Hardware Engineers in Germany
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Meet FRATCH Hardware Engineers in Germany
Wolfgang Döbber
Last position:
Agile Coach / technical sparring partner - industrial HW-/SW product development at WAGO
I support the development of an industrial automation and communication product in which hardware, firmware, embedded software, system architecture, and testing work closely together. As a coach and technical sparring partner, I support product and project owners as well as development teams in turning product goals into a clear technical delivery structure.
- Technical Vision & Strategy: translated product goals into prioritized requirements, milestones, decisions, and executable work packages for HW-/SW teams.
- HW-/SW Collaboration: structured the interfaces between hardware, firmware, Embedded Linux/RTOS, fieldbus/connectivity, system test, and product management; made risks and dependencies transparent.
- Coaching & Leadership Sparring: clarified roles, responsibilities, prioritization, and decision paths with technical leads and teams and strengthened cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Methods & environment: Polarion, GitHub, requirements engineering, configuration management, PROFINET, embedded systems, agile delivery, coaching, and facilitation.
Yusuf Congar
Last position:
Senior Software Engineer at LeiKon GmbH
- Development of scalable backend applications with C#/.NET and Java
- Design and implementation of distributed microservice architectures
- Development and integration of REST APIs for industrial applications
- Development of modern web applications with React, Angular, and TypeScript
- Implementation of MQTT-based communication solutions
- Integration of industrial protocols such as OPC UA and Modbus TCP
- Development of batch, process control, and HMI components
- Containerization and deployment of applications with Docker
- Conducting code reviews and supporting architecture decisions
- Close collaboration with product owners, QA, and interdisciplinary teams
- Analysis of business requirements and implementation of technical solutions
- Further development of existing software architectures with a focus on maintainability and performance
Technologies: C#, .NET, ASP.NET Core, Java, C++, React, Angular, TypeScript, Vue.JS, MQTT, OPC UA, Modbus TCP, Docker, GitLab, MariaDB, MySQL, Linux
Valentin Reuter
Last position:
Freelance Hardware Development Engineer at Swarm Biotactics
PCB design with Altium, MCU Programming, Prototyping
Derek Micallef
Last position:
AI Automations Manager - Hardware Setup, Automation & Voice Agent at Autohaus Mazda
- Setting up new desktop computers
- Setting up a VPS for automation, databases and chat interface
- Connecting to Azure AI Foundry
- Developing various n8n workflows for email, social media and document management
- Implementing a QA system (backups, error handling, HITL)
- Setting up and optimizing an inbound voice agent
Ahmet Demir
Last position:
Electrical Designer / Hardware Planner EPLAN 2024 at Horiba GmbH
- Planning and development of electrical systems for test benches and alternative drive systems
- Designing a battery test station specifically for electric cars
- Specifying and designing controls, following standards, legal regulations, planning guidelines, and customer specs
- Sizing and selecting electrical components
- Creating electrical schematics and macros and maintaining parts data with EPLAN P8 Version Interface 2024
- Updating and adapting PLC programs
- Preparing SISTEMA calculations
- Supporting assembly and commissioning
- Ordering electrical components in SAP
- Ensuring compliance with common standards and regulations
- Sizing and cost calculation of high-current cables (1200 V/1000 A for AC and DC)
Peter Kortmann
Last position:
Hardware and Software Developer / Project Manager at Anonymer Kunde
- Development of control units for the automotive industry incl. embedded software
- CAN bus, Vector Tools, CANoe
- Support of the development process according to ISO 26262
- Ensuring cyber security standards:
- Key exchange (PKI) between vehicle and control units
- Hardware Security Module (HSM)
- Communication with external service providers (international)
- Development (PCB) of measuring adapters, statistical analysis of sensors
- IoT and embedded software development, backend administration
Karl Spielberger
Last position:
Software Consultant, Architect, and Developer at Forklift Truck Manufacturer
Consulting in all areas of software development such as architecture, inter- and intra-process communication, end-to-end validation
Monitoring and measuring resources such as runtime and memory usage
Specification of interface and implementation patterns as well as high-level and detailed specifications
Design and implementation of functional and safety software
Specification of unit tests and support of the integration and software tests in the HIL test department as part of software validation
Development of platform-independent control and regulation software for a fuel cell system (multi-processor 16-bit and multi-core 32-bit)
Development/concept design of state machines
Development/concept design of control algorithms
Development/concept design of inter-process safety communication
Development/concept design of basic software components for parameter, characteristic curve, and error management
Development of vehicle communication based on CAN
Development/concept design of commissioning, maintenance, and service interfaces via CAN and UDS diagnostics
Conducting validation and supporting external validation
Creating specifications for testing
Ahmed Sioud
Last position:
Electrical Hardware Designer at Dematic GmbH
- Planning and designing hardware components for stacker cranes
- Creating engineering drawings and storing parts lists in SAP
- Maintaining and updating old and new circuit diagrams in EPLAN P8
- Managing master data up to creating macros for parts and assemblies
- Technical clarifications with suppliers, customers, and other departments
- Supporting the preparation of quotes and cost estimates
Philipp Eick
Last position:
Project Lead | Infotainment Software Architecture and Special Hardware Agricultural Machinery at IAV GmbH Ingenieurgesellschaft Auto und Verkehr
- Managing projects, including steering the international project team of up to 15 staff
- Intensive customer communication
- V-model according to Automotive SPICE
Maryam Sarebanzadeh
Last position:
Hardware and Control Engineer at Technical University of Munich
- Developed a 6 kW AC-DC power converter for automotive applications.
