Embedded Software Engineer

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, developing, testing, and maintaining embedded software systems in real-time environments for advanced hardware and defense-related applications. You will work across low-level and application layers using C/C and object-oriented design principles, integrating closely with embedded hardware platforms and networking interfaces. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to complex systems involving sonar, weapons systems, and underwater technology while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain embedded software systems operating in real-time environments.
• Develop low-level and application-layer software using C and C with object-oriented design principles.
• Work with embedded hardware platforms and support processor-side (PS) software development.
• Implement and optimize code for performance, reliability, and maintainability in resource-constrained systems.
• Integrate software with hardware components, peripherals, and communication interfaces.
• Develop, integrate, and troubleshoot networking functionality, including TCP/IP-based communication.
• Utilize RTOS-based development, such as FreeRTOS, to implement task scheduling, concurrency, and system control.
• Participate in code reviews to ensure code quality, consistency, and adherence to best practices.
• Debug embedded systems using tools such as debuggers, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
• Perform system-level testing and verification of embedded software functionality and performance.
• Collaborate closely with systems, hardware, and test engineers to define requirements, resolve issues, and deliver integrated solutions.
• Support the development of technical documentation, including design descriptions, interface specifications, and user guides.
• Assist in meeting program requirements, milestones, and compliance standards for defense-related systems.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of development processes, tools, and coding standards within the embedded software team.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• At least 5 years of embedded software development experience.
• Strong proficiency in C and/or C with practical object-oriented programming experience.
• Proven experience developing software for embedded systems environments, including bare-metal or RTOS-based systems.
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems such as FreeRTOS or similar RTOS platforms.
• Hands-on experience with networking protocols, particularly TCP/IP.
• Ability to debug embedded systems using tools such as debuggers, oscilloscopes, or logic analyzers.
• Solid understanding of hardware/software integration and low-level interfaces, including device drivers and SoC-based designs.
• Experience working in a Linux or embedded development environment.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Experience with ARM-based embedded platforms and system-on-chip (SoC) architectures.
• Experience with RTOS-based development for task scheduling, concurrency, and system control.
• Experience implementing and troubleshooting TCP/IP-based communication in embedded systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on defense-related systems, including sonar, weapons systems, or underwater technology.
• Experience developing embedded software for Navy or other maritime defense applications.
• Experience with Linux as a development host environment and for embedded deployment.
• Familiarity with developing and maintaining device drivers for embedded hardware.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including systems, hardware, and test engineering.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in debugging complex embedded and networking issues.
• Ability to write clear technical documentation and contribute to program deliverables.
• Comfort working in RTOS-based environments such as FreeRTOS and adapting to similar platforms as needed.

Work Environment

This position is primarily onsite with hybrid flexibility, depending on business needs and project requirements. You will work in a hands-on embedded development environment that involves frequent interaction with hardware platforms, test equipment, and cross-functional engineering teams. The role supports government and defense programs, including work at facilities such as naval and underwater research centers, and includes time spent in lab and integration environments. Work schedules are flexible, with options such as 9/80, 4/10, or 5/8 arrangements, and leadership emphasizes results and accountability as long as work is completed effectively. The environment relies on modern embedded development toolchains, Linux-based development systems, and standard lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and debuggers, providing a technically engaging setting for embedded software engineers.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Middletown, RI.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $70.00/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 hybrid position in Middletown,RI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 4, 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 : $60 - $70