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Freelance Windows Driver Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

#Windows Driver Developer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$94K - $141K/yr

Embedded Windows software and good programming skills. * Solid understanding of Operating System ... Device driver programming and debugging with WinDbg, JTAG/other tools. * Processor architecture and ...

#Windows Driver Developer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$94K - $141K/yr

Embedded Windows software and good programming skills. * Solid understanding of Operating System ... Device driver programming and debugging with WinDbg, JTAG/other tools. * Processor architecture and ...

#Windows Driver Developer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$94K - $141K/yr

Embedded Windows software and good programming skills. * Solid understanding of Operating System ... Device driver programming and debugging with WinDbg, JTAG/other tools. * Processor architecture and ...

#Windows Driver Developer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$94K - $141K/yr

Embedded Windows software and good programming skills. * Solid understanding of Operating System ... Device driver programming and debugging with WinDbg, JTAG/other tools. * Processor architecture and ...

#Windows Driver Developer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$94K - $141K/yr

Embedded Windows software and good programming skills. * Solid understanding of Operating System ... Device driver programming and debugging with WinDbg, JTAG/other tools. * Processor architecture and ...

#Windows Driver Developer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$94K - $141K/yr

Embedded Windows software and good programming skills. * Solid understanding of Operating System ... Device driver programming and debugging with WinDbg, JTAG/other tools. * Processor architecture and ...

#Windows Driver Developer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$94K - $141K/yr

Embedded Windows software and good programming skills. * Solid understanding of Operating System ... Device driver programming and debugging with WinDbg, JTAG/other tools. * Processor architecture and ...

Contract We're seeking a developer with 5 7 years of experience in Windows user-mode and driver development to build and enhance our in-house endpoint security agent across 100K+ systems. You'll ...

... engineering and exploit development skills. * + Proficiency with WinDbg, IDA/Ghidra, and driver ... Windows driver vulnerability research is the core requirement. Kernel exploitation experience is ...

Windows Kernal Driver Engineer Location: Redmond, WA Onsite/Remote: Day 1 Onsite at customer location Best fit signals to look for on resumes: Experience with kernel mode driver work (WDM/KMDF ...

Windows Kernal Driver Engineer role Best fit signals to look for on resumes: Experience with kernel mode driver work (WDM/KMDF), debugging, dumps, and lab bring up Device interaction debugging across ...

Windows Kernal Driver Engineer Location: Redmond, WA Onsite/Remote: Day 1 Onsite at customer location Best fit signals to look for on resumes: Experience with kernel mode driver work (WDM/KMDF ...

Demonstrated experience with Windows driver programming. * Exhibit excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. * Be able to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced ...

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Freelance Windows Driver Developer information

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How much do freelance windows driver developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance windows driver developer in the United States is $22.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance Windows driver developer?

Freelance Windows Driver Developers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain device drivers for the Windows operating system on a contract or project basis. They work with hardware manufacturers or software companies to create drivers that enable hardware devices, like printers or graphics cards, to communicate with Windows systems. These developers need strong knowledge of Windows internals, kernel programming, and driver frameworks such as the Windows Driver Framework (WDF). As freelancers, they may work remotely with multiple clients, handling tasks like debugging, testing, and updating drivers to ensure compatibility and performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance Windows driver developer?

To thrive as a Freelance Windows Driver Developer, you need strong proficiency in C/C++ programming, a deep understanding of Windows kernel architecture, and experience with driver development, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Windows Driver Kit (WDK), Visual Studio, and debugging systems such as WinDbg is typically required, and certifications like Microsoft Certified: Windows Developer can be beneficial. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with clients and navigating complex technical challenges. These competencies ensure the delivery of robust, efficient, and reliable drivers that meet client needs and maintain system stability.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance Windows driver developers when working with clients remotely?

Freelance Windows Driver Developers often encounter challenges such as limited access to client hardware for testing, which can complicate debugging and ensuring compatibility. Communication barriers may arise when clarifying technical requirements or diagnosing issues, making clear documentation and regular updates essential. Additionally, staying updated with the latest Windows Driver Kit (WDK) changes and security protocols is crucial for delivering reliable solutions. Collaborating with remote teams usually involves using version control systems and adhering to strict development guidelines to ensure seamless integration.

What is the difference between Freelance Windows Driver Developer vs Freelance Device Driver Developer?

AspectFreelance Windows Driver DeveloperFreelance Device Driver Developer
CredentialsKnowledge of Windows OS, C/C++, driver development certificationsSimilar credentials, often with Windows driver focus
Work EnvironmentDevelops drivers specifically for Windows OSCreates drivers for various devices, primarily Windows-based
Industry UsageUsed in software development companies, hardware manufacturersUsed in hardware design, embedded systems, and peripherals
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on Windows OS driver developmentFocuses on specific device driver creation

Both roles involve driver development, but Freelance Windows Driver Developers specialize in creating drivers for Windows operating systems, while Freelance Device Driver Developers may work on drivers for various hardware devices, often across multiple platforms. The key difference lies in the scope of the target platform and device focus.

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For Freelance Windows Driver Developer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Freelance Windows Driver Developer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,772 per year, or $23 per hour.

#Windows Driver Developer

San Diego, CA • On-site

Qualcomm
Technology, Communication and Media • 10K+ employees

$94K - $141K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Qualcomm rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Software Engineer

Qualcomm Technologies Inc., the maker of the industry-leading Snapdragon SoCs, is the largest provider of complete chipset solutions for Microsoft Windows on Snapdragon products. Qualcomm is committed to developing solutions for the next generation of Windows on Snapdragon devices.

The ideal software engineer will act as a key member of an Agile Scrum Team and play a pivotal role in the end-to-end lifecycle of all Windows-on-Snapdragon product lines. Strong software development skills will allow you to gather requirements, design, and develop key features on Windows on Snapdragon products. Communication and collaboration skills are essential as part of this platform team as you will need to coordinate with internal and external teams to bring up, support, triage, and unblock issues on Qualcomm chipsets.

Looking for a self-starter with excellent people skills and software aptitude to match.

The Ideal Candidate will have:

  • Embedded Windows software and good programming skills.
  • Solid understanding of Operating System concepts.
  • Windows and/or Linux kernel and development experience.
  • Strong understanding of C/C++, Shell Scripting or Python skills and hands-on experience on debugging ARM or other SoC embedded systems.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong problem solving and debugging skills.
  • Ability to co-ordinate across stakeholders and drive towards task completion.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical engineering, Computer Science or related field.
  • C/C++ and python programming.
  • Device driver programming and debugging with WinDbg, JTAG/other tools.
  • Processor architecture and cache subsystem.
  • ARM assembly
  • Embedded OS (Kernel architecture, OS services heap, memory, multi-core, multi-threading, and crash debugging).
  • Knowledge of OS/system performance profiling and optimization techniques.
  • Communication, written & interpersonal skills, motivation, the ability to learn quickly.
  • Advanced understanding of object-oriented programming principles.

Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits :

$94,200.00 - $141,200.00

The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer – and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.


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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985