Embedded Software Engineer

We are seeking a full-time, on-site Embedded Software Engineer to work at the intersection of hardware and software in our measurement products. This role involves digital hardware design, embedded firmware, and host-side software development to control instruments and acquire data. You will take designs from schematic through board bring-up, firmware, and integrated system testing. Additionally, you will help define interfaces and architecture to ensure maintainability and testability as our product line expands. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the success of our products and services in a small company setting.

• Design digital hardware, including schematic capture and PCB layout.
• Develop and debug embedded firmware in C/C++ on ARM Cortex-M or similar microcontrollers.
• Bring up and debug boards using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and digital multimeters.
• Build host-side instrument control, data acquisition, or automated test software.
• Integrate hardware, firmware, and software into a working instrument and verify its performance.
• Collaborate effectively within a small, cross-disciplinary engineering team.
• Learn and apply state-of-the-art measurement techniques for solar cell testing.
• Own embedded systems projects from concept through production.

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a similar field.
• 3-5+ years of work experience.
• Fluency with common digital interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, USB, and Ethernet.
• Experience with schematic capture and PCB layout.
• Proficiency in C/C++ programming for embedded systems.

• Python experience for instrument control, automated test, and data analysis.
• Experience with spacecraft electronics and/or product design.
• Familiarity with precision measurement, data acquisition, and timing-critical systems.
• Experience designing for manufacturability, testability, and reliability.
• Capability to support application science, perform product tests, manage manufacturing, and interface with customers and vendors.

Design work is primarily conducted from home, with testing performed on-site. Most team members start with design at home and then transition to on-site testing in the afternoon.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Santa Barbara, CA.

The pay range for this position is $52.00 - $120.00/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)

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Santa Barbara, CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 12, 2026.

This is a hybrid position in Santa Barbara,CA.

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.