Embedded Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Embedded Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining embedded firmware for microcontrollers and processor-based systems using C and C++. You will work closely with hardware engineers to bring up new boards, debug complex system issues, and ensure reliable integration of software and hardware. The position also emphasizes code quality, clear documentation, and effective collaboration with customers to clarify requirements, communicate technical tradeoffs, and support products throughout their lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement embedded firmware in C and C++ for microcontroller- and processor-based systems.
• Develop and maintain device drivers, board support packages, and application-level firmware.
• Work within real-time operating system (RTOS) environments such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, ThreadX, or similar platforms.
• Interface with hardware peripherals including SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet, and ADC/DAC.
• Bring up new hardware platforms and perform low-level system initialization.
• Debug board-level and system-level issues using tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG debuggers.
• Collaborate closely with hardware engineers to investigate and resolve hardware–software interaction issues.
• Support integration testing and validation activities to ensure reliable system performance.
• Write clear, maintainable, and testable embedded code that adheres to best practices and project standards.
• Participate actively in code reviews and design reviews, providing and incorporating constructive feedback.
• Document firmware architecture, interfaces, and design decisions in a clear and organized manner.
• Support verification and validation activities as needed, including test planning and execution.
• Work directly with customers to clarify technical requirements and understand system constraints.
• Troubleshoot customer-reported issues and provide timely, effective resolutions.
• Communicate technical tradeoffs and design choices clearly and professionally to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Contribute to project planning and estimation by providing realistic effort assessments and technical input.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• 3+ years of embedded or firmware development experience, with flexibility depending on degree and overall experience.
• Strong proficiency in C or C++ in embedded environments.
• Hands-on experience working directly with hardware, including microcontrollers and processor-based systems.
• Experience developing firmware, embedded systems, and drivers for low-level hardware interfaces.
• Familiarity with RTOS-based development, such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, ThreadX, or similar platforms.
• Comfort working in situations where systems are not yet fully functional and require iterative debugging.
• Ability to debug complex embedded systems using tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG.
• Strong embedded development, including board support packages and application-level firmware.
• Ability to explain technical decisions clearly and justify design tradeoffs to team members and customers.
• Experience working in or with safety-critical or highly reliable embedded environments.
• Proficiency with embedded Linux or embedded Linux-based systems.
• Experience with networking stacks or wireless communication protocols.
• Experience supporting embedded products in production environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in regulated or safety-critical environments, such as automotive, medical, aerospace, or industrial systems.
• Exposure to embedded Linux, including driver development and user-space applications.
• Familiarity with networking stacks or wireless protocols used in embedded systems.
• Experience supporting and maintaining products in production, including debugging field issues and deploying firmware updates.
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with customers and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to contribute to project planning, estimation, and technical risk assessment.

Work Environment

The role operates in a fully dedicated embedded development environment, with a focus on hands-on work with hardware and firmware. You will regularly use tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG debuggers to bring up new boards and diagnose system-level issues. The position involves close collaboration with hardware engineers and other software engineers in a structured, quality-focused setting that emphasizes documentation, code reviews, and design reviews. Work typically centers on RTOS-based and embedded Linux systems, networking stacks, and safety- or reliability-conscious applications. The environment encourages clear communication with customers and internal stakeholders, supporting an iterative development process where systems may be in early, non-functional states and require systematic debugging and integration.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Avon, OH.

The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $55.29/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Avon,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 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 ziprecruiter.com 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.