Software Engineer

Systems Software Engineer – Robotics – North Reading, MAWe are seeking a Systems Software Engineer to build the software foundation behind next-generation robotic vision test systems. This role sits directly on the boundary between hardware and software: you will develop the pipelines, test frameworks, and embedded software that turn camera and sensor hardware into reliable, production-ready capability at scale. The focus is system software and engineering infrastructure, robust data and processing pipelines, automated test frameworks, and the tooling that makes a hardware development team faster and more rigorous. You will write production Python and C/C++ on Linux-based embedded platforms, containerize development and deployment workflows with Docker, and work directly on hardware to bring up, integrate, and debug camera and sensor subsystems. Note: This role is based in a hands-on lab environment rather than a traditional quiet office setting.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, build, and maintain robust software pipelines for camera and sensor data capture, processing, storage, and analysis on embedded Linux platforms.Develop and own automated test frameworks that validate embedded software, camera subsystems, and sensor integrations, and integrate them into CI/CD pipelines for continuous regression coverage.Write production-quality Python and C/C++ for embedded and system-level applications, with attention to performance, memory, and runtime behavior on resource-constrained targets.Containerize development, build, and deployment workflows using Docker to ensure reproducible environments across engineering, lab, and target hardware.Integrate 2D and 3D camera and sensor systems - including RGB, stereo, ToF, structured light, and LiDAR - covering bring-up, configuration, synchronization, calibration support, and data capture.Debug complex embedded systems across the hardware and software boundary using logs, profilers, and lab instrumentation, and drive issues to root cause.Identify friction in engineering workflows and deliver the tooling, automation, and mechanisms that measurably improve team velocity and release confidence.Partner with hardware, firmware, electrical, mechanical, and test teams to define interfaces, resolve integration issues, and validate end-to-end system behavior on real hardware.Author clear technical documentation including design notes, interface specifications, test plans, and operational runbooks.Demonstrate ownership, accountability, and bias for action in a fast-paced environment with evolving requirements.Basic QualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.4+ years of software engineering experience in system software development, including building software pipelines and delivering production-quality code.Strong proficiency in Python and C/C++ and OpenCV.Hands-on experience developing embedded software on Linux-based platforms, including debugging and validation directly on target hardware.Demonstrated experience designing and maintaining automated test frameworks, not only writing individual test cases.Working knowledge of Docker for development, deployment, and containerized workflows.Strong debugging and root-cause analysis skills spanning the hardware and software boundary.Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.Comfortable working on-site in an active hardware lab with shared equipment.Preferred QualificationsHands-on experience with 2D and/or 3D camera systems such as RGB, stereo, ToF, structured light, or LiDAR.Experience with camera and multimedia interfaces and pipelines such as V4L2, GStreamer, OpenCV, MIPI CSI-2, or GMSL.Experience with CI/CD tooling and test infrastructure, including Git, code review practices, pipeline automation, and hardware-in-the-loop testing.Familiarity with NVIDIA Jetson-class or comparable embedded compute platforms.Experience with IPC and middleware such as gRPC, MQTT, shared memory, or ROS 2.Background in production robotics, autonomous systems, or high-volume consumer or industrial hardware.Experience improving developer tooling, build systems, or lab automation for a hardware engineering organization.Proven record of navigating ambiguous requirements and delivering results in a fast-paced, agile environment.Work EnvironmentThis position is on-site in an active lab, working directly with robotic hardware, cameras, sensors, and test equipment. The environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with evolving requirements and a high bar for engineering rigor. You will have visibility from early bring-up through scaled deployment, with direct impact on the reliability of next-generation robotic vision systems.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of North Reading, MA.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $55.00 - $65.00/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)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in North Reading,MA.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 22, 2026.About ActalentActalent 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.