Embedded Software Engineer

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on developing embedded software for advanced radio systems used in edge communication products, enabling reliable military communications in signal-constrained environments. You will participate in the full software development lifecycle, work closely with hardware engineers, and contribute to secure, high-performance embedded solutions that operate in demanding real-time conditions.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the full software development lifecycle, from concept and design through testing, integration, and deployment of embedded software for radio and edge communication systems.
• Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware using C and Python for microprocessor-based and microcontroller-based systems.
• Write clean, well-structured, and well-documented embedded C code that adheres to industry best practices and coding standards.
• Optimize firmware for memory utilization, power efficiency, and real-time performance to ensure reliable operation in constrained environments.
• Leverage open-source technologies to support continuous integration, automation, and infrastructure management.
• Build, maintain, and enhance CI/CD pipelines to streamline and automate software delivery and deployment.
• Develop and maintain automated test frameworks to improve software quality and coverage.
• Actively participate in code reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback to maintain high engineering standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to interrupt handling, DMA operations, and peripheral interfaces such as SPI and I2C.
• Interface directly with hardware peripherals and perform register-level communications and debugging.
• Collaborate closely with hardware engineers to define interface requirements, integrate embedded software with hardware designs, and validate system functionality.
• Use Texas Instruments development tools, including Code Composer Studio (CCS), or comparable environments to develop and debug embedded applications.
• Utilize hardware debugging tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, and JTAG debuggers to diagnose and resolve hardware–software integration issues.
• Ensure embedded software solutions meet cybersecurity, security, and compliance requirements, aligning with DevSecOps principles where applicable.
• Apply software architecture principles, including those used in microservices-based environments, to design robust and maintainable systems.
• Use containerization technologies such as Docker to support development, testing, and deployment workflows.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, software development methodologies, and industry best practices, and apply them to improve existing systems and processes.
• Support programs related to defense or government applications, ensuring solutions meet mission-critical performance and reliability standards.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of professional experience developing embedded software in C for microprocessor-based systems.
• Strong proficiency in Embedded C for firmware development on microcontrollers and microprocessors.
• Hands-on experience with microcontrollers and bare-metal embedded development.
• Experience working with SPI and I2C communication protocols and other peripheral interfaces such as UART.
• Proficiency in Python for scripting and tooling related to embedded development.
• Proficiency in Bash scripting for automation and development workflows.
• Experience interfacing with hardware peripherals and performing communications at the register level.
• Hands-on experience using Texas Instruments development tools, including Code Composer Studio (CCS), or similar embedded development environments.
• Proficiency with hardware debugging tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, and JTAG debuggers.
• Experience developing and supporting CI/CD pipelines for embedded or software systems.
• Familiarity with containerization technologies such as Docker.
• Understanding of software architecture principles, including those applied in microservices-based environments.
• Ability to write clean, maintainable, and well-documented embedded C code that follows established coding standards.
• Active Secret Security Clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience developing software for real-time embedded systems, with a focus on performance and determinism.
• Exposure to Linux-based embedded environments, including Embedded Linux and general Linux development.
• Familiarity with automated testing frameworks for embedded or software systems.
• Understanding of DevSecOps practices and their application to secure software development and deployment.
• Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) or other government programs.
• Knowledge of edge communication products and radio systems is beneficial.
• Ability to stay up to date with emerging technologies and incorporate new methodologies and tools into existing workflows.

Work Environment

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement with an initial onsite focus to support effective onboarding and collaboration. The engineer will work onsite full-time during the first two months to become familiar with the hardware platforms, development tools, and team processes. After onboarding, the schedule transitions to approximately two days per week onsite, with the remaining time remote. The environment involves close collaboration with hardware and software engineers, regular use of embedded development environments, and hands-on work with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, and JTAG debuggers. The role supports mission-critical defense-related projects in a professional, engineering-focused setting that values security, quality, and continuous improvement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Warrenton, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $75.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Warrenton,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.