Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Waltham, MA

Build your best future with the Johnson Controls team!
As a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places, and the planet. Join a winning team that enables you to build your best future! Our teams are uniquely positioned to support a multitude of industries across the globe. You will have the opportunity to develop yourself through meaningful work projects and learning opportunities. We strive to provide our employees with an experience focused on supporting their physical, financial, and emotional well-being. Become a member of the Johnson Controls family and thrive in an empowering company culture where your voice and ideas will be heard - your next great opportunity is just a few clicks away!
What we offer:

• Competitive Salary

• Paid vacation/holidays/sick time

• Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care

• On the job/cross training opportunities

• Encouraging and collaborative team environment

• Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy

Our global Fire Detection product group located in Westford, MA, offers you the possibility to interact with other development centers and teams around the world! The opportunity for professional development and career opportunities are endless, given our broad portfolio of products and services within Fire Detection. Work/life balance is important to us, and we offer a flexible hybrid work model. You will also get exposure to leading edge technology, exciting projects, and life-saving products that promote global safety of not only facilities, but people. We need your talent and ideas, as we continue to grow and expand our strategic focus and build state of the art fire detection systems. To learn more about our Principal Embedded Software Engineer opportunity, keep reading!
Johnson Controls is searching for a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to be located at the R&D facility in Westford, MA. In this role you will be part of a team developing the next generation of embedded applications for the Fire Detection business at Johnson Controls. Our fire detection products are installed in buildings you visit every day! This is an opportunity to analyze, design, program, debug, modify, test, and implement software used in Fire Alarm Systems.
Position Summary
We are seeking a motivated Embedded Software Engineer to join our engineering team. This role is ideal for early-career engineers who are passionate about developing software for embedded systems and enjoy solving technical challenges at the intersection of hardware and software.
The successful candidate will contribute to the design, development, testing, and maintenance of embedded software for products and platforms. Working closely with senior engineers, systems engineers, hardware designers, and quality teams, you will help deliver reliable, high-quality solutions throughout the product lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, debug, and maintain embedded software applications and firmware.

• Implement software features using C/C++ and other applicable programming languages.

• Develop software for microcontrollers, processors, and real-time embedded systems.

• Participate in software architecture, design reviews, and code reviews.

• Create and execute unit, integration, and system-level tests.

• Support debugging efforts using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG debuggers, and other development tools.

• Investigate and resolve software defects and performance issues.

• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and test engineers to integrate software with embedded platforms.

• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including software design specifications and test procedures.

• Follow software development processes, coding standards, and quality requirements.

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to software quality, development efficiency, and product reliability.

Required Qualifications
Embedded Software Engineer I

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

• 0-3 years of experience in embedded software development (including product development, internships, co-ops, or academic projects).

• Experience programming in C and/or C++.

• Experience with embedded Linux, RTOS, or bare-metal development environments.

• Understanding of embedded systems fundamentals.

• Basic knowledge of software debugging and troubleshooting techniques.

• Familiarity with Git or other version control systems.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ARM-based microcontrollers or processors.

• Familiarity with communication protocols such as:

• SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, and USB

• Knowledge of RTOS environments such as FreeRTOS, ThreadX, or Zephyr.

• Exposure to embedded Linux development.

• Experience with scripting languages such as Python.

• Understanding of software testing, automated testing, and continuous integration practices.

• Familiarity with secure software development practices.

• Experience working in regulated industries such as aerospace, defense, medical, automotive, or industrial automation.

SALARY RANGE: $94,000 - $141,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at https://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us
Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.