ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Kent, WA

Meta

Embedded Software Engineer

Redmond, WA

$184K/yr

This role requires a firmware engineer comfortable working across the entire embedded systems ... Embedded Software Engineer Responsibilities: * Own the design, development, and debugging of ...

Meta

Embedded Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$184K - $257K/yr

The Reality Labs Research Software Team is looking for an Embedded Software Engineer to help bring ... This role requires a firmware engineer comfortable working across the entire embedded systems ...

Blackhornvc

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

The best idea wins; everyone can and is expected to contribute to good system design, to challenge ... Electric Era is looking for strong embedded software engineers that want everything described above.

Apple

System Software Engineer

Seattle, WA

$175K - $263K/yr

Description The Cloud OS System Software Team is looking for an exceptional software engineer to build and integrate software to orchestrate workloads across highly performant and energy efficient ...

Apple

System Software Engineer

Seattle, WA

$142K - $263K/yr

Description The Cloud OS System Software Team is looking for an exceptional software engineer to build and integrate software to orchestrate workloads across highly performant and energy efficient ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEmbedded System Software Engineer JobsFreelance Embedded System Software Engineer JobsFreelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Kent, WA

Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer information

See Kent, WA salary details

$79K

$173.2K

$196.4K

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

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance embedded system software engineer in Kent, WA is $173,153.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $148,400.00 and $195,300.00 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 popular job titles related to Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Kent, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Kent, WA look for?

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

What cities near Kent, WA are hiring for Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Kent, WA with the most Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer job openings:

Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer job openings in Kent, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $173,153 per year, or $83.2 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer

Meta

Redmond, WA

$184K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 hours ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 245 rated software companies

Job description

The Reality Labs Research Software Team is looking for an Embedded Software Engineer to help bring all-day wearable AI research platforms to life through collaboration and commitment.Our prototype devices enable breakthrough research in contextualized AI — your firmware captures real-world sensor data, manages on-device compute pipelines, and provides the reliable hardware abstraction that makes research breakthroughs possible.This role requires a firmware engineer comfortable working across the entire embedded systems spectrum — from low-level MCU peripheral bring-up to SoC-level system integration — rather than specializing in a single domain. You will work across a rich technology stack including Zephyr RTOS on MCUs, AOSP/Linux on Qualcomm SoCs, multi-camera systems (SLAM, RGB, eye tracking), wireless communications (WiFi, BLE, Sub-GHz), IMU-based sensor fusion, and power-optimized embedded architectures for all-day wearable use. We are looking for someone who sees ambiguity as opportunity, nurtures a sense of ownership in themselves and others, and thrives in an honest and considerate environment. We embrace AI-native ways of working — using AI tools as force multipliers to accelerate development, testing, and iteration. We have many exciting problems to solve, and we depend on people who are comfortable with embracing a creative, thoughtful approach to short-term and long-term problem-solving to drive our innovation.
Embedded Software Engineer Responsibilities:
  • Own the design, development, and debugging of firmware, and embedded software, including sensing and imaging systems
  • Understand and implement firmware on microcontrollers and SoCs, leverage peripherals, manage power consumption, support boot loaders, and schedule real-time tasks (RTOS)
  • Collaborate in a team environment across multiple, research-focused, and engineering disciplines, making the architectural trade-offs required to rapidly deliver firmware solutions, communicating decisions and rationale clearly to a wide range of stakeholders
  • Drive firmware architecture and system bring-up across all phases of custom hardware development, including early requirement definition, firmware and embedded system design, proof-of-concept implementation, selection of MCUs and tools, and board bring-up
  • Define and champion embedded software development practices across teams and projects, including setting expectations, defining the backlog, and tracking progress of contingent staff
  • Provide architectural input in design reviews, influence technical direction across the firmware stack, and serve as a technical expert for the team on complex cross-domain problems for assigned subsystems
  • Leverage AI tools and workflows to accelerate firmware development, code generation, testing, and documentation — applying engineering judgment to determine when AI augmentation improves quality, speed, and team efficiency

Minimum Qualifications:
  • B.S. degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • 7+ years of software development experience in embedded systems, firmware, or a related field, or a PhD with 4+ years of experience in embedded systems, firmware, or a related field
  • 3+ years of embedded software development experience in industry settings
  • Experience with embedded software design and programming in C and C++
  • Experience with building drivers for custom hardware systems
  • Hands-on experience with hardware debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol decoders) and register-level system debugging
  • Experience designing firmware solutions from hardware data sheets, including serial protocol (synchronous/asynchronous) interface implementation
  • Experience with real-time operating systems (e.g., Zephyr, FreeRTOS, or an equivalent real-time OS)
  • Experience in independently architecting embedded systems spanning multiple processors or subsystems (e.g., MCU and SoC integration, multi-core designs)

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with wireless protocol stacks (BLE, Wi-Fi, or proprietary RF)
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Experience working with international manufacturing partners
  • AOSP experience outside of apps and in the native environment
  • Experience in research or prototyping environments where requirements evolve rapidly
  • Experience with camera or imaging subsystems (ISP, MIPI CSI/DSI)
  • Experience using AI-assisted development tools (code generation, automated testing, AI-powered debugging) to accelerate embedded software workflows
  • Experience with SoC bring-up (ARM Cortex-A/M, Qualcomm, NXP, or similar)

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$184,000/year to $257,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

What Meta employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply