Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer
Job Description
This role focuses on leading and delivering advanced embedded software engineering projects in a safety-critical environment. You will design robust system architectures, develop and implement best practices, and ensure compliance with DO-178 standards while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. The position offers the opportunity to mentor other engineers, drive technical decisions, and contribute to strategic product development in a hybrid/onsite work setting.
Responsibilities
Lead embedded software projects from inception to completion, ensuring high-quality deliverables, adherence to requirements, and on-time delivery.
Oversee and manage advanced software engineering activities, including planning, design, implementation, integration, and verification testing for embedded systems.
Establish, document, and maintain software development standards, coding guidelines, and methodologies to optimize performance and ensure high-quality, maintainable code.
Analyze and troubleshoot complex software and system issues in embedded environments, using diverse information sources and tools to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
Design scalable, robust, and maintainable embedded software architectures that meet performance, safety, and regulatory requirements, including DO-178 standards.
Lead verification testing activities for embedded software, ensuring compliance with DO-178 (including DO-178C) processes and documentation requirements.
Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior and mid-level engineers, supporting their professional growth and fostering a collaborative, knowledge-sharing culture.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including systems engineering, hardware, test, quality, and regulatory compliance, to ensure alignment on technical solutions and project objectives.
Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, supporting informed decision-making and project transparency.
Facilitate consensus among stakeholders on technical approaches, architecture decisions, and project direction, balancing technical, schedule, and regulatory constraints.
Apply industry best practices and standards in embedded software development, including safety-critical and aerospace-specific guidelines, to continuously improve processes.
Monitor market trends and competitor offerings to inform strategic decisions about software features, architecture, and technology choices.
Support and contribute to documentation, including design descriptions, test procedures, test reports, and certification-related artifacts required under DO-178.
Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including those related to ITAR and EAR, by following established processes and handling controlled information appropriately.
Essential Skills
Advanced proficiency in embedded software development, including strong expertise in C++ for embedded systems.
Proven experience designing scalable, robust, and maintainable embedded software architectures.
Demonstrated ability to lead software development projects from inception to completion with minimal supervision.
Strong complex problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze and resolve intricate technical challenges in safety-critical environments.
Hands-on experience with DO-178 or DO-178C standards, including development and/or verification testing for safety-critical software.
Experience performing verification testing of embedded software in accordance with DO-178 or DO-178C processes.
Effective technical mentorship skills, with experience guiding and supporting junior engineers.
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with multiple teams and disciplines.
Ability to clearly communicate complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience in market and competition analysis to support strategic development decisions.
Bachelor's degree (BS) in a relevant field.
Experience in aerospace or closely related safety-critical industries.
Eligibility to access information subject to ITAR and/or EAR regulations, including the ability to meet applicable authorization requirements.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience working in aerospace environments, including familiarity with safety-critical systems and certification processes, is preferred.
Prior experience with DO-178C-specific practices, including planning, development, and verification documentation, is highly desirable.
Demonstrated ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders on technical solutions and project direction.
Familiarity with industry best practices for embedded software development, including coding standards, configuration management, and continuous improvement.
Experience in leading or contributing to process improvement initiatives related to software quality, development efficiency, or compliance.
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines in a complex project environment.
Interest in ongoing professional development, including participation in training, certifications, or advanced education.
Work Environment
You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including systems, hardware, test, and quality engineers, in a highly collaborative and safety-focused setting. The work involves developing and verifying embedded software for aerospace and other safety-critical applications, using industry-standard tools and processes aligned with DO-178 (including DO-178C) requirements. Dress expectations align with a professional engineering environment, with appropriate attire for office work, meetings, and any required lab or onsite activities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Park Ridge, IL.
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 hybrid position in Park Ridge,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 24, 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.
