Freelance Embedded Software Engineer (Safety-Critical Systems)

Location: Ulm, Munich or the wider Bavaria region (Hybrid preferred)
Contract Type: Freelance / Contract
Start Date: September 2026
Duration: Initial 12-month contract with strong extension potential
Industries: Embedded Systems | Automotive | Aerospace | Rail | Industrial Automation | Medical Devices

Freelance Embedded Software Engineer Contract – Bavaria, Germany

We’re supporting a leading engineering organisation in the search for 10+ Freelance Embedded Software Engineers to join a major long-term programme developing safety-critical embedded software.

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced Embedded Software Engineers, Embedded C Engineers, and RTOS Engineers looking for a long-term freelance contract in Germany. You’ll work on next-generation embedded systems used across the automotive, aerospace, rail, industrial automation and medical device sectors, helping to develop highly reliable software for safety-critical applications.

Working within a multidisciplinary engineering team, you’ll contribute throughout the full software development lifecycle, from requirements analysis and software architecture through to integration, verification and release.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop embedded software for safety-critical systems using Embedded C.
• Design, develop and optimise software running on Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS).
• Develop low-level software including device drivers, BSPs, kernel-level components and system services.
• Translate technical requirements into robust embedded software solutions.
• Lead software development activities from requirements through to verification and integration.
• Develop interfaces between hardware, middleware and application software.
• Participate in software architecture, design and code reviews.
• Support software verification, validation, testing and debugging activities.
• Work closely with systems, hardware and verification engineers throughout development.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and new product development initiatives.

Required Skills & Experience

To be successful as a Freelance Embedded Software Engineer, you’ll ideally have:

• Degree in Computer Science, Electronics, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong commercial experience developing embedded software.
• Excellent Embedded C programming skills.
• Experience developing software for microcontrollers and embedded architectures.
• Strong understanding of Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS).
• Experience with low-level software development and hardware-near programming.
• Knowledge of embedded software architecture and design principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Fluent English communication skills.
• German language skills (B1+) are advantageous.

Desirable Experience

Experience in any of the following would be highly beneficial:

• Functional Safety
• ISO 26262
• DO-178C
• EN 50128
• IEC 62304
• Multi-core embedded systems
• Device driver development
• Board Support Packages (BSP)
• Kernel development
• Software verification and validation
• Automotive embedded software
• Aerospace software
• Rail software
• Industrial automation
• Medical device software

Why Apply?

• Initial 12-month freelance contract with excellent extension potential.
• Hybrid working across Ulm, Munich and Bavaria.
• Opportunity to join a large-scale engineering programme requiring 20 Embedded Software Engineers.
• Work on cutting-edge safety-critical embedded systems used in highly regulated industries.
• Collaborative engineering environment with long-term project stability.

Apply Now

If you’re an experienced Freelance Embedded Software Engineer, Embedded C Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer or RTOS Engineer looking for your next contract opportunity in Germany, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today to be considered, as interviews are commencing shortly!