Job Title: Software Engineer - Embedded Linux & Networking SystemsJob Description
This role focuses on the research, design, and development of system software and firmware for advanced networking products. As a Software Engineer, you lead new platform builds and initial bring-up, working closely with hardware engineering to define architectures that align with product requirements. You own complex technical challenges, drive independent execution, and contribute to reliable, high-performance embedded systems that power next-generation networking platforms.
Responsibilities
Research, evaluate, and characterize new chipsets for use in advanced networking platforms.
Lead new hardware platform bring-up, from initial board power-on through stable system operation.
Integrate and customize vendor SDKs and BSPs to support new hardware platforms and product features.
Design, implement, and maintain hardware abstraction layers (HALs) to enable portability across multiple hardware platforms.
Develop, build, and debug Linux-based embedded systems for production environments.
Analyze and identify performance bottlenecks in embedded systems through hands-on testing, profiling, and measurement.
Collaborate closely with hardware engineering to define system architectures that meet product performance and reliability requirements.
Apply practical knowledge of Ethernet and networking protocols to optimize embedded and high-performance systems.
Use tools and techniques for performance analysis, debugging, and system profiling to improve system stability and throughput.
Own complex technical problems from investigation through resolution, working independently with minimal supervision.
Communicate clearly with cross-functional teams, documenting designs, test results, and implementation details.
Manage priorities effectively, meet project milestones, and adapt to changing requirements throughout the development lifecycle.
Essential Skills
3+ years of experience developing, building, and debugging Linux-based embedded systems in production environments.
Hands-on experience with BSP and SDK integration, including vendor-specific SDKs and BSP customization for new hardware platforms.
Strong proficiency in C and C++ within Linux development environments.
Practical knowledge of Ethernet and networking protocols relevant to embedded and high-performance systems.
Experience designing and maintaining hardware abstraction layers (HALs) to support portability across hardware platforms.
Familiarity with performance analysis, debugging, and system profiling for embedded or systems software.
3+ years of professional embedded or systems software engineering experience.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while owning complex technical tasks.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proven ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing requirements.
Proficiency with standard productivity tools for documentation and reporting.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Experience working with DPDK in high-performance networking or packet processing environments.
Background in system architecture and performance optimization for embedded platforms.
Interest in working at the intersection of hardware and software on next-generation networking products.
Comfort collaborating in cross-functional teams that include hardware, firmware, and software engineers.
Work Environment
You work within a collaborative engineering team that emphasizes close integration between hardware and software. The role operates in a primarily on-site or hybrid environment that supports lab-based and hands-on work with real hardware platforms. Projects follow a milestone-driven cadence aligned with platform bring-up activities and product releases, providing clear technical goals and ownership areas. The culture values accountability, technical ownership, and open cross-functional communication. During critical development and integration phases, you may occasionally work extended hours to support key deliverables and ensure successful platform launches.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Everett, WA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $67.00/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 hybrid position in Everett,WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 12, 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.
