This role focuses on the full lifecycle development of embedded software for complex electronic systems, from requirements analysis and design through implementation, testing, and formal acceptance. The Embedded Software Engineer collaborates closely with hardware engineers to integrate software with custom processor-based circuit card assemblies and microcontroller-based platforms. The position requires strong embedded C and C++ skills in real-time operating systems or embedded Linux environments, along with a systematic, detail-oriented approach to problem-solving and documentation.
Responsibilities
Perform full lifecycle development for embedded systems, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, unit testing, integration, and formal sell-off testing.
Review customer requirements, translate them into detailed specifications, and produce technical documentation, designs, and operational concepts while estimating development effort.
Collaborate closely with hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration of software with electronic components, microcontrollers, and custom processor-based circuit card assemblies.
Design and implement software for real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded Linux environments with strict timing requirements.
Develop and maintain low-level device drivers, including bare-metal drivers and component-level integration software.
Develop and execute test plans and procedures, perform debugging and troubleshooting, and ensure compliance with functional and performance specifications.
Conduct design and code reviews, identify and resolve defects, and adhere to established development processes, configuration management practices, and release procedures.
Support automated build and test pipelines for embedded software using modern continuous integration and delivery tools.
Integrate and verify electronic equipment via software, ensuring that embedded systems meet requirements, constraints, and capabilities of the underlying microcontrollers.
Create required engineering documentation, including specifications, design descriptions, test procedures, and verification reports.
Apply formal verification procedures to validate software behavior and ensure adherence to requirements.
Work effectively within a team environment on projects with a large number of requirements, contributing to shared goals and schedules.
Present and explain software designs, implementation decisions, and solutions to internal teams and stakeholders.
Write test scripts and automation to support verification and regression testing of embedded software.
Demonstrate initiative and self-direction while working under technical leadership, taking ownership of assigned tasks and delivering high-quality results.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or a graduate degree with at least 4 years of related experience.
Proficient programming skills in embedded C and C++ for embedded Linux or real-time operating system (RTOS) environments.
Strong proficiency in writing code at the hardware level, including bare-metal driver development.
Strong proficiency integrating software with custom processor-based circuit card assemblies and microcontrollers.
Proficient programming skills in Python for scripting, tooling, or test automation.
Working knowledge of higher-level programming languages such as C#.
Experience in requirements development and management for complex embedded systems.
Experience with formal verification procedures to validate embedded software behavior.
Hands-on experience with integration and verification testing of electronic equipment via software.
Understanding of microcontrollers, including their requirements, constraints, and capabilities.
Experience creating required engineering documentation, including specifications, design documents, and test artifacts.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to document designs and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Strong attention to detail, a systematic approach to development, and solid problem-solving abilities.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment on projects with a large number of requirements.
Willingness to learn and embrace challenging tasks in a dynamic technical environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with Linux device driver development.
Experience with Linux shell scripting for development and automation tasks.
Experience with bare-metal register-level configuration and setup software.
Experience developing device drivers for interfaces such as UARTs, I²C, and similar communication protocols.
Familiarity with tool suites such as JIRA, Confluence, Bitbucket (Git), Bamboo, and Jenkins for issue tracking, collaboration, version control, and continuous integration.
Experience with model-based development using MATLAB/Simulink.
Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership and lead small working groups.
Knowledge of messaging protocols within the OSI 7-layer stack.
Experience supporting automated build and test pipelines for embedded software.
Familiarity with writing test scripts for verification and regression testing.
Interest in working within a rapidly growing engineering team and contributing to a high-performance culture.
Ability to present and explain software designs and technical decisions to internal teams and stakeholders.
Work Environment
The role is based in an on-site office environment with a team of approximately 20 people, offering close collaboration with hardware and software engineers in a focused, technical setting. The team operates within an aerospace and defense @context, providing exposure to advanced embedded systems and mission-critical applications. The environment emphasizes structured development processes, configuration management, and the use of modern toolchains such as JIRA, Confluence, Bitbucket (Git), Bamboo, and Jenkins to support agile workflows and automated build and test pipelines. The office setting supports a professional, engineering-driven culture with opportunities to contribute to a rapidly growing team and work on complex, high-impact embedded software projects.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Greenville, SC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $130000.00/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 Greenville,SC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 6, 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.