- Selected and tested SiC MOSFETs, gate drivers, diodes, and high-voltage capacitors.
- Created schematics and designed multilayer PCBs in Altium Designer.
- Collaborated with software and mechanical teams for system integration.
- Developed an advanced control strategy for traction inverters.
- Implemented and tested control algorithms in MATLAB/Simulink.
- Conducted detailed efficiency, power factor, and common-mode current measurements.
Alexander Neumann
Last position:
Project management in embedded software and hardware development / Smart Home at Jung
Development and implementation of project management plans, taking project goals and requirements into account.
Monitoring project progress and identifying potential risks or delays.
Providing regular status reports and updates
Communication with external agencies and service providers to make sure that all requirements and expectations are met.
Communication with department heads to make sure that project goals are aligned with the overall company goals.
Advising developers to make sure that technical requirements and solutions are properly considered.
Proactive identification of potential risks and issues during the project.
Development of solution strategies and action plans to minimize risks and deal with issues as they arise.
Communication of identified risks/issues in order to respond to challenges in time and implement solutions.
Michael Schulze
Last position:
Senior Hardware Development at Sabik Offshore GmbH
Use case analysis
Evaluation tests
Hardware and software specification
Component research
Cost price calculation
Project planning and control
System design
Circuit development and simulation
PCB layout
Reliability analysis
Engineering/EMC tests
Mixed-signal design (Multiprocessor)
DC/DC design
Manufacturable design
Lightning protection
Altium Designer
LTSpice
MS Office
MS Project
Maximilian Dietrich
Last position:
Hardware Developer at Freelance Hardware Developer
- Optimization of a film stretching machine: concept design and proof of concept in SolidWorks and FEMM
- Development of a smart gas scale (Evergas) with mobile connectivity: functional and design prototype in SolidWorks, Cura, Eagle, Adafruit Web IDE
- Sensor system for brake disc measurement with Knorr-Bremse: proof of concept and patent preparation in SolidWorks, Cura, Eagle, FEMM, Adafruit Web IDE
- Development of a sensor for oil level measurement (Oilfox) with self-monitoring algorithms in SolidWorks, Cura, Eagle, Adafruit Web IDE
- Development of a miniature plastic extruder (Mcubus project) in SolidWorks, Cura, Eagle, LTSpice, FEMM, Arduino IDE
- Commissioning hardware for Magna Telemotive: electrical function tests, firmware porting in C++ and quality assurance coordination
- Electronics development for Sonnenglas: concepts for battery charging by solar power and LED control in Fusion 360, Eagle, Simplicity Studio, MPLab
- Development of a wake-up controller for Wing Man: vibration sensor and power-saving logic in Fusion 360, Eagle
- Hardware lead at Cariad SE: hardware testing, supplier communication, error management in iDEX, ODIS, CANoe
Talat Göktuğ Dere
Last position:
Embedded C/C++ Software & Hardware Design Engineer at Fotoniks Military Electro-Optic Systems
- Designed power PCBs, analog video boards, custom Linux-based embedded systems, and NATO-compliant electronics.
- Developed ARM C/C++ firmware for communication and real-time control.
- Implemented UART, SPI, I²C, PWM, ADC, Ethernet and CAN drivers, along with timing-critical modules.
- Optimized layouts for SI, EMI/EMC, protection and thermal performance.
- Contributed to AI-assisted signal processing and target tracking via Linux embedded preprocessing.
Mathias Kurzweg
Last position:
botspot 3D Scan GmbH
- Support/consulting in the development and setup of 3D photo scanner systems
- Tools used: KiCAD, ePlanP8
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Hardware Engineers statistics
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
19 years
Position duration
1.7 years
Positions per freelancer
12
Top business areas
Product Development, Quality Assurance, Research and Development
Top industries
Manufacturing, Automotive, Healthcare
Certification focus areas
Information Technology, Quality Assurance, Logistics
Bachelor's degree or higher
93%
Master's degree or higher
80%
Doctorate
27%
Certifications per freelancer
2
Most common languages
German, English, Turkish
Speak two or more languages
100%
Based on our profile pool as of 6 Sep 2026.
Daily rate distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of freelancers in this role in Germany are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows how many freelancers charge within that range.
Average rates for Hardware Engineers in Germany
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.
