Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled Embedded Software Engineer to contribute to the architecture, development, integration, and testing of advanced communication, controls, and safety software for complex Laser (HEL) weapon systems. This role requires expertise across the full software stack, from embedded controls and real-time hardware interfaces to operator interfaces and mission-level graphical user interfaces (GUIs). The ideal candidate will have strong software engineering fundamentals, experience with safety-critical systems, and the ability to rapidly develop and assess high-quality software solutions in a fast-paced defense environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of advanced communication, controls, and safety software for Laser weapon systems.
• Design, develop, integrate, and test software across embedded, middleware, backend, and GUI application layers.
• Design, develop, test, and validate software and interface specifications.
• Develop embedded controls software for real-time hardware interaction and system control.
• Design and implement operator interfaces, mission displays, and visualization tools.
• Develop software architectures supporting modularity, scalability, maintainability, and mission reliability.
• Integrate software with sensors, tracking systems, beam control systems, and weapon subsystems.
• Support real-time communications, hardware interfaces, and distributed system architectures.
• Participate in system integration, hardware/software integration, and field testing activities.
• Conduct software verification, validation, debugging, and performance optimization.
• Perform software safety analyses and participate in software safety reviews for mission-critical systems.
• Ensure software compliance with Government Information Assurance (IA), cybersecurity, and system sanitization requirements for operation on classified and tactical Command and Control (C2) networks.
• Utilize AI-assisted development tools to improve productivity while critically evaluating generated code for correctness, efficiency, security, and maintainability.
• Develop and maintain software documentation, interface definitions, test procedures, and technical data packages.
• Collaborate closely with systems, electrical, optical, and controls engineering teams.
• Support Agile development activities, design reviews, and technical interchange meetings.
• Mentor junior software engineers and contribute to internal software engineering best practices.
• Support proposal development and advanced technology initiatives related to Directed Energy Systems.
• Support software deployment and accreditation activities within classified and secure operational environments.
• Develop and maintain software architectures that support secure communications, data handling, and operational security requirements.
• Participate in cybersecurity assessments, vulnerability mitigation efforts, and Authority to Operate (ATO) support activities.
• Support software sanitization, media handling, and cross-domain security requirements for government systems.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of software engineering experience supporting complex technical systems.
• Strong experience developing software in C++ and C.
• Experience developing both GUI applications and embedded real-time software.
• Experience supporting hardware/software integration and controls software development.
• Experience designing distributed or modular software architectures.
• Experience with multithreaded and real-time software systems.
• Experience conducting software safety reviews and supporting safety-critical systems.
• Familiarity with software development lifecycle processes, testing methodologies, and configuration management.
• Experience integrating software with hardware devices, sensors, or weapon system components.
• Familiarity with Linux and/or embedded operating systems.
• Ability to evaluate software quality, maintainability, security, and performance.
• Experience using modern AI-assisted software development tools and workflows.
• Experience supporting software systems operating on government Command and Control (C2) networks and classified environments.
• Familiarity with Government Information Assurance (IA) and cybersecurity requirements for weapon systems.
• Experience implementing or supporting system sanitization and secure data handling procedures.
• Understanding of secure software development practices and cybersecurity compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with RMF (Risk Management Framework), STIGs, and secure deployment processes for weapon systems.
• Experience supporting software accreditation, security reviews, or Authority to Operate (ATO) activities.
• Strong debugging, troubleshooting, and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance.
• Experience supporting Directed Energy, aerospace, defense, or military systems.
• Familiarity with VHDL or Verilog development for FPGA systems.
• Experience with embedded C/C++ firmware development with STM32, Zephyr, and FreeRTOS.
• Experience with Python, Rust, and/or other high-level languages.
• Experience with Docker containers.
• Experience with ruggedized electronics and environmental qualification testing.
• Experience with cable and harness design for aerospace or defense systems.
• Familiarity with MOSA, SOSA, or open systems architectures.
• Experience operating within SIPRNet or other classified government network environments.
• Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity policies and classified system handling procedures.
• Experience supporting secure tactical communications or weapon system software deployments.
• Experience supporting prototyping and low-rate production environments.

Work Environment

This is a full‑time, on‑site role based in a collaborative engineering environment, with work performed on‑site five days a week from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The culture emphasizes innovation in space technologies, teamwork, and continuous learning, with strong support for professional growth and well‑being. The organization offers a competitive compensation package that includes a comprehensive benefits program with 401(k) matching, robust medical, dental, and vision coverage, health savings account options, life insurance, generous paid time off, relocation assistance for qualified candidates moving to the Las Vegas area, and tuition reimbursement for continued education and skill development. The dress code is casual, allowing attire such as jeans and polo shirts, while maintaining a professional and respectful workplace environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Madison, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $180000.00/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.

This is a full‑time, on‑site role based in a collaborative engineering environment, with work performed on‑site five days a week from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The culture emphasizes innovation in space technologies, teamwork, and continuous learning, with strong support for professional growth and well‑being. The organization offers a competitive compensation package that includes a comprehensive benefits program with 401(k) matching, robust medical, dental, and vision coverage, health savings account options, life insurance, generous paid time off, relocation assistance for qualified candidates moving to the Las Vegas area, and tuition reimbursement for continued education and skill development. The dress code is casual, allowing attire such as jeans and polo shirts, while maintaining a professional and respectful workplace environment.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 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.