet, a debugger, and on a bench with a logic analyzer. The ideal candidate enjoys hardware/software boundary problems, can diagnose an issue whether it originates in silicon or in code, and takes ownership of projects from schematic review through flight validation.

MUST HAVE PERMANENT RESIDENCE IN US

Responsibilities

  • Develop and modify PX4 (NuttX) or ArduPilot (ChibiOS) firmware, including board support packages and hardware definitions for new flight controller targets
  • Write, port, and debug device drivers over UART, I2C, SPI, CAN/DroneCAN, and USB for sensors, rangefinders, radios, gimbals, and payloads
  • Bring up new hardware from bare board to flying vehicle: clocks, power rails, pin muxing, peripheral configuration, and first-boot validation
  • Build, flash, and debug firmware and bootloaders using SWD/JTAG probes (J-Link, ST-Link), and maintain reliable field update paths (bootloader flashing, MAVLink FTP, parameter and storage layout)
  • Implement and validate MAVLink message handling and interfaces between the flight controller, companion computers, and ground stations
  • Diagnose timing, interrupt, DMA, memory, and bus-level issues at the bench using an oscilloscope, logic analyzer (Saleae or similar), CAN bus analyzer, and bench supply with current monitoring
  • Conduct bench and flight testing, analyze flight logs and telemetry, and resolve firmware issues found in the field
  • Document hardware interfaces, driver behavior, bring-up procedures, and design decisions

Required Qualifications

  • Strong C and C++ programming skills in resource-constrained embedded environments
  • Hands-on experience with ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers (STM32 or similar), including peripheral configuration from the datasheet and reference manual
  • Practical experience with UART, I2C, SPI, and CAN including debugging them on real hardware, not just calling an API
  • Experience flashing and debugging embedded targets over SWD/JTAG, and working with bootloaders and firmware update mechanisms
  • Comfort working in an RTOS or bare-metal context (interrupts, DMA, task scheduling, memory constraints)
  • Experience debugging complex software and hardware interactions with lab instrumentation oscilloscope, logic analyzer, protocol decoders, and a multimeter as second nature
  • Ability to work independently, take ownership of engineering tasks, and exercise practical engineering judgment

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience modifying or contributing to PX4 or ArduPilot codebases, particularly drivers or board configuration
  • Familiarity with MAVLink, autopilot parameters, and flight log analysis
  • Experience with DroneCAN/Cyphal, DShot or other ESC protocols, or PWM/timer-driven peripherals
  • Experience integrating IMUs, barometers, magnetometers, GPS, LiDAR, or camera modules at the driver level
  • Experience building or configuring drones from components, and reading schematics well enough to work with hardware engineers
  • Personal robotics, UAV, or embedded systems projects

What We Value

  • Engineers who build and experiment outside of work
  • Strong ownership and accountability for outcomes
  • Practical, hands-on problem solving
  • Clear communication and collaboration within small teams
  • Curiosity and continuous learning