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Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

Hp

Embedded AI/ML Developer

Spring, TX · On-site

$117K - $154K/yr

... and system software, and enabling intelligent user experiences across resource-constrained ... The engineer will work closely with hardware, firmware, software, and data science teams to ...

New

Hp

System Software Engineer (Kernal)

Spring, TX

$130K - $205K/yr

System Software Engineer (Kernal) Description - The Systems Software Engineer (Kernel) is tasked ... Skilled in embedded firmware debugging (JTAG, SWD) * Experienced with UART, I2C, SPI protocols

New

NAVA Software Solutions

Embedded Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$121K - $159K/yr

Embedded Engineer Location: Houston, TX (Need to be onsite at least once a week) Duration: 6 months ... board/system level testing. * Collaborates with R&D, Production Integration and Software ...

Additech, Inc.

FIRMWARE ENGINEER

Houston, TX · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

Firmware Engineer needed in Houston, TX to Design and implement software of embedded devices and systems from requirements to production and commercial deployment. Design, develop, code, test and ...

New

Intuitive Machines LLC

Embedded Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$113K - $148K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Houston, TX About Intuitive Machines Intuitive Machines is an innovative ... Experience with Windows and POSIX-based operating systems * Experience with Docker-based ...

Raytheon

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Houston, TX

$118K - $155K/yr

Our Senior Embedded Software Engineer is a technical position that works in an Integrated Product ... Experience developing complex systems involving the integration of hardware, firmware, and software

Raytheon

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Houston, TX

$118K - $155K/yr

Our Senior Embedded Software Engineer is a technical position that works in an Integrated Product ... Experience developing complex systems involving the integration of hardware, firmware, and software

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All JobsEmbedded System Software Engineer JobsFreelance Embedded System Software Engineer JobsFreelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$66.8K

$146.5K

$166.2K

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 Houston, TX is $146,477.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,600.00 and $165,200.00 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 Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

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For Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

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Cities near Houston, TX with the most Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer job openings:

Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs near you

System Embedded Software Engineer - Security

HP Development Company, L.P.

Spring, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

System Embedded Software Engineer - Security
Description -
The System Embedded Software Engineer - Security is responsible for designing, developing, and validating secure embedded software, firmware, and driver solutions for HP commercial PC platforms. This role focuses on building security into the full firmware lifecycle, including secure boot, cryptographic services, platform identity, device onboarding, firmware update protection, and runtime threat mitigation.
The engineer works closely with hardware, BIOS, firmware, software, security, and product teams to identify risks, define secure implementation requirements, and resolve vulnerabilities before product release. The role also requires strong technical documentation, security-focused design reviews, and awareness of emerging threats, industry standards, and best practices for embedded and firmware security.
Responsibilities
  • Leads the design and development of secure embedded software, firmware, and driver components for commercial PC platforms.
  • Defines security requirements for firmware features, system interfaces, update mechanisms, device identity, and platform onboarding flows.
  • Performs threat modeling, risk assessment, and secure design reviews across embedded software and firmware architectures.
  • Implements and validates security capabilities such as secure boot, measured boot, cryptographic protocols, key management, access control, and firmware update protection.
  • Investigates, reproduces, and resolves firmware security issues, including vulnerabilities found through internal testing, penetration testing, fuzzing, static analysis, or external reporting.
  • Reviews code, design specifications, and project deliverables for compliance with security standards, secure coding practices, and platform firmware requirements.
  • Collaborates with hardware, BIOS, OS, firmware, and cybersecurity teams to ensure end-to-end protection across the device security boundary.
  • Creates and maintains technical documentation, including security architecture, interface specifications, protocol definitions, test plans, and mitigation plans.
  • Drives continuous improvement in embedded security practices, including security automation, CI/CD integration, vulnerability scanning, and secure development lifecycle processes.
  • Provides technical leadership and mentoring to engineers on secure firmware design, debugging, validation, and vulnerability remediation.

Education & Experience Recommended
  • Bachelor or Master Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical
    Cybersecurity, or a related discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience in embedded software, firmware, driver development, or product security, with hands-on experience delivering secure firmware or embedded systems.

Preferred Certifications
Software Engineering
  • Secure embedded systems development, including bare metal, RTOS, bootloader, and low-level firmware environments.
  • Experience with embedded security architecture, device identity, secure provisioning, secure onboarding, and low-footprint cryptographic implementations.
  • Knowledge of secure coding practices, vulnerability classes, memory safety risks, and defensive firmware design techniques.
  • Experience building fault-tolerant, tamper-resistant, and highly reliable embedded systems.
  • CI/CD pipeline expertise for embedded systems, including automated security testing, static analysis, signing, and release validation.

Security, Connectivity, and Interoperability
  • Embedded security development experience in cryptography, authentication, secure protocols, certificate handling, and key management.
  • Experience securing wireless, peripheral, and interconnect protocol stacks across multiple connectivity technologies.
  • Understanding of protocol-level security, transport protection, secure pairing, access control, and interoperability risk mitigation.
  • Ability to interpret hardware and protocol specifications to identify security gaps, define mitigations, and guide secure design approaches.

Knowledge & Skills
  • Firmware security development on Arm-based processors and embedded controller platforms
  • Proficient in C; familiar with Python, scripting, build automation, and security test tooling
  • Source control and secure development workflow experience, including GitHub, code review, branch control, and release governance
  • Secure boot, bootloader architecture, firmware signing, verification, rollback protection, and update recovery mechanisms
  • Embedded firmware debugging and security validation using JTAG, SWD, trace tools, and vulnerability analysis methods
  • Experience with UART, I2C, SPI, USB, PCIe, wireless, and other platform interfaces with awareness of associated security risks
  • Use of logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, oscilloscopes, and similar tools to debug security-relevant firmware and hardware interactions
  • RTOS concepts, privilege separation, memory protection, concurrency risks, and secure multi-threaded firmware development
  • Basic analog/digital electronics knowledge; able to read schematics and identify hardware security assumptions or constraints
  • Capable of interpreting specifications, data sheets, standards, and security requirements to develop robust firmware solutions

The pay range for this role is $147,050 to $230,850 USD annually with additional opportunities for pay in the form of bonus and/or equity (applies to United States of America candidates only). Pay varies by work location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Benefits:
HP offers a comprehensive benefits package for this position, including:
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Long term/short term disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Life insurance
  • Generous time off policies, including;
  • 4-12 weeks fully paid parental leave based on tenure
  • 11 paid holidays
  • Additional flexible paid vacation and sick leave (US benefits overview)

The compensation and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.
Job -
Software
Schedule -
Full time
Shift -
No shift premium (United States of America)
Travel -
Relocation -
Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) -
HP, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and prospective employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, uniformed service status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable national, federal, state, and local law(s).
Please be assured that you will not be subject to any adverse treatment if you choose to disclose the information requested. This information is provided voluntarily. The information obtained will be kept in strict confidence.
For more information, review HP's EEO Policy or read about your rights as an applicant under the law here: "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal"

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