Software Engineer

Software / Embedded Software Engineer The Software / Embedded Software Engineer designs, builds, and integrates electronics and software systems for complex defense-related applications. This role focuses on networked, electrically powered subsystems, requiring strong skills in networking, systems integration, and communication. You will contribute directly to technology that supports Army programs while collaborating closely with multiple engineering disciplines in a small, agile team. Responsibilities Design and develop embedded software solutions for networked and electrically powered subsystems in defense applications. Integrate electronics and software components into cohesive, reliable systems that meet performance and safety requirements. Implement software using C, C++, JavaScript, Python, and Node.js as appropriate for embedded and application-level functionality. Develop and maintain software for embedded systems, including work on ST microcontrollers and similar platforms. Apply test-driven development practices to ensure code quality, reliability, and maintainability. Design and implement communication and networking features using protocols such as Ethernet, I2C, and CAN. Collaborate directly with a small team of engineers across multiple disciplines to define requirements, design solutions, and resolve technical issues. Participate in the development of multiple programs simultaneously, contributing to system architecture, coding, debugging, and integration. Troubleshoot and optimize embedded software and communication interfaces to improve performance and robustness. Document designs, code, and integration procedures to support ongoing maintenance, future enhancements, and knowledge sharing within the team. Essential Skills Minimum of 4 years of experience in embedded software development. Strong programming skills in C and C++ for embedded and systems-level software. Practical experience coding in JavaScript for application and integration tasks. Hands-on experience with Node.js for building and integrating software services. Experience with embedded systems development, with ST microcontrollers preferred. Knowledge of communication protocols such as Ethernet, I2C, and CAN. Ability to work as a true software generalist across C, C++, JavaScript, and Python. Experience applying test-driven development methodologies to embedded or application software. Solid understanding of networking and systems integration concepts in electronically powered subsystems. Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams and contribute across multiple programs. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience in defense or mission-critical systems development is beneficial. Experience working with networked embedded devices and communication buses is preferred. Familiarity with integrating software across different hardware platforms and microcontrollers. Comfort working in a small, focused team environment with direct exposure to multiple engineering disciplines. Interest in contributing to technology that directly supports Army programs and other defense initiatives. Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to debugging and optimizing embedded systems. Ability to grow into broader roles across different programs depending on individual career preferences. Work Environment You will work within a team of approximately 50 people, with about half being engineers, including one full-time software engineer dedicated to embedded and application-level development. The environment is collaborative and multidisciplinary, offering direct interaction with various engineering specialties and exposure to several concurrent programs. The team structure supports career growth in multiple directions based on your interests, and the work centers on advanced, networked electronic systems in the defense sector. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lake Forest, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $77.00/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) Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Nov 4, 2026. Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Lake Forest, CA. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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. Actalent