Software Engineer

Job Title: Software Engineer – Embedded Systems and Robotics

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining full-stack embedded software for autonomous drones, connected ground control station applications, and related companion software for advanced payloads and capabilities. You will lead software integration projects from concept through deployment, ensuring that embedded systems, controllers, and user interfaces work together seamlessly in demanding, high-reliability environments. The position offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge military-grade autonomous drone solutions that deliver critical situational awareness and protection in challenging conditions.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain full-stack embedded software for drones, ground control stations, and companion applications that support additional payloads and capabilities.
• Drive software integration projects from start to finish for new products, payloads, and interfaces, ensuring efficient and effective implementation in embedded systems.
• Participate in the design, implementation, testing, debugging, and integration of complex embedded subsystems used in robotics, aerospace, and unmanned aircraft applications.
• Conceptualize, develop, implement, and test new software capabilities based on requirements from customers and internal stakeholders.
• Incorporate feedback and fixes identified by end users, field teams, and production teams to continuously improve software performance, reliability, and usability.
• Collaborate closely with hardware, systems, and product teams to ensure seamless hardware and software integration in both existing and new products.
• Troubleshoot and optimize embedded and desktop applications to improve performance, reliability, and real-time responsiveness.
• Work with clients to integrate upgrades and changes into existing products, ensuring compatibility and smooth deployment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to incorporate software into all aspects of products, including controllers, user interfaces, and supporting tools.
• Participate in integration efforts that support evolving customer requests and expanding applications of autonomous drone solutions.
• Apply strong problem-solving skills to diagnose complex issues in embedded systems and propose robust, scalable solutions.
• Contribute to design reviews, product planning sessions, and requirements discussions, clearly communicating technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Utilize tools such as Git, Bitbucket, and JIRA to manage source code, track issues, and support collaborative development workflows.
• Support continuous integration (CI) testing and hardware debugging activities, including the use of oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other diagnostic equipment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• 4–8 years of experience developing real-time embedded software for robotics, aerospace, unmanned aircraft, or related applications.
• Strong proficiency in C++ for embedded software development and user interfaces in robotics, unmanned aircraft, and aerospace systems.
• Strong proficiency in Python for embedded applications, tools, and user interfaces.
• Experience designing, developing, and integrating software for products and controllers that must operate together as a cohesive system.
• Experience with networking protocols, hardware/software integration, and real-time data handling in embedded environments.
• Demonstrated capabilities in the design, development, and testing of embedded software used in high-reliability environments.
• Experience with automated unit testing, static analysis, and/or automated system-level testing for embedded or real-time systems.
• Hands-on experience with embedded software development, firmware programming, and microcontroller-based systems.
• Familiarity with robot operating systems and robotics programming concepts.
• Experience working with continuous integration (CI) testing and hardware debugging workflows.
• Experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and similar tools for hardware and embedded system debugging.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to bridge technical and non-technical teams during design reviews, product planning, and requirements discussions.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with hardware, systems, product, and client-facing teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• U.S. National status (citizen, naturalized, etc.) as required for work on sensitive systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related engineering field, such as Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or Computer Science.
• Familiarity with ROS (Robot Operating System) and practical experience applying it in robotics or unmanned systems.
• Hands-on experience with control theory as applied to embedded systems and autonomous platforms.
• Experience developing software for military or defense-related products, including familiarity with Department of Defense and government standards for code scanning and security.
• Practical, hands-on experience with drones, robotics, or aerospace systems through code design, implementation, and verification.
• Familiarity with STM32 microcontrollers and associated programming environments.
• Experience with ArduPilot autopilot systems configured for multi-copters or fixed-wing aircraft.
• Experience with Git and Bitbucket for version control and collaborative software development.
• Experience using JIRA or similar tools for issue tracking and project management.
• Experience in firmware development for embedded systems used in rugged or high-stress environments.
• Knowledge of best practices for secure coding and software assurance in safety- and mission-critical systems.

Work Environment

The role is based in a fast-paced, start-up environment focused on delivering military-grade autonomous drone-in-a-box solutions designed to operate both on the move and on the ground. You will work alongside former military personnel and experienced aerospace, robotics, and software engineers who are dedicated to building robust, high-reliability systems. The technology stack centers on embedded software for free-flight and tethered unmanned aerial vehicles that must perform reliably in hostile and challenging environments, providing a remotely commanded ‘eye in the sky’ for protection and situational awareness. Day-to-day work involves close collaboration across hardware, systems, and software teams, frequent integration and testing with real hardware, and the use of tools such as Git, Bitbucket, JIRA, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers. The culture emphasizes innovation, ownership, and continuous improvement, with a strong focus on rigorous testing, secure coding practices, and reliable deployment of autonomous systems that can be controlled from anywhere in the world.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Bethesda, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $52.00 - $74.00/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 North Bethesda,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 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.