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Freelance Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Umbra

Embedded Systems Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

About the Job Umbra is seeking an Embedded Systems Engineer with a strong firmware background to support development of mission-critical satellite systems. This role focuses on bare-metal embedded ...

Vale Concepts

Embedded Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$118K - $155K/yr

We're looking for an embedded robotics engineer to help design and build the distributed embedded system that powers these machines. You'll work across firmware, real-time control, device ...

Vale Concepts

Embedded Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$118K - $155K/yr

We're looking for an embedded robotics engineer to help design and build the distributed embedded system that powers these machines. You'll work across firmware, real-time control, device ...

Vale Concepts Inc

Embedded Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$118K - $155K/yr

We're looking for an embedded robotics engineer to help design and build the distributed embedded system that powers these machines. You'll work across firmware, real-time control, device ...

Aptiv PLC

Embedded Systems Engineer

Carmel, IN · On-site

YOUR ROLE As a Embedded Systems, Radar- for an Embedded Systems, Radar to lead an Engineering team in our adjacent markets organization, located at our Indiana Technical Center in Carmel, IN. "Must ...

SAIC

Flight Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$120K - $160K/yr

Witness developer-executed tests for embedded devices and systems. * Recommends implementation of current and emerging technologies, tools, frameworks, and changes in regulations relevant to software ...

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Freelance Embedded Systems Engineer information

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How much do freelance embedded systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance embedded systems engineer in the United States is $137,274.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $163,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance embedded systems engineer?

Freelance embedded systems engineers are independent professionals who design, develop, and maintain embedded systems for various clients on a project basis. These engineers specialize in integrating hardware and software to create systems that perform dedicated functions within larger devices, such as automotive electronics, medical devices, or consumer electronics. Working as freelancers, they may handle tasks such as firmware development, hardware design, debugging, and system integration, often collaborating remotely with clients from different industries. Their flexible work style allows them to take on diverse projects and stay updated with the latest embedded technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance embedded systems engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Embedded Systems Engineer, you need expertise in embedded C/C++ programming, microcontroller architecture, and electronics fundamentals, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or computer science. Familiarity with tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, version control (e.g., Git), and platforms like ARM, Arduino, or RTOS, as well as certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Engineer (CESE), is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and the ability to manage projects independently are standout soft skills for this role. These skills are essential to deliver reliable, efficient solutions tailored to client needs while maintaining professionalism and adaptability in dynamic, project-based environments.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance embedded systems engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance embedded systems engineers often encounter challenges such as managing multiple projects with varying requirements, keeping up with rapidly evolving hardware and software technologies, and ensuring effective communication with remote clients. To address these issues, it's important to maintain organized project management practices, invest time in continuous learning, and set clear expectations with clients regarding deliverables and timelines. Building a strong professional network and leveraging online collaboration tools can also enhance efficiency and client satisfaction.
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Freelance Embedded Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Embedded Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,274 per year, or $66 per hour.

Embedded Systems Engineer

Umbra

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space-for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra's ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms).Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed.
About the Team
Space Systems - The Components
Space Systems is where Umbra turns hardware and software designs into on-orbit realities; developing, implementing and iterating mission-ready core technology, while simultaneously advancing the next generation of our own satellite constellation. Space Systems is vertically integrated across the satellite architecture, thus the team designs, builds, and tests an array of critical components and subsystems, including power systems, communications, control systems, deployment hardware, avionics, and payloads, as well as the flight software, firmware and digital design solutions to support the entire hardware stack. Our focus is on first principles engineering, and our mandate is simple: it has to work when it counts. Every bolt, board, and binary is proven on our own SAR constellation, ensuring flight-proven reliability where failure is not an option.
If you want to work on cutting edge space technology while maintaining the highest standard for innovation and mission ready performance, you belong here at Umbra.
About the Job
Umbra is seeking an Embedded Systems Engineer with a strong firmware background to support development of mission-critical satellite systems. This role focuses on bare-metal embedded development, system integration, and hardware bring-up, with opportunities to contribute across the full lifecycle-from prototype to flight-ready systems.
You will work closely with electrical, software, and systems engineers to build and validate embedded solutions on real hardware. This role is ideal for someone who can take well-defined problems, execute quickly, and contribute to improving firmware infrastructure, tooling, and system reliability.
This position is based on-site in our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, implement, and debug low-level drivers (SPI, UART/RS-485, GPIO, timers, interrupts).
  • Participate in code reviews and MR support, ensuring code quality and maintainability.
  • Contribute to architecture/design documentation (e.g., RFCs, ADRs, timing diagrams, interface definitions).
  • Develop embedded firmware in C and Rust for bare-metal and RTOS-based microcontroller systems.
  • Bring up and debug hardware systems, including board-level validation and peripheral integration.
  • Support system integration and verification across avionics, radios, and other spacecraft subsystems.
  • Define and execute test plans for firmware and hardware validation.
  • Troubleshoot issues across firmware, hardware, and system interfaces.
  • Contribute to shared firmware infrastructure, including HALs, drivers, and reusable libraries.
  • Improve development workflows through contributions to repository structure, CI/CD, and test infrastructure.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, systems, and flight software engineers.
  • Document designs, test procedures, and debugging processes to ensure repeatability and reliability.
  • Support test campaigns and mission-critical milestones as needed.

Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 5+ years of professional experience in embedded systems or firmware development.
  • Experience developing and debugging embedded communication and control interfaces, including SPI, UART/SCI (e.g., RS-485), and GPIO/interrupts.
  • Strong proficiency in embedded C and/or Rust programming.
  • Experience working with bare-metal microcontrollers.
  • Hands-on experience with hardware bring-up and debugging on physical systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and data sheets.
  • Experience with debugging tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and debuggers (e.g., JTAG/SWD).
  • Experience with system integration and verification.
  • Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and collaborative development workflows.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to execute independently.
  • Effective communication and ability to work in a cross-functional team environment.

Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with RTOS-based embedded systems.
  • Familiarity with hardware/software integration at the system level.
  • Experience contributing to CI/CD pipelines or automated test infrastructure for embedded systems.
  • Experience developing or maintaining HALs, drivers, or shared firmware libraries.
  • Background in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability environments.
  • Comfort working in a fast-paced, hardware-centric development environment.
  • Demonstrated ownership of projects from concept through validation.
  • Experience working in Agile/PI planning environments.
  • Experience supporting system-level testing or qualification efforts.

Benefits
  • Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
  • Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded)
  • 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution
  • Stock Options
  • Free Parking
  • Free lunch in office daily

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Employment Eligibility Verification
In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.
ITAR/EAR Requirements
This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR.
Pay Transparency
This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role's function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience.
Compensation Range
The Compensation Range for this role is $150,000 - $180,000 DOE.

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