Software Engineer

Job Title: Embedded Firmware Software Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on developing embedded firmware and software for new products. You will work 100% onsite in Eagan, MN, collaborating closely with hardware and electrical engineers to design, build, and validate custom embedded solutions from the ground up. The position offers high autonomy, exposure to advanced technologies, and the opportunity to own the full firmware development lifecycle for net-new products rather than sustaining legacy systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware in C and C++ for microcontroller-based systems used in laundry applications.

• Own the end-to-end firmware development lifecycle from concept and architecture through build, test, debug, and deployment.

• Develop and implement connectivity between sensors and systems to monitor heat and temperature, water usage, and energy usage cycles.

• Work extensively with communication protocols such as Modbus and CANBus, and support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity where applicable.

• Collaborate closely with hardware and electrical engineers to perform custom board bring-up on new hardware platforms.

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve firmware issues at the board and system level, including low-level device drivers and RTOS-related problems.

• Build embedded systems from scratch, including setting up FreeRTOS (or similar RTOS) environments and integrating sensors and communication stacks.

• Participate in the design and implementation of communication-focused sensor solutions that measure differential pressure and other key parameters.

• Contribute to the development of automated checks to detect when filters and related components require maintenance or replacement.

• Use Agile development practices and tools such as JIRA and DevOps-based testing workflows to plan, track, and validate work.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in embedded firmware development for microcontroller-based systems.

• Strong proficiency in C and C++ programming in a pure embedded environment.

• Hands-on experience with RTOS platforms such as FreeRTOS or similar real-time operating systems.

• Demonstrated ability to perform custom board bring-up, including initializing hardware and validating low-level functionality.

• Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills at the firmware and hardware interface level.

• Experience working with communication protocols such as Modbus and CANBus for sensor and system connectivity.

• Experience in developing communication-focused sensor solutions, including integration and data handling.

• Ability to work independently and in a small team, taking ownership of deliverables and collaborating cross-functionally.

• 5-15 years of experience working with sensors and communication protocols in embedded systems.

• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment and partnering closely with hardware engineers on new product development.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for wireless communication.

• Familiarity with Agile development workflows and tools such as JIRA and DevOps-based testing frameworks.

• Experience with sensor-related development, including integration, calibration, and data processing.

• Exposure to Simulink, Python, or other tools used in embedded system modeling, testing, or automation.

• Experience in developing firmware for measuring differential pressure, water flow, or similar sensor applications.

• Experience working with device drivers, low-level hardware interfaces, and firmware diagnostics.

• Prior involvement in full lifecycle ownership of embedded products, from initial concept through deployment and support.

• Interest in high-technology environments and net-new product development for connected systems.

Work Environment

This position is 100% onsite in Eagan, MN, within a high-technology environment focused on laundry systems and sensor-based solutions. You will work closely with a small team of firmware, software, and hardware engineers, collaborating daily with electrical engineers on custom boards and new hardware platforms. The work centers on embedded systems, microcontrollers, RTOS (such as FreeRTOS), communication protocols like Modbus and CANBus, and sensor integration. You will operate in a lab and development setting where you bring up new boards, connect sensors, and run diagnostics on firmware from the ground up. The environment emphasizes high autonomy, cross-team collaboration, and a fast-paced pace of development, with tools such as JIRA and DevOps-based testing used to support an Agile workflow. The role involves hands-on interaction with hardware, embedded software, and communication technologies to deliver reliable, production-ready solutions.

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Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Eagan, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $72.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Eagan,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 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 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.