Software Engineer

Embedded Firmware & Linux Software Engineer

This full-time, onsite role in Eagan, Minnesota focuses on designing and developing embedded firmware and Linux-based software for microcontroller-based systems. You will work across the full embedded stack, from bare-metal and RTOS-based firmware to embedded Linux, contributing to high-technology products in an engineering-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware and software solutions for microcontroller-based boards and applications.
• Develop and integrate software within embedded Linux environments, including system-level components and services.
• Implement and optimize C and C++ code for embedded platforms, including bare-metal and RTOS-based systems.
• Develop, test, and debug device drivers and low-level interfaces for microcontrollers and peripherals.
• Implement and support serial communication protocols such as UART, SPI, and I2C.
• Work with serial and fieldbus protocols, including Modbus RTU/TCP or CANBus where applicable.
• Support and enhance embedded firmware platforms and Board Support Package (BSP) development.
• Contribute to system-level features such as bootloaders, embedded file systems, system controls, and embedded Linux components.
• Collaborate with hardware teams on board layout and design considerations related to firmware and software.
• Participate in Agile development processes, including sprint planning, code reviews, and continuous integration activities.
• Create and execute tests for embedded firmware and Linux components, using scripting (such as Python or Bash) where helpful.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues at the hardware, firmware, and system levels to ensure reliable and robust product performance.
• Document designs, interfaces, and implementation details to support maintainability and future development.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 4–5+ years of hands-on experience programming in C or C++ for embedded systems.
• Strong experience in embedded firmware development for microcontroller-based boards and applications.
• Proficiency with embedded RTOS and bare-metal development.
• Experience with embedded Linux development and working within embedded Linux environments.
• Solid understanding and practical experience with serial communication protocols such as UART, SPI, and I2C.
• Experience with embedded software development, including low-level programming, debugging, and optimization.
• Ability to develop and support device drivers and system-level embedded software.
• Strong programming skills in C; ability to write efficient, reliable, and maintainable embedded code.
• Experience working in an engineering-focused product development environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with ARM-based microcontrollers, such as STMicroelectronics, NXP, or Silicon Labs EFM devices.
• Experience with Modbus RTU/TCP or CANBus communication protocols.
• Experience supporting embedded firmware platforms and Board Support Package (BSP) development.
• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following: boot or bootstrap loaders, embedded file systems, system controls, and embedded Linux internals.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and associated tools and practices.
• Experience with board layout and design, and the ability to collaborate effectively with hardware engineers.
• Proficiency in C++ for embedded firmware development, in addition to strong C skills.
• Experience with RTOS-based systems and embedded bare-metal implementations.
• Scripting experience in Python and/or Bash for test automation and validation is a plus.
• Experience in high-technology product development environments.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, onsite role based in Eagan, Minnesota, operating during standard business hours in an engineering-focused environment. You will work closely with other engineers in a collaborative setting, using modern embedded development toolchains, microcontroller evaluation boards, and Linux-based systems. The work involves hands-on interaction with hardware, firmware, and embedded Linux platforms in a professional engineering lab and office setting, with a focus on high-technology product development.

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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 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.