Senior Software Engineer

Software Engineer – Real-Time Embedded Systems

This role offers the opportunity for experienced Software Engineers to lead the full lifecycle of real-time embedded software development, from requirements analysis and architecture through implementation, integration, and verification testing. You will design, develop, and support embedded software systems, work closely with cross-functional engineering teams, and contribute directly to mission-critical defense applications. The position combines hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities, including mentoring junior engineers and helping shape best practices and team capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead software development activities across the full lifecycle, including requirements analysis, architecture and design, implementation, integration, and validation.
• Design, develop, maintain, upgrade, and support real-time embedded software systems.
• Perform hardware and software integration, including debugging, root-cause analysis, and resolution of technical issues.
• Ensure adherence to engineering best practices, quality standards, and system requirements throughout the development process.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams, including mechanical, electrical, systems, and controls engineers, to deliver integrated solutions.
• Support delivery of software solutions that meet customer technical, performance, and reliability expectations.
• Apply strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills to independently resolve complex technical challenges.
• Use modern software tools and development environments to support efficient, high-quality embedded software development.
• Contribute to the adoption and improvement of processes aligned with industry standards and frameworks such as CMMI and MBSE.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and customers, including participation in customer-facing activities and occasional travel to customer sites.
• Mentor and support junior engineers to build team capability, share best practices, and foster a collaborative engineering culture.
• Participate in verification and validation activities, including test planning, execution, and analysis, to ensure robust and reliable software.
• Support cybersecurity-related activities, including use of security tools and participation in system hardening efforts when required.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in C and C++ programming for embedded systems.
• Experience with Python programming for automation, tooling, or embedded-related workflows.
• Hands-on experience with Linux-based software development environments.
• Experience in real-time embedded software development, including working with real-time operating systems.
• Demonstrated experience across the full software development lifecycle, including requirements, design, implementation, integration, and testing.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot and solve complex technical problems in embedded systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and customers.
• Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary engineering teams, including mechanical, electrical, systems, and controls engineering.
• Exposure to modern software tools, development environments, and embedded technologies.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Capability to execute software development in alignment with engineering best practices and quality standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ada programming experience.
• Experience with Git, GitLab, and Jira for configuration management and issue tracking.
• Familiarity with DOORS or similar requirements management tools.
• Understanding of CMMI-based development processes and associated best practices.
• Experience with cybersecurity tools such as Nessus and Coverity.
• Experience with system hardening and applying Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).
• Familiarity with military and commercial design standards for embedded and real-time systems.
• Experience with the Qt Framework, including QML, for graphical user interface development.
• Knowledge of Ethernet-based protocols such as SSL/TLS, SSH, and SFTP.
• Bare-metal embedded development experience, including low-level hardware interaction.
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as MagicDraw or Enterprise Architect.
• Familiarity with NI TestStand or similar automated test frameworks.
• Experience using tools such as MagicDraw, Git, Jira, DOORS, CMMI-related tools, cybersecurity toolchains (including Nessus), Qt, and Ethernet-based technologies in a development environment.

Work Environment

The role is based in a cross-functional engineering environment that brings together mechanical, electrical, systems, and controls disciplines to deliver integrated, mission-critical solutions. You will work in a mix of development, integration, and test activities, with a likely hybrid setup that combines lab-based integration work with software development in an office or lab environment. The position includes customer-facing exposure, with occasional travel to customer sites to support demonstrations, integration, or troubleshooting. You will work with advanced technologies in real-time embedded systems, cybersecurity, MBSE tools, and modern software development toolchains, in a collaborative culture that emphasizes mentorship, hands-on involvement across the full software lifecycle, and direct impact on high-performance defense applications.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling Heights, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $57.69 - $57.69/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Sterling Heights, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 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.