Software Engineer

Embedded Software Engineer Job Description This contract Senior Embedded Software Engineer role focuses on delivering one or more subsystems within an embedded framework and a credential reader application for NFC/RFID reader firmware. You will work hands-on to implement, validate, and ship production-quality firmware against a defined scope, collaborating closely with existing engineering teams while working independently day to day. You will make sound architectural decisions within an established framework, balance feature delivery against technical risk, and produce clean, standards-compliant code from the outset. Responsibilities Design and implement components, threads, and modules in modern C++ (C++17 and above) within an existing module, thread, and component framework. Implement ETL-based state machines and lifecycle hooks that meet hard real-time deadlines on Cortex-M4F microcontrollers. Develop, harden, and maintain Device Abstraction Layer drivers for interfaces such as SPI, I2C, USB, UART, GPIO, timers, and DMA on STM32G474 microcontrollers. Extend and enhance the USB stack to support CCID and related functionality. Perform memory, timing, and power optimizations, and validate against performance budgets using static analysis, profiling tools, and on-target measurement. Implement robust error handling, fault recovery, and safety-tolerant patterns consistent with a no-exceptions, no-heap-after-initialization policy. Work within a real-time operating system environment (with a strong preference for Zephyr) to integrate drivers, middleware, and application logic. Collaborate with other engineers to ensure your subsystems integrate cleanly into the broader embedded framework and credential reader application. Apply secure coding practices and leverage your understanding of security-focused domains when designing and implementing firmware features. Contribute to the delivery of a new generation of secure NFC/RFID credential readers by meeting project milestones and producing production-ready firmware. Essential Skills Strong proficiency in modern C++ with hands-on experience using C++17 or later, and the ability to write clean, maintainable, and standards-compliant code. Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in embedded firmware development, focusing on low-level microcontroller and driver development rather than application-level software. Extensive experience developing firmware for microcontrollers, including driver-level work on interfaces such as UART, USB, SPI, and I2C. Real-time operating system (RTOS) experience, with Zephyr RTOS highly preferred. Experience working with USB, including extending or integrating USB stacks and handling USB-based communication protocols. Experience with Embedded Template Library (ETL) and ETL-based state machines. Experience developing on ARM Cortex-M class microcontrollers, specifically Cortex-M4F, and working with STM32G4-series devices. Ability to implement and maintain Device Abstraction Layer drivers for peripherals such as SPI, I2C, USB, UART, GPIO, timers, and DMA. Demonstrated ability to meet hard real-time deadlines and design firmware that satisfies strict timing and resource constraints. Experience with memory, timing, and power optimization in embedded systems, including use of static analysis, profiling, and on-target measurement tools. Ability to implement error handling and fault recovery strategies that adhere to a no-exceptions and no-heap-after-initialization policy. Good understanding of security concepts and secure firmware development, ideally gained in security-focused domains. Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience working on secure access, authentication, or credential reader products, such as NFC or RFID-based systems. Background in organizations or products with strong security requirements, such as mobile device or secure communications platforms. Experience integrating firmware within larger embedded frameworks and collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams. Familiarity with developing or extending CCID or similar USB-based protocols. Comfort working independently on defined subsystems while aligning with existing architectural patterns and coding standards. Experience working in Senior or staff-level embedded roles where balancing feature delivery and technical risk is essential. Work Environment This role supports the development of a new generation of secure credential readers within a technology-focused environment centered on embedded systems and secure access solutions. You will work primarily on Windows-based development machines that run Linux virtual machines for building and testing firmware. The engineering environment emphasizes modern C++ development, RTOS-based firmware (with a focus on Zephyr), and microcontroller platforms such as ARM Cortex-M4F and STM32G4 devices. Daily work involves close collaboration with other engineers while maintaining a high degree of autonomy over your assigned subsystems. The organization operates in a professional, engineering-driven setting that supports global customers through product development, engineering, sales, and operations, offering exposure to secure access, RFID, smart card, mobile credential, and biometric reader technologies. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Schaumburg, IL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $70.00/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 Type This is a fully onsite position in Schaumburg,IL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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. Actalent