ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs

Motorola

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$135K - $200K/yr

This is an opportunity to work on all aspects of the system including device drivers, networking functions and services, encryption, and security features. This Senior Embedded Software Engineer ...

React Health

Embedded Software Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer FULL-TIME/PART-TIME: Full time LOCATION: Bothell, WA React Health is a ... Designing, developing, coding, testing and debugging system software. Analyzing and enhancing ...

Road Ready

Firmware/Embedded Software Engineer

Southfield, MI · On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

Design and implement software of embedded devices and systems from requirements to production and ... Bachelor's degree in electrical/computer Engineering or related field EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT(S ...

Apple

Embedded Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

The Product Integrity group is looking for a Systems Software Engineer to develop future products ... building embedded system architectures and using interfaces such as I2C, USB, PCIeExperience ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsFreelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs

Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer information

See salary details

$70K

$153.4K

$174K

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

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance embedded system software engineer in the United States is $153,383.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,500.00 and $173,000.00 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 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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer, and why are they important?

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.
More about Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded System Software Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Embedded System Software Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs are:
Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,383 per year, or $73.7 per hour.
Embedded Software Engineer

Embedded Software Engineer

Connexion Systems and Engineering, Inc.

Burlington, MA • Hybrid

$143K - $188K/yr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Software Embedded Engineer

SECRET CLEARANCE REQUIRED

The engineer will write software that interfaces with FPGA hardware and other system components, while also developing test tools and supporting system checkout.

The strongest need is embedded Linux experience, especially Red Hat Linux. 

The candidate should understand how software interacts with FPGA-connected hardware. Device-driver expertise is helpful. 

Day-to-day work may include developing software commands to send and receive messages from system components, building test utilities, collecting performance metrics, testing transmit/receive paths, analyzing timing and latency, measuring throughput, developing unit tests, and validating data flows through the system.

For communication protocols such as Ethernet, PCIe, and USB, the team is more focused on the software/protocol interaction layer than low-level electrical implementation.

Required skills:
Communication Protocols (USB, Ethernet, PCIe, I2C, SPI)
Software unit testing
CI/CD pipelines
Scripting languages – all equal
Real-Time Embedded Systems (RTOS, VxWorks, Xenomai, Linux) – at a minimum, candidates must have Linux.Supporting FPGA-baed Radar hardware

Hybrid 3 on-site days
Advanced Sensor Systems and Test Beds Group supports designing and developing various testbed systems and components to assist data collection . An embedded software engineer is needed to design and implement software of embedded devices and systems from requirements to production.
Job Description:
Designs and implements software of embedded devices and systems from requirements to production and commercial deployment for product lines. Designs, develops, codes, tests and debugs system software. Involved in specifications, design and development of embedded firmware in engineering projects. Analyzes and enhances efficiency, stability and scalability of system resources. Integrates and validates new product designs. Supports software QA. Provides post production support. Interfaces with hardware design and development.
Required:
- Experience in embedded systems development.
- Experience in hands-on development and troubleshooting on embedded targets.
- Solid programming experience in C or C++.
- Proven experience in embedded systems design with preemptive, multitasking real-time operating systems.
- Knowledge of reading schematics and data sheets for components. Strong documentation and writing skills.
*Please see full list of required skills in the qualification table.
Other:
Work location: Hybrid - Candidates should expect to be onsite 3 days a week.
Clearance: Candidates must have an active secret clearance to be considered for this position.
Travel: Estimated at 5% domestic and international

Apply