What is the freelance market like for an embedded programmer?
August 28, 2011 3:44 PM Subscribe
What is the freelance market like for an embedded programmer?
So, I'm considering taking up freelancing part-time to make some extra scratch. Since I'd like to cater to my strengths, I'd be looking for work doing embedded software development for Linux/*BSD systems. Any chance of actually finding projects in this area or am I going to have to go the route of generic freelance Java developer if I'd like to find projects?
Sub-question: what would be the best sites to find a project?
So, I'm considering taking up freelancing part-time to make some extra scratch. Since I'd like to cater to my strengths, I'd be looking for work doing embedded software development for Linux/*BSD systems. Any chance of actually finding projects in this area or am I going to have to go the route of generic freelance Java developer if I'd like to find projects?
Sub-question: what would be the best sites to find a project?
Have you looked at the forums and things at AdaFruit?
posted by phearlez at 6:07 PM on August 28, 2011
posted by phearlez at 6:07 PM on August 28, 2011
The determining factor in whether or not this can be done profitably is whether or not you have contacts at companies who might like to hire you.
If you have no contacts, you're going to have trouble finding work anyplace but craigslist. The work on craigslist tends not to be embedded work.
posted by Netzapper at 7:40 PM on August 28, 2011
If you have no contacts, you're going to have trouble finding work anyplace but craigslist. The work on craigslist tends not to be embedded work.
posted by Netzapper at 7:40 PM on August 28, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks for the input, I figured it'd be something like this.
My idea right now is to see if any of the academic contacts I have need work done to support experiments, or know colleagues in a similar predicament. I figure that while grad students usually fill this role, their are times where an outside consultant with professional experience is useful, especially if the services are offered on a pay scale friendly to academic budgets.
posted by Loto at 3:26 PM on August 30, 2011
My idea right now is to see if any of the academic contacts I have need work done to support experiments, or know colleagues in a similar predicament. I figure that while grad students usually fill this role, their are times where an outside consultant with professional experience is useful, especially if the services are offered on a pay scale friendly to academic budgets.
posted by Loto at 3:26 PM on August 30, 2011
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I think the takeaway for you is that he is plugged into a "community", in this case aerospace companies clustered around Vancouver International Airport, as well as the wireless sector in Vancouver.
You might want to do some research on what sorts of technology companies (hardware) are located in Bethesda, and just call up the front office and ask to speak with the lead firmware developer.
After about ten calls, I can almost guarantee you will get some contract work.
posted by KokuRyu at 5:16 PM on August 28, 2011