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Freelance Remote Firmware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cornelis Networks

Senior Firmware Security Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$118K - $156K/yr

S. states and six countries, and we continue to expand with exceptional talent in onsite, hybrid, and fully remote roles. As a Senior Firmware Security Engineer, you will design and deliver security ...

NTT DATA Services

IoT / Edge Software Engineer

MD · Remote

$68K - $141K/yr

The engineer works closely with system architects, backend/API engineers, and operational ... Develop and maintain secure device authentication, data encryption, and remote firmware update ...

AKQA

Freelance Senior Designer

New York, NY · Remote

This is a remote freelance role starting as soon as possible and running through December 23, 2026 ... Collaborate closely with UX designers, product managers, strategists, and engineers to ensure ...

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Freelance Remote Firmware Engineer information

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$75K

$167.4K

$205K

How much do freelance remote firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance remote firmware engineer in the United States is $167,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $143,000.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Freelance remote firmware engineers often encounter challenges such as limited access to specialized hardware for testing, coordinating effectively with distributed teams, and managing project scope independently. To address these, it's important to invest in simulation tools or remote lab access for testing, establish clear communication channels (like regular video stand-ups and detailed documentation), and use project management tools to track milestones and deliverables. Building strong client relationships and setting clear expectations upfront also help ensure smoother project execution and long-term success.

What does a Freelance Remote Firmware Engineer do?

A Freelance Remote Firmware Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains the low-level software (firmware) that controls hardware devices, such as embedded systems, IoT devices, or consumer electronics, while working independently and remotely. They collaborate with clients or teams virtually to understand device requirements, write and debug code, and ensure seamless integration between hardware and software. Their work often involves using languages like C or C++, and tools for hardware debugging, all while managing their own schedules and client communications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Remote Firmware Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Remote Firmware Engineer, you need expertise in embedded systems programming, microcontroller architectures, and proficiency in languages like C/C++, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with hardware debugging tools, version control systems (such as Git), and platforms like RTOS or IoT development environments is typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, self-motivation, and effective communication skills distinguish top freelancers in this field. These competencies are essential for delivering reliable firmware solutions independently, collaborating with remote teams, and meeting diverse client requirements.
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Freelance Remote Firmware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Remote Firmware Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,438 per year, or $80.5 per hour.
Electrical/Firmware Engineer - Hardware Team (IoT + DoD Systems)

Electrical/Firmware Engineer - Hardware Team (IoT + DoD Systems)

LMI

Remote

$92K - $158K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Overview
The Opportunity
We are looking for a Electrical/Firmware Engineer to join our hardware team and contribute to the development of IoT devices and sensors for the Department of Defense (DoD). In this role, you'll design and implement firmware for embedded systems across active asset tags, sensors, and edge devices critical for mission-readiness. You'll work closely with hardware engineers, cloud software teams, and external partners to ensure seamless device functionality and integration, delivering results that support national defense objectives.
This is a primarily remote role with occasional travel to LMI HQ in Tysons, VA & other CONUS locations.
LMI is a new breed of digital solutions provider dedicated to accelerating government impact with innovation and speed. Investing in technology and prototypes ahead of need, LMI brings commercial-grade platforms and mission-ready AI to federal agencies at commercial speed.
Leveraging our mission-ready technology and solutions, proven expertise in federal deployment, and strategic relationships, we enhance outcomes for the government, efficiently and effectively. With a focus on agility and collaboration, LMI serves the defense, space, healthcare, and energy sectors-helping agencies navigate complexity and outpace change. Headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, LMI is committed to delivering impactful results that strengthen missions and drive lasting value.
Responsibilities
What You'll Do
  • Design, develop, test, and optimize firmware for embedded systems, ensuring reliability and efficiency.
  • Collaborate with hardware teams to develop firmware solutions tailored to wireless embedded designs.
  • Implement firmware control for peripherals such as RF modules, sensors, and communication interfaces like Bluetooth, LoRa, satellites, or LTE.
  • Conduct debugging, testing, and refinement of firmware in rugged and mission-critical environments.
  • Contribute to field testing and provide firmware updates to ensure hardware performance meets defense-grade standards.
  • Work with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration between hardware, software, and DevSecOps solutions.
  • Maintain firmware revision control and manage versioning across projects.
  • Ensure firmware complies with security protocols and certifications such as MIL-STD, FIPS, or FCC.

Qualifications
What We're Looking For
Experience:
  • 5+ years of experience in firmware or electrical design for embedded systems, preferably in IoT, RF devices, or mission-critical environments.
  • Strong understanding of processor level development and the ability to understand and develop using proprietary real-time operating systems (RTOS).
  • Embedded Linux development including device drivers and TCP/IP networking.
  • Strong understanding of developing firmware for very low-power battery-based applications.
  • Hands-on experience with communication protocols like Bluetooth, LoRa, LTE, or similar.
  • Proven expertise debugging, testing, and validating firmware in hardware environments.

Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems development.
  • Proficiency in Python.
  • Familiarity with microcontrollers and architectures, such as ARM Cortex-Mor STM.
  • Experience with IDEs and debugging tools such as Keil, IAR, or Segger.
  • Knowledge of hardware interfaces like SPI, I2C, and UART.
  • Understanding of DFM and DFT principles related to firmware-hardware integration.
  • Experience in developing firmware with a unit test approach.

Mindset & Qualifications:
  • Builder's mindset with a solutions-oriented approach to solving technical challenges.
  • U.S. Citizenship with eligibility to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field; advanced degree a plus.

Bonus Points For
  • Hands-on experience developing firmware that complies with FIPS 140-2 and/or FIPS 140-3.
  • Experience prototyping firmware for ruggedized IoT devices used in defense, logistics, or industrial settings.
  • Familiarity with tools for secure firmware delivery and updates.
  • Knowledge of wireless and cellular IoT firmware systems, including power optimization techniques.
  • Ability to work in early-stage product development environments or spin-out business units.

Why This Role Matters
Firmware is the heartbeat of mission-ready IoT devices. As part of a fast-moving hardware team, you'll design solutions that perform under pressure, contribute to national security, and push innovation into the field. Your work will lay the foundation for a greenfield hardware business with meaningful government impact.
Target salary range: $92,075 - $158,138
Disclaimer: The salary range displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation. Individual salaries are determined by various factors including, but not limited to location, internal equity, business considerations, client contract requirements, and candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, skills, and security clearances.
#LI-SH1
Applicants must meet eligibility requirements for a U.S. Government security clearance. Only US Citizens are eligible for a security clearance. For this position, LMI will only consider applicants with security clearances or applicants who are eligible for security clearances, due to the nature of the work.
Job Locations
US-Remote

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