Job Description:
This role focuses on designing, developing, and optimizing real-time firmware for current and next-generation fast DC charging systems. You will build high-quality embedded software for charging equipment, including fast chargers and adapters, and collaborate closely with hardware teams to deliver robust, scalable solutions. The position offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge tools and practices to help create one of the most advanced electric vehicle charging networks in the world.
Responsibilities:
Design, implement, and maintain firmware for embedded system components within fast DC charging equipment.
Develop, enhance, and debug new and existing real-time firmware in C and C++ for embedded microcontrollers running RTOS.
Perform hands-on bring-up of new products, supporting them from proto@type through manufacturing and into high-volume production.
Create and maintain continuous integration tests, including unit tests, software-in-the-loop (SIL), and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), to validate component and system functionality.
Collaborate closely with hardware engineers to co-design optimized solutions that meet aggressive performance and schedule targets.
Focus on peripheral interfacing and communication protocols, ensuring reliable integration of interfaces such as CAN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C, UART, ADC, and PWM.
Apply strong software engineering fundamentals, including architecture design, algorithm development, data structures, and modular code organization, to produce maintainable and scalable firmware.
Use lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, CAN tools, and soldering equipment to support integration, debugging, and validation activities.
Contribute to firmware implementations for highly physical systems such as power conversion, thermal controls, or battery management where applicable.
Adopt and promote a test-driven approach by defining unit tests, validation plans, and quality checks as an integral part of the development process.
Break down complex technical problems into manageable tasks and drive them to completion with a focus on quality and efficiency.
Skills
Degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
5+ years of professional firmware development experience.
Strong proficiency in C and C++ for real-time embedded systems.
Extensive experience developing on embedded microcontrollers running RTOS.
Significