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Volunteer 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

Embedded Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$120K - $160K/yr

Analyze designs and software engineering practices that is integrated into embedded devices and systems and meets industry, customer, safety and regulation standards. * Assists with reviews, analyzes ...

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Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineer information

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$62.5K

$137.3K

$192K

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

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for volunteer 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 volunteer embedded systems engineer?

Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineers are individuals who offer their expertise in designing, developing, and maintaining embedded systems—such as microcontroller-based hardware or firmware—without monetary compensation. They typically work with nonprofits, educational institutions, or community projects, helping to create or improve electronic devices and systems for social good. Their work can range from programming microcontrollers to designing circuit boards, often collaborating with other volunteers or professionals. Volunteering in this field is a great way to gain experience, contribute to meaningful projects, and support communities in need.

How do volunteer embedded systems engineers typically collaborate with other team members during a project?

Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineers often work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including hardware designers, software developers, and project coordinators. Collaboration usually involves regular meetings to discuss technical requirements, progress updates, and integration challenges. Since many volunteer projects are remote or have limited resources, effective communication and documentation are key to ensuring that all team members are aligned and project milestones are met. Team members may use collaboration tools like version control systems, shared documentation platforms, and virtual meeting software to stay connected and productive.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer embedded systems engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electronics, microcontrollers, and programming languages such as C/C++, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or related experience. Familiarity with tools like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and development environments (e.g., Arduino IDE, Keil, or MPLAB) is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you collaborate across diverse volunteer teams and overcome technical challenges. These competencies ensure you can design reliable embedded solutions, contribute effectively to projects, and support organizational missions.

What is the difference between Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineer vs Embedded Systems Engineer?

AspectVolunteer Embedded Systems EngineerEmbedded Systems Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires relevant technical skills, certifications are optionalOften requires a degree or certification in electrical engineering or computer science
Work EnvironmentNon-profit, humanitarian, or open-source projects, often remote or flexibleCorporate, industrial, or product development settings, usually full-time
Employer & IndustryNon-profit organizations, NGOs, open-source communitiesTechnology companies, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace

Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineers focus on contributing to projects for social good or open-source initiatives, often on a part-time or voluntary basis. Embedded Systems Engineers typically work in commercial settings, developing products or systems as part of their professional career. The main differences lie in the work environment, employment status, and project goals.

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Volunteer Embedded Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer 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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