The need for electronic and software freelancers is increasing across Europe
Author: IntaPeople | Date published: 15/05/25
As digital transformation accelerates, so does the demand for highly skilled electronics and embedded software engineers. Across Europe companies are increasingly relying on freelance experts to plug skill gaps, drive R&D initiatives and stay competitive in fast-moving markets.
At IntaPeople, we’re seeing this trend play out daily. Hiring managers are under pressure to deliver innovation at speed, and traditional hiring models often can’t keep up. That’s where freelance talent comes in.
Demand is outpacing supply
According to Eurostat, 8.5% of all job ads across the EU in 2023 targeted ICT specialists, with Austria topping the list at 14.4%. In Germany, freelance IT roles are also on the rise, particularly in high-tech manufacturing and automotive sectors where embedded software and electronics talent is critical.
A 2024 report from Malt highlighted a 55% increase in the number of hours freelancers worked on corporate projects since 2022. Freelancers are no longer used just to “fill in the gaps”, they are central to project delivery.
Why freelancers are the solution for DACH hiring managers
In the DACH region, where time-to-market and technical excellence are non-negotiable, freelancers offer several advantages:
- Speed and flexibility: Quickly onboarded to meet project deadlines without long-term commitment.
- Specialist skill sets: Access to niche expertise in embedded Linux, C/C++, RTOS, and more.
- Scalability: Scale teams up or down as project requirements evolve.
- Market insights and benchmarking freelance rates
- Fast turnaround on short-term project roles
- Cross-border compliance and contract support
But finding the right freelancer, someone with deep technical ability and a proven track record, can be time-consuming. That’s where IntaPeople comes in.
How IntaPeople supports engineering hiring managers across Europe
With over 30 years of experience in STEM recruitment, IntaPeople specialises in matching world-class freelance engineers with forward-thinking companies. Whether you’re building medical devices in Munich, developing IoT platforms in Zurich, or leading R&D in Vienna, we have access to an extensive network of pre-vetted freelancers across Europe.
We don’t just send CVs, we understand the project, the tech stack, and the culture you need to protect. Our consultants work closely with hiring managers to ensure freelancers not only meet technical expectations but also integrate smoothly into existing teams.
We support hiring managers with:
Ready to Strengthen Your Engineering Team?
If you’re feeling the pinch of talent shortages, or your roadmap is outpacing your permanent hiring capacity, freelance specialists could be the solution.
Talk to IntaPeople. Whether you need a contractor for a six-month embedded systems project, or an interim team lead to steer your software architecture, we can help.
Contact us today to explore our freelance talent pool across Europe.