Job Title: Lead Software Engineer
Job Description
This role leads the end-to-end execution of software development for complex combat and tactical vehicle systems. The Lead Software Engineer defines software requirements and architecture, oversees detailed design and implementation, and drives integration, testing, installation, and sustainment of multiple software components. This position offers architectural ownership, high visibility within critical Army ground vehicle modernization programs, and the opportunity to guide a team working on cutting-edge embedded systems and vehicle technologies.
Responsibilities
Lead the full software development lifecycle for combat and tactical vehicle systems, from requirements definition through design, development, integration, testing, and deployment.
Define software requirements, architecture, and detailed design for complex embedded systems and multiple Computer Software Configuration Items (CSCIs).
Oversee implementation, integration, testing, and installation of software solutions on defense and ground vehicle platforms.
Lead sustainment efforts and manage multiple CSCIs, ensuring ongoing stability, performance, and maintainability of fielded software.
Establish and manage software development environments, including defining and enforcing branch strategies and configuration management practices.
Coordinate across multiple engineering teams to define project scope, resolve conflicting requirements, and align technical priorities.
Interface directly with government customers to manage scope adjustments, clarify technical expectations, and communicate program status.
Support engineering teams by troubleshooting complex technical issues, managing bug and feature backlogs, and providing hands-on technical guidance.
Mentor and develop junior engineers, promoting best practices in design, coding, testing, and documentation.
Lead software architecture efforts, including modular design, reuse strategies, and integration with middleware, RTOS, drivers, and hardware.
Drive and enforce engineering best practices through peer reviews, design reviews, and adherence to established standards.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including systems, hardware, and test engineers, to ensure cohesive system-level integration.
Utilize requirements management tools to manage, trace, and validate software requirements throughout the lifecycle.
Contribute to software verification, testing, and automation strategies to improve quality and efficiency.
Engage in regular communication with stakeholders, providing clear technical updates, risk assessments, and mitigation plans.
Essential Skills
12+ years of software engineering experience, preferably with embedded or defense-related systems.
Strong programming skills in C++, C#, and/or C for embedded or systems-level development.
Proven experience leading the full software development lifecycle from requirements through design, development, integration, and test.
Strong Linux expertise, including command line usage, networking, and system administration.
Hands-on experience with Git for version control and Atlassian tools such as Jira, Bitbucket, and Confluence or similar toolsets.
Experience leading software architecture efforts, including modular design and software reuse strategies.
Experience integrating software with middleware, real-time operating systems (RTOS), device drivers, and hardware components.
Experience with requirements management tools such as IBM DOORS or equivalent.
Ability to lead and manage multiple CSCIs and associated sustainment efforts simultaneously.
Experience with software testing, software automation, and configuration management tools.
Familiarity with C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems or similar defense environments.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and stakeholder interactions.
Ability to drive consensus across multiple teams with competing priorities and complex technical needs.
Experience conducting peer reviews and enforcing engineering best practices across a team.
Demonstrated leadership and mentorship experience with junior engineers.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to dive into and resolve complex technical issues.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with SysML or UML modeling for system and software design.
Experience with software verification and test automation frameworks and methodologies.
Experience in Army ground vehicle programs or C5ISR-related programs.
Experience defining software branch strategies and broader configuration management approaches.
Prior experience leading cross-functional teams in defense or similarly complex, regulated environments.
Work Environment
This is an onsite role supporting defense and ground vehicle programs in a highly collaborative, engineering-focused environment. You will work closely with multiple cross-functional engineering teams and have direct interaction with government stakeholders. The position may require occasional travel to support cross-functional collaboration, on-site integration, or customer engagements. The culture emphasizes teamwork, mentorship of junior engineers, and shared ownership of high-impact embedded systems and vehicle technologies, with strong long-term program stability and opportunities to grow into higher-level technical leadership roles.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling Heights, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $76.92/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 Sterling Heights,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 3, 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 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.
