Job Title: Software Engineer - Embedded Systems
Job Description
This role focuses on designing, developing, and optimizing embedded firmware and low-level software for advanced hardware platforms. You will build reliable, high-performance code that interfaces directly with sensors, control systems, and other hardware components, while contributing across the full embedded development lifecycle. The position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge embedded technologies, collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, and grow into areas such as FPGA, IoT, and advanced system design.
Responsibilities
Design and implement embedded software using C and C++, with a strong preference for modern C++ standards such as C++17 or newer.
Develop firmware for microcontrollers and single-board computers that interact directly with sensors, actuators, and control systems.
Collaborate closely with electrical and hardware engineers to integrate software with physical systems and ensure seamless hardware-software interaction.
Debug and optimize system performance across both hardware and software layers, using hands-on techniques and embedded development tools.
Develop and maintain Linux-based applications, tools, and services that support embedded and hardware-integrated solutions.
Support real-time or near-real-time system requirements by implementing efficient, deterministic software solutions.
Contribute to system architecture and design by participating in technical discussions and proposing robust embedded software designs.
Create and maintain design documentation, including software specifications, interface definitions, and architectural diagrams.
Develop, extend, and maintain testing frameworks to validate embedded software and firmware functionality and performance.
Use version control systems to manage code changes, conduct code reviews, and support collaborative development workflows.
Participate in cross-functional team meetings to align software development with hardware, systems, and product requirements.
Continuously improve development practices by adopting modern tools, build systems, and debugging techniques for embedded environments.
Essential Skills
0-3+ years of experience in software engineering, embedded systems development, or related roles, including strong new graduates with relevant project experience.
Proficiency in C and C++ programming, with experience using C++17 or newer standards for embedded or low-level development.
Hands-on experience with embedded systems development, including firmware or low-level systems software.
Experience working in a Linux development environment, including building and debugging applications and tools.
Familiarity with embedded toolchains such as GCC, cross-compilers, and build systems like CMake or Make.
Experience with Git or similar version control systems for collaborative software development.
Demonstrated ability in hardware-software integration and debugging, including working with sensors, control systems, and other hardware components.
Strong problem-solving and debugging abilities, especially in embedded and low-level software @contexts.
Effective collaboration skills for working in cross-functional, multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Clear technical communication and documentation skills for describing designs, interfaces, and implementation details.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with Python for scripting, tooling, or test automation in support of embedded development.
Experience with JavaScript or TypeScript for developing tools, interfaces, or supporting applications.
Exposure to real-time or near-real-time systems and techniques for meeting timing and performance requirements.
Familiarity with safety-critical systems, including awareness of reliability, robustness, and validation requirements.
Background in signal processing or power/control systems, especially in embedded or hardware-integrated @contexts.
Optional certifications in embedded systems or Linux that demonstrate formal expertise.
Interest in expanding into FPGA development, IoT solutions, or advanced system design areas.
Motivation to work on cutting-edge embedded and hardware-integrated technologies in a fast-paced environment.
Desire for strong growth potential across firmware, systems, and hardware domains.
Work Environment
This role is based on-site in a smaller team and lab environment, operating Monday through Friday, with the possibility of occasional overtime to support project milestones or critical testing. You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams in a hands-on setting that involves advanced electronics, control systems, and embedded hardware platforms. The environment emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and direct impact on real-world systems, with regular interaction between software, hardware, and systems engineers. Standard lab and office attire is appropriate, and you can expect to use modern embedded toolchains, Linux-based development setups, and a variety of test and measurement equipment in daily work.
We reserve the right to pay above or below the posted wage based on factors unrelated to sex, race, or any other protected classification.
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. This temporary role may be eligible for the following:
· Medical, dental & vision
· 401(k)/Roth
· Insurance (Basic/Supplemental Life & AD&D)
· Short and long-term disability
· Health & Dependent Care Spending Accounts (HSA & DCFSA)
· Transportation benefits
· Employee Assistance Program
.Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Kent, WA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/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 Kent,WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.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.
