Job Title: Embedded Software EngineerJob Description
This role focuses on developing and supporting industrial and automotive embedded products across the full product lifecycle. You will work closely with experienced embedded software, hardware, and systems engineers to design, implement, debug, and validate bare-metal embedded software on NXP microcontrollers, with a strong emphasis on CAN-based communication architectures. The position involves both new product development and sustaining engineering, supporting products through validation, production ramp, and post-release phases in a fast-paced, technically rigorous environment.
Responsibilities
Collaborate with a team of embedded software, hardware, and systems engineers to develop and support industrial and automotive embedded products.
Contribute to all phases of the product lifecycle, including requirements analysis, architecture and component selection, embedded software design, implementation, debugging, system integration, validation, and product release.
Support an existing embedded software codebase during late-stage development by adding features, resolving defects, and troubleshooting customer issues.
Participate in new product development efforts, focusing on bare-metal embedded software development in C on NXP microcontrollers, particularly within CAN-based communication architectures.
Work hands-on with hardware, including microcontrollers, peripherals, boards, and test setups, during development, testing, and validation activities.
Debug embedded software at the hardware level using appropriate tools, test equipment, and industry-standard automotive communication tools such as Vector tools.
Apply embedded software testing and system validation practices to ensure high software quality and robust product performance.
Support products through validation and release phases, providing technical input during product validation, production ramp, and post-release sustainment activities.
Work effectively within an existing embedded codebase to extend functionality, improve reliability, and address issues in products nearing validation or release.
Follow established engineering standards, processes, and best practices while integrating effectively into a globally distributed engineering team.
Incorporate ISO-driven development practices, including embedded security concepts such as secure boot and Hardware Security Modules (HSM), into software design and implementation.
Consider functional safety concepts common in automotive or automotive-adjacent systems when contributing to design and implementation decisions.
Communicate clearly in written and verbal form with cross-functional and globally distributed team members to meet aggressive project timelines and deliverables.
Maintain a strong sense of ownership and urgency, especially when supporting products close to validation or release, and ensure confidentiality of intellectual property and customer programs.
Essential Skills
Strong embedded software development skills using C in bare-metal environments.
Proven experience with NXP microcontrollers, preferably the S32K family.
Extensive knowledge of CAN communication protocols and hands-on experience with industry-standard CAN and automotive communication tools such as Vector tools.
Ability to debug embedded software at the hardware level, working directly with microcontrollers, peripherals, boards, and test equipment.
Experience working within and extending an existing embedded software codebase to add features, resolve defects, and support products near validation or release.
Familiarity with embedded software testing, system validation, and issue resolution in customer-facing environments.
Knowledge of ISO-driven development practices, including embedded security concepts such as secure boot and Hardware Security Modules (HSM).
Exposure to or experience with functional safety concepts in automotive or automotive-adjacent systems.
Ability to integrate effectively into an established engineering team and follow existing standards, processes, and best practices.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
High attention to detail, accuracy, and software quality.
Ability to work under pressure to meet project deadlines and business-critical timelines.
Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding intellectual property and customer programs.
BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent industry experience in lieu of a degree.
Minimum of 3 years of recent embedded software development experience, with 5 or more years preferred.
Hands-on experience developing bare-metal embedded C software for production systems.
Experience working with CAN communication stacks and embedded networking.
Experience supporting products through validation and release phases.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a similar technical discipline; Computer Science may be considered when combined with strong hands-on embedded and hardware experience.
Experience developing software within ISO-compliant environments with a focus on embedded security considerations such as secure boot and HSMs.
Background in automotive, industrial, or other safety-critical systems.
Familiarity with automotive communication stacks beyond CAN.
Background in functional safety concepts and environments common in automotive or automotive-adjacent industries.
Experience with real-time embedded systems and bare-metal development practices.
Prior experience working in globally distributed engineering teams.
Experience in both new product development and sustaining engineering for released or in-progress products.
Experience with customer issue troubleshooting in production or field environments.
Work Environment
This role is 100% on-site at a facility located on SW 72nd Ave in Portland, Oregon. You will work in a collaborative engineering environment alongside embedded software, hardware, and systems engineers, with frequent hands-on interaction with boards, microcontrollers, peripherals, and test equipment. The work involves using industry-standard automotive communication and debugging tools, including Vector tools, within ISO-compliant and safety-conscious development processes. The position is structured as a 6-month contract and requires consistent on-site presence to support close coordination with the team, hardware access for development and validation, and timely support of products through validation, production ramp, and post-release activities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Portland, OR.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $75.00/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 Portland,OR.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 5, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
