Freelance Embedded Software Engineer

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.