Embedded Software Engineer - Secret Clearance

Job Title: Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Secret Clearance)

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining embedded software for mission-critical systems in highly regulated and high-reliability environments. The Senior Embedded Software Engineer participates in the full software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, architecture and design, implementation, testing, integration, and documentation. The position requires strong expertise in embedded systems, real-time operating systems, and secure, resilient software design, as well as the ability to collaborate closely with cross-functional hardware and systems teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop embedded software modules, components, and full-feature areas using modern programming languages and frameworks.
• Define and formalize system, hardware, software, and human integration requirements to ensure cohesive system behavior.
• Plan and execute engineering test, validation, and verification activities across the full development lifecycle.
• Validate and verify software designs in a variety of system integration environments, including simulations and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Implement protocols and algorithms optimized for resource-constrained embedded environments.
• Collaborate closely with hardware engineering teams to enable seamless communication and integration between modules and applications.
• Ensure software robustness, resilience, and fail-safe operation for critical systems operating in demanding conditions.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate safety and security vulnerabilities in embedded software solutions.
• Create detailed design documentation, technical specifications, and supporting engineering artifacts.
• Optimize existing embedded applications to improve performance, reliability, and maintainability, while implementing new features and enhancements.
• Translate concepts of operations (CONOPS), specifications, and requirements into detailed software designs, code implementations, and comprehensive test plans.
• Develop and maintain device drivers and low-level software for real-time operating systems.
• Implement user interfaces within embedded systems where required by the application.
• Conduct hands-on embedded software testing and debugging using industry-standard tools and interfaces.
• Apply embedded software cybersecurity practices to protect systems from potential threats.

Essential Skills

• Experience with Ada development required.
• 5-8 years of experience in embedded software engineering, including full lifecycle development from requirements analysis through deployment and maintenance.
• Proven background working in mission-critical industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, medical devices, or first responder systems.
• Strong experience translating CONOPS, specifications, or requirements into software design, implementation, and test plans.
• Advanced proficiency in C for embedded software development.
• Hands-on experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS), such as Linux, FreeRTOS, QNX, or similar platforms, including device driver development.
• Familiarity with complex embedded systems involving multi-threading, distributed processing, multi-core architectures, systems-on-module (SoM), board support packages (BSP), and API design.
• Practical experience in embedded software testing and debugging using tools such as gdb, lldb, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, UART interfaces, JTAG debuggers, and related instrumentation.
• Experience implementing user interfaces in embedded systems where appropriate.
• Embedded software cybersecurity experience, including secure coding practices and vulnerability mitigation.
• Familiarity with model-based engineering tools such as Cameo or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.
• Possession of an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance, with the ability to work on classified programs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on safety- and mission-critical systems that require high reliability and rigorous validation.
• background in environments that require strict documentation, configuration management, and traceability from requirements to implementation and test.
• Exposure to hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments and complex system integration laboratories.
• Familiarity with board-level bring-up, low-level hardware interfacing, and debugging at the hardware-software boundary.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams including hardware, systems, test, and cybersecurity engineers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for creating clear technical documentation and participating in design reviews.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in Grand Rapids, MI, within a secure engineering environment supporting classified and mission-critical programs. The role involves close collaboration with hardware, systems, and test teams in a lab-oriented setting that uses tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG debuggers, and hardware-in-the-loop platforms. Work is performed primarily on-site to support hands-on integration, testing, and secure development activities. Candidates may be eligible for per diem support, subject to program policies. The environment emphasizes disciplined engineering practices, thorough documentation, and adherence to security and safety protocols.

This is a Contract position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.

The pay range for this position is $67.31 - $86.54/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Grand Rapids,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 24, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.

Salary : $67 - $87