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Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

SAIC

Embedded Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$120K - $160K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... Expert in embedded software system architecture, design, integration and test. * Knowledge of ...

ARSIEM

Embedded System Researcher 3

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$125K - $183K/yr

Focus on embedded systems with ARM, PPC, MIPS, or other embedded assembly languages. Minimum ... Software Developer 3 * Minimum eight (8) years of experience programming with object-oriented ...

SAIC

Embedded Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Expert in embedded software system architecture, design, integration and test. * Knowledge of ... ing services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely ...

Qrypt

Embedded Software Engineer

Germantown, MD · Hybrid

$125K - $155K/yr

The Embedded Software Engineer will own the design, development, and test of digital logic and ... Lead the design, development, and test of systems composing of hardware, digital logic, embedded ...

SAIC

Embedded Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Expert in embedded software system architecture, design, integration and test. * Knowledge of ... engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining ...

Qrypt

Embedded Software Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

The Embedded Software Engineer will own the design, development, and test of digital logic and ... Lead the design, development, and test of systems composing of hardware, digital logic, embedded ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsEmbedded System Software Engineer JobsFreelance Embedded System Software Engineer JobsFreelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$79.3K

$173.7K

$197.1K

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance embedded system software engineer in Washington, DC is $173,722.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $148,900.00 and $195,900.00 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 Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

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

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

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

Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs near you

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Trident Systems Inc.

Sterling, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Principal Embedded Software Engineer
Requisition ID: 1784
Position Location: Sterling, VA
Position Reports To: Manager, Space Electronic Systems
Supervises Others: No
At Trident Systems, we believe that strong engineering principles are fundamental to driving innovation and solving complex problems. We promote a culture characterized by rigorous engineering practices and a commitment to continuous improvement. This is achieved by leveraging our organization's collective expertise through collaborative development processes, which include thorough design and peer reviews. We can deliver innovative, high-performance solutions that meet our customers' evolving requirements by integrating our specialized knowledge in aerospace electronic systems with appropriately scaled development methodologies.
We are a mission partner supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civil space customers. We develop complex, radiation effects mitigated, designs that balance competing requirements in modern space programs, delivering cutting-edge solutions that enable our customers to achieve more in space.
Position Summary
The Principal Embedded Software Engineer serves as a highly experienced individual contributor responsible for embedded software architecture, implementation, and technical execution across advanced aerospace computing platforms and supporting engineering systems. This role focuses on embedded Linux platforms, board support packages (BSPs), low-level platform software, hardware interfaces, device drivers, boot architecture, and system-level debugging across software and hardware boundaries.
This is a hands-on engineering role intended for a deeply experienced embedded software engineer who thrives in complex hardware-centric environments and contributes through strong technical execution, sound engineering judgment, architectural rigor, and mentorship of other engineers.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Architect, design, and implement software across embedded aerospace computing platforms and supporting engineering systems.
  • Define clean software-hardware interfaces across processors, FPGAs, peripherals, storage devices, networking subsystems, and platform infrastructure.
  • Architect robust boot strategies, software update mechanisms, telemetry frameworks, fault handling, recovery strategies, and maintainable runtime software architectures.
  • Lead Linux BSP development, platform bring-up, driver integration, hardware enablement, and low-level software architecture activities.
  • Develop, review, and optimize software for performance-critical paths including storage, networking, DMA, PCIe, interrupt-driven I/O, and embedded communications.
  • Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues spanning software, firmware, FPGA, operating system, drivers, and hardware interactions.
  • Establish and reinforce strong software engineering practices including design reviews, code reviews, reproducible builds, release discipline, traceability, CI/CD workflows, and technical documentation.
  • Mentor software engineers through technical guidance, design collaboration, architecture reviews, and hands-on engineering support.
  • Support technical trade studies, architecture decisions, requirements decomposition, and customer technical discussions.
  • Partner closely with FPGA, electrical, systems, product, and test engineering teams to deliver integrated technical solutions.
  • Support off-site integration activities or travel, as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline, or equivalent practical engineering experience.
  • 9+ years of related experience (OR 7+ years with a master's degree)
  • Embedded software engineering experience with significant delivery on complex hardware-based systems.
  • Experience in embedded software architecture, low-level software development, and software/hardware integration.
  • Experience developing Linux-based embedded systems including BSP development, platform bring-up, kernel integration, or low-level software infrastructure.
  • Deep proficiency in C and C++ with strong systems-level software design fundamentals.
  • Experience developing software for embedded hardware platforms including custom peripherals, communications interfaces, storage subsystems, or FPGA-connected systems.
  • Strong debugging skills across software, operating system, driver, and hardware boundaries.
  • Experience with source control, build systems, release engineering, and disciplined software development practices.
  • Ability to mentor engineers through technical guidance, architecture reviews, code reviews, and collaborative engineering support.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with engineering teams, technical stakeholders, and customers.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.
  • Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability engineering environments.
  • Linux kernel driver development experience including PCIe, networking, storage, GPIO, DMA, interrupt handling, serial interfaces, or custom hardware integration.
  • Experience with embedded Linux environments such as Yocto, Buildroot, Ubuntu, or similar platforms.
  • Familiarity with embedded communications and hardware interfaces including SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet, PCIe, SpaceWire, or related protocols.
  • Experience working closely with FPGA-based systems or hardware acceleration platforms.
  • Experience with RTOS-based embedded systems or deterministic software environments.
  • Experience with secure boot, fault tolerance, redundancy architectures, software recovery strategies, or mission-critical embedded systems.
  • Experience with Python-based engineering automation, internal tools, or test infrastructure development.
  • Strong engineering judgment, systems thinking, and ability to independently solve complex multidisciplinary technical problems.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $120,000 - $222,000
Please Note: Actual compensation offered will be determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, internal equity, business considerations, and geographic location where applicable.
Benefits
Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits including but not limited to:
  • Health benefits
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Basic life with AD&D
    • Short term disability
    • Long term disability
    • Ancillary (Voluntary life with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet)
    • Spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCFSA)
  • Paid time off
  • Holidays
  • 401(k) (including company match)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Leaves (Parental, maternity, and military)
  • Annual discretionary bonus (for eligible roles)

Trident Systems reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
Trident Solutions is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact
Pay Transparency: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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