The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.
Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 6 Sep 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
Hardware Engineers experts industry focus
See where the role earns the most, city by city against the national average — every figure is calculated live from the freelancers on FRATCH.
- Manufacturing (94%)
- Automotive (76%)
- Healthcare (65%)
- Energy (59%)
- Information Technology (41%)
- Aerospace and Defense (29%)
- Education (29%)
- Transportation (29%)
Please note that freelancers can work across multiple industries, so percentages overlap.
About the role
Custom PCB design and hardware architecture
Freelance hardware developers design robust printed circuit boards and schematic architectures tailored to your specific product requirements. They select microcontrollers, design analog and digital circuits, and optimize layouts for signal integrity. Their work ensures that the physical foundations of your IoT devices, automotive electronic control units, or industrial machinery controllers are reliable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective to manufacture.
Key deliverables of freelance engineering projects
External specialists deliver production-ready documentation and verified prototypes to accelerate your hardware development cycles. Typical deliverables include:
- Complete schematic designs and multi-layer PCB layouts using industry-standard tools like Altium Designer, KiCad, or Eagle
- Detailed Bill of Materials optimized for supply chain resilience and component availability
- Initial hardware prototypes assembled, debugged, and tested in professional laboratory environments
- Comprehensive test plans and documentation required for CE, FCC, and electromagnetic compatibility compliance
Navigating manufacturing and compliance in Germany
German industrial projects demand strict adherence to rigorous quality, safety, and environmental standards. Freelance electronics engineers operating in Germany bring deep knowledge of European Union directives, including CE marking, RoHS, REACH, and specific automotive or medical standards. They collaborate closely with local German manufacturing partners and certified test laboratories to ensure prototypes transition smoothly into mass production without costly redesign cycles.
When to bring in an external hardware expert
Internal engineering teams often face bottlenecks during critical phases of product development, layout routing, or compliance testing. Hiring a freelance specialist provides immediate relief for peak workloads, introduces specialized knowledge in complex fields like high-speed digital design or radio frequency technologies, and helps your company meet tight market launch deadlines without expanding permanent overhead.
Frequently asked questions
Key details about Hardware Engineers, drawn from the questions we get asked most.
A freelance hardware engineer designs, develops, and tests physical electronic systems and components. This includes schematic capture, printed circuit board layout, component selection, and prototype debugging to ensure the final product meets functional requirements.
While an embedded software developer focuses on writing firmware, a freelance hardware engineer builds the physical electronic circuitry and boards that the code runs on. Both roles collaborate closely to integrate physical components with software.
Experienced electronics engineers are proficient in professional design software such as Altium Designer, KiCad, Mentor Graphics, and Eagle. The choice of tool usually depends on your company's existing engineering environment and the complexity of the PCB.
Engaging a freelance hardware developer allows you to scale your engineering team dynamically during intense design, prototyping, or testing phases. It gives you fast access to highly specialized skills, such as RF design or high-speed routing, without long-term commitments.
A professional hardware designer designs circuits with compliance in mind from the beginning, preparing for CE, FCC, and EMC certification. In Germany, they often coordinate directly with accredited test laboratories to perform pre-compliance testing and resolve electromagnetic interference issues.
While schematic capture and PCB layout can be done remotely, a hardware engineer often needs on-site laboratory access for prototyping, soldering, and hardware-in-the-loop testing. Many German clients opt for a hybrid model where initial designs are done remotely and testing is completed on-site.
You can assess a freelance hardware engineer by reviewing their portfolio of successfully manufactured boards and products. Asking about their experience with specific chip architectures, manufacturing design guidelines, and past compliance certifications provides clear proof of their expertise.
The automotive sector, industrial automation companies, medical technology manufacturers, and IoT startups across Germany frequently hire freelance hardware engineers. These industries rely on external experts to quickly integrate modern electronic components and connectivity into their hardware products.
The average hourly rate for Hardware Engineers in Germany is 96 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 771 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers working as Hardware Engineers in Germany, 93% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 80% hold at least a Master's degree, and 27% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers working as Hardware Engineers in Germany have 19 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 1.7 years.
The most common languages among freelancers working as Hardware Engineers in Germany are German (100%), English (100%), and Turkish (24%).
The most common industries among freelancers working as Hardware Engineers in Germany are Manufacturing (94%), Automotive (76%), and Healthcare (65%).
The most common business areas among freelancers working as Hardware Engineers in Germany are Product Development (100%), Quality Assurance (88%), and Research and Development (76%).
FRATCH Hardware Engineers main locations
Our freelancers and interim experts are at home across the DACH region — available on-site in the major business hubs or fully remote. Choose a location to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
Berlin Hamburg Munich Cologne Frankfurt Stuttgart Dusseldorf Leipzig Dortmund Essen Bremen Dresden Hanover Nuremberg Request a free demo
Get in touch with the FRATCH team and we will get back to you within 4 hours.
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Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
