Software Engineer

Job Title: Software EngineerJob Description

This Software Engineer role focuses on firmware and software development for advanced photonics and instrumentation products. You will design and implement embedded firmware and graphical user interfaces, plan and execute complex software and firmware architectures, and work closely with cross-disciplinary teams to deliver highly integrated systems. The position offers strong growth potential, including a clear path to a future Software Engineering Manager role as the team expands.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain firmware and software for advanced photonics and instrumentation products.

• Program microcontrollers with a strong emphasis on bare-metal and low-level embedded development.

• Develop graphical user interfaces (GUIs) using C# and/or Qt C++ on Windows or Linux platforms.

• Plan, architect, and implement complex software and firmware systems that integrate with hardware and other subsystems.

• Apply system-level thinking to ensure seamless integration across mechanical, electrical, laser/optics, firmware, and software disciplines.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams to support highly integrated product designs.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, including planning, scheduling, prioritizing tasks, and reporting progress to leadership.

• Create and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications, user guides, and release notes.

• Track, investigate, and resolve defects using structured bug tracking and debugging processes.

• Provide production support as needed, including troubleshooting issues and implementing corrective actions.

• Train, mentor, and supervise junior team members, helping them develop technical and professional skills.

• Use electronics lab tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters to debug and validate firmware and hardware interactions.

• Configure Linux systems and support embedded software integration with Linux-based environments.

• Follow software engineering best practices, including version control, code review, documentation, and structured release management.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of development processes, tools, and standards within the engineering team.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience in firmware or software development for scientific, academic, industrial, biotech, medical, or semiconductor instrumentation.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.

• Strong C and C++ programming skills for embedded real-time systems and microcontroller firmware.

• Extensive microcontroller programming experience with a significant emphasis on bare-metal and low-level development.

• Hands-on experience with embedded development in both bare-metal and RTOS environments.

• RTOS experience, including practical implementation and debugging in real-time embedded systems.

• Strong debugging skills and proficiency with electronics lab tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters.

• Ability to interact directly with hardware and troubleshoot firmware issues in a laboratory environment.

• Strong commitment to software engineering best practices, including version control, documentation, and structured release management.

• GUI development experience using C# and/or Qt C++ on Windows or Linux.

• Proficiency with Python for scripting, automation, or application support.

• Experience using Git for software version control.

• Experience with Linux system configuration and integration.

• Comfort working beyond pure software development, including close interaction with electronics and hardware.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree (MS) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience with STM32 microcontrollers.

• Experience with FreeRTOS or similar real-time operating systems.

• Proficiency with modern C++ (e.g., C++11 and beyond).

• Experience using Azure DevOps or similar platforms for managing software projects, work items, and CI/CD pipelines.

• Linux scripting experience to support development, testing, or deployment workflows.

• General understanding and/or hands-on experience with analog and digital electronics.

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, including the ability to deliver clear technical presentations.

• Interest in and potential for growing into a Software Engineering Manager position as the team and responsibilities expand.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role within a highly collaborative engineering environment focused on advanced photonics and integrated instrumentation systems. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team spanning mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, laser/optics engineering, firmware engineering, and software engineering. The products are highly integrated, requiring frequent interaction with hardware in a laboratory setting and regular use of electronics lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters. The team culture emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration, system-level thinking, and strong internal growth opportunities supported by ongoing company expansion.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Jessup, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $150000.00/yr.

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.

Benefits Basics Employees are eligible for benefits the first of the month following thirty (30) days of service. As an employee, now is your opportunity to review your benefit options and make your enrollment decisions. Once you select your benefit options they will remain in effect until the next Open Enrollment period, to be effective June 1, 2027. Assuming you do not experience a qualifying life event (Please see page 6 or contact a member of the benefits team for additional information). Offers you the option to choose between the Cigna Open Access Plus (OAP) plan or the Cigna Open Access Plus Health Savings Account (H.S.A.) plan. Both of these medical plan options provide the security, benefits and services critical to your well-being. The important difference with the Open Access Plus Health Savings Account (H.S.A.) is that you will first need to meet an out-of-pocket deductible that you pay for with your tax-free savings account (the H.S.A.) before your healthcare benefits kick in. Employees enrolled in the HSA plan, qualify for the Patient Assurance Drug Program. While you are employed with the company will contribute 75% of the In-Network deductible ($1,275.00 lndividual/$2,550.00 Family) to your H.S.A. fund divided and deposited to you on a weekly basis during the 2026-2027 plan year assuming your total combined contributions (employer and employee) are below the Federal maximum amount allowed. This is subject to change annually. See page 10 for more information. The IRS annual minimum HSA deductible for the 2026 plan year is $1,700/ individual and $3,400/family.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Jessup,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 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.