Freelance Embedded Software Engineer

Freelance Embedded Software Engineer (Audio / Bluetooth) Location: Amsterdam (on-site, with regular office presence expected) Contract: Freelance | Full-time | Expected through the end of December (project-dependent) Start: ASAP About the Role Loop is looking for an experienced Freelance Embedded Software Engineer to support the final development, validation, and production launch of a next-generation active earbud product. This role provides additional engineering capacity during the critical validation and production phases, helping ensure a successful transition from development to mass production and commercial launch. You'll focus on firmware stabilization, system integration, debugging complex issues, and delivering production-ready firmware. Working closely with Electrical Engineering, Mobile Software Engineering, and Software QA, you'll help resolve technical challenges and ensure a successful product launch. What You'll Deliver Stabilize, optimize, and debug embedded firmware across audio, Bluetooth (BLE + BR/EDR), and power management. Investigate and resolve complex firmware issues impacting audio performance, connectivity, battery life, and overall system reliability. Support DVT, PVT, and manufacturing builds by resolving release-blocking issues and improving firmware quality. Collaborate with Electrical Engineering, Mobile Software Engineering, and Software QA to resolve integration issues and support production readiness. Contribute to firmware releases by identifying technical risks and driving timely resolution. What We're Looking For Strong Embedded C/C++ experience on ARM-based embedded platforms, ideally with multi-core SoCs. Experience developing Bluetooth (BLE + BR/EDR) firmware for consumer electronics or other battery-powered devices. Experience with embedded audio products such as earbuds, headphones, or wearables. Strong embedded debugging and system integration skills, with experience supporting products through DVT, PVT, and production. Experience optimizing firmware for low-power operation. Comfortable working with GitHub, Jira, and cross-functional engineering teams. Experience with Airoha chipsets and SDKs is a strong advantage. Nice to Have Experience with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or audio DSP. Experience supporting manufacturing or factory validation. Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools such as Claude Code. Additional Information This role is primarily based in our Amsterdam office. We expect a regular on-site presence of 2–3 days per week during quieter project phases, increasing to 4–5 days per week during critical validation, production, and launch activities. Occasional travel to our Antwerp headquarters may be required to support collaboration, project activities, and key development phases. Immediate availability is required due to the project's validation and production timeline.