ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Stockton, CA

Elroy Air

Senior Software Engineer, Embedded Systems

Byron, CA · On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

The embedded software team writes the code that flies the plane in any conditions. This role spans ... system end to end. This is not a siloed firmware role: you will interact with engineers from a wide ...

Elroy Air

Senior Software Engineer, Operator Tools

Byron, CA · On-site +1

$135K - $178K/yr

The Role As a Senior Software Engineer on the Operator Tools team, you will design and build the ... Communication interfaces between desktop tools and embedded systems (serial, UDP, custom protocols ...

Elroy Air

Senior Software Engineer, Operator Tools

Byron, CA

$135K - $178K/yr

The Role As a Senior Software Engineer on the Operator Tools team, you will design and build the ... Communication interfaces between desktop tools and embedded systems (serial, UDP, custom protocols ...

Danaher

Software Engineer Internships

Stockton, CA · On-site

About Software Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you passionate about building real-world ... Supporting the development of console and embedded software systems * Troubleshooting issues and ...

Monarch Tractor

Staff Controls Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

As a Staff Engineer on the controls and firmware team, you will be responsible for: * Delivering ... embedded development in robotics, real-time controls, or system software. * Hands-on experience ...

LLNL

Software Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$121K - $154K/yr

The Software Engineer serves as a member of a multidisciplinary software development team ... Create and maintain clear technical documentation, including system designs, implementation details ...

LLNL

Software Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.8K/wk

The Software Engineer serves as a member of a multidisciplinary software development team ... Create and maintain clear technical documentation, including system designs, implementation details ...

LLNL

Software Engineer

Livermore, CA

$121K - $154K/yr

The Software Engineer serves as a member of a multidisciplinary software development team ... Create and maintain clear technical documentation, including system designs, implementation details ...

LLNL

Electrical Engineer - Space Systems

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

Experience with any low-level embedded software development. * Proficient verbal and written ... Experience collaborating on multidisciplinary engineering projects involving system integration ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEmbedded System Software Engineer JobsFreelance Embedded System Software Engineer JobsFreelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Stockton, CA

Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer information

See Stockton, CA salary details

$73.7K

$161.6K

$183.3K

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance embedded system software engineer in Stockton, CA is $161,565.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,500.00 and $182,200.00 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 popular job titles related to Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Stockton, CA?

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

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

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

What cities near Stockton, CA are hiring for Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Stockton, CA with the most Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer job openings:

Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs near you

Senior Software Engineer, Embedded Systems

Elroy Air

Byron, CA

$136K - $179K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

At Elroy Air, we build autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) cargo drones to change the way the world moves goods. Transporting cargo by air is faster and more direct than by land or sea, but it has been prohibitively expensive for medium-size loads. We've set out to expand middle-mile logistics possibilities across multiple sectors, with our sights on a $420Bn global total addressable market for cargo logistics across defense, commercial and rapid response.
We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe that the defense, commercial, and rapid response communities need faster, better logistics solutions. We are seeing increasing demand as customers and prospects respond enthusiastically to the systems we've built. As we mature and deploy our offerings, we are looking for people like you: motivated collaborators, enthusiastic about our mission and ready to roll up their sleeves and make a big impact to improve how logistics works around the world. You will play an important role in establishing the Elroy Air Chaparral as the industry standard in this massive market.
We believe diverse perspectives at all levels of the organization are critical to innovation and employee development. This includes but is not limited to gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, religion, age, ability, parenthood status, veteran status, educational background, citizenship status, or any combination of these characteristics.

Elroy builds autonomous aerospace systems for the real world. At the heart of those systems is a hard real time, safety critical software stack that has to work under any circumstances, with no margin for "close enough". The embedded software team writes the code that flies the plane in any conditions. This role spans the full embedded stack, from bare-metal firmware and RTOS integration to hardware bring-up and bench debugging. If you thrive on hard constraints, enjoy working close to the metal, and want your code to matter, read on.
The Role
As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you will own software that runs directly on safety-critical avionics hardware including our main flight computers. You will work at the intersection of firmware, real-time systems, and hardware bring-up, and you will contribute to a team culture where everyone is expected to understand the system end to end. This is not a siloed firmware role: you will interact with engineers from a wide variety of disciplines on a daily basis, including systems engineering, controls, flight physics, power electronics, and aeromechanical.
What You'll Work On

  • Embedded firmware for microcontrollers and SoCs in a bare-metal and/or RTOS environment (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or similar)

  • Driver development, peripheral integration, and board bring-up for custom hardware platforms

  • Real-time control loops and sensor fusion pipelines where timing and determinism are non-negotiable

  • Hardware debugging: oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, and willingness to get comfortable with a schematic

  • C++ and Python tooling for testing, scripting, and automation around embedded targets

  • Development of models and emulators for aircraft components to ensure hardware behavior is faithfully represented in our cloud simulation framework

What We're Looking For

You probably have:

  • 5+ years of professional embedded software development, with production firmware shipped on real hardware

  • Deep fluency in C and/or C++; Python for scripting and test tooling

  • Hands-on experience with at least one RTOS and with bare-metal development

  • Comfort reading schematics, using bench instruments, and debugging hardware/software integration issues at the signal level

  • Experience with communications protocols: SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet

  • Strong opinions about code quality, testability, and the difference between software that works in the lab and software that works in the field

It's a bonus if you have:

  • Experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, or other safety-critical domains

  • Familiarity with DO-178, MISRA, or other embedded software standards

  • Exposure to desktop tooling or visualization for hardware debug and test workflows

  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines for embedded targets (HIL, SIL, emulation)

Our Stack

  • Primary languages: C++ and Python

  • RTOS: FreeRTOS and bare-metal depending on target

  • Toolchains: GCC/Clang cross-compilers, CMake, custom build infrastructure

  • Version control and CI: Git, GitHub, cloud-based batch simulation and test runners

  • Modern AI coding tools used as productivity accelerators, not as a substitute for engineering judgment

Who We Are
Elroy's software team is small, senior, and exceptionally cross-functional. Most engineers here are comfortable working across embedded firmware, desktop tools, and cloud infrastructure. Not because we expect everyone to be an expert in everything, but because we value curiosity and adaptability over and above having all of the answers on day one. We're looking for someone who brings deep experience in embedded and real-time systems, and isn't afraid to range beyond that when the work calls for it.
What We Offer
  • Competitive salary
  • Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced aerospace company
  • Comprehensive medical benefits
  • 401(k) with company contribution + Roth IRA
  • Free daily lunch provided onsite
  • Flexible time-off policy
  • 3 months of paid parental leave
  • Employee assistance program with 24/7 support
  • High-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy
  • Opportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancement
  • You'll work with a motivated, kind, and highly skilled team
  • You'll help shape and define our company culture and values
  • You'll help build and scale a new category of aerospace / logistics technology
$180,000 - $280,000 a year

We encourage you to apply even if you aren't an exact match for our open role as many of our team members come from nontraditional backgrounds.
Elroy Air is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
We are committed to an inclusive, harassment-free workplace and we gladly provide reasonable accommodations to support our team.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder). All employees will be screened through E-Verify.

Elroy Air does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters that we do not have a written agreement with and all employment activities are managed through our internal team. We reserve the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes received without being responsible for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
apply for this job

Apply