Embedded Software Engineer

Embedded Software Engineer

This Embedded Software Engineer role focuses on developing and supporting embedded flight software and ground control station applications for unmanned aircraft systems. You will work across C++, Python, embedded Linux, real-time systems, and UAV software, contributing to flight controls, communications, telemetry, mission planning, and operator interfaces. You will collaborate closely with hardware, electrical, systems, and software teams to build reliable, mission-critical aerospace systems and solve complex problems that span both software and hardware domains. This is a long-term opportunity within the aerospace sector, supporting a new line of business in unmanned aircraft systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded flight software for unmanned aircraft systems using C++ and Python.
• Develop and support ground control station (GCS) and ground control software applications for mission planning and operator interfaces.
• Implement and integrate real-time and embedded Linux software components for flight controls, communications, and telemetry.
• Work with communication protocols such as UART, CAN, TCP/IP, UDP, and other serial protocols to support avionics and sensor integration.
• Collaborate with hardware, electrical, systems, and software teams to integrate software with avionics, sensors, and control systems.
• Support UAV, drone, and UAS software features related to aerospace, avionics, control systems, and telemetry.
• Participate in software validation activities, including testing, debugging, and verification in alignment with aerospace and DO-178C practices as applicable.
• Contribute to ground control station interfaces using frameworks such as Qt or PyQt where required.
• Assist in firmware and embedded C/C++ development for mission-critical components.
• Support flight testing activities by preparing software builds, analyzing telemetry data, and troubleshooting issues discovered during test flights.
• Diagnose and debug software and system-level issues across embedded platforms and ground systems.
• Apply systems engineering principles to ensure robust integration of software with overall UAS architecture.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• At least 2 years of embedded software development experience through industry roles or substantial project work.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python for embedded and application-level development.
• Experience with embedded software development for real-time or mission-critical systems.
• Familiarity with embedded Linux or real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Knowledge of communication protocols such as UART, CAN, TCP/IP, UDP, and serial buses.
• Experience with UAV, drone, or UAS software development or integration.
• Understanding of aerospace, avionics, or control systems concepts.
• Experience with firmware and embedded C/C++ development.
• Ability to debug complex embedded systems and software issues.
• Experience working with telemetry and communication links in embedded or aerospace systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with DO-178 or DO-178C software development and validation practices.
• Hands-on experience with UAV/UAS platforms, including flight testing.
• Experience in aerospace, avionics, or unmanned aircraft systems development.
• Experience with sensor integration in embedded or aerospace systems.
• Familiarity with Qt or PyQt for building operator interfaces and ground control station applications.
• Exposure to ground control station (GCS) and ground control software development.
• Experience with control systems and systems engineering in an embedded or aerospace context.
• Knowledge of software validation, verification, and testing methodologies for safety-critical systems.
• Experience working with serial protocols and low-level communication interfaces.
• R or other analytical tools experience for data analysis is beneficial.

Work Environment

This position is 100 percent onsite in Bingen, WA. The role involves daily work at a computer, including reading screens, documents, and engineering drawings, as well as moving through office and production areas that may include uneven surfaces. You may need to carry or lift items weighing up to 30 pounds. The environment includes both office and shop floor settings, where personal protective equipment is required as dictated by site safety policies. Required PPE includes safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators or masks, and protective gloves as needed. Steel-toed shoes are required for shop floor visits, and hearing or eye protection may be required when working in production areas. No travel is listed for this position.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Bingen, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $83119.00 - $117565.00/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.

Relocation assistance is provided for qualified positions, along with a compensation and benefits package.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Bingen,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 22, 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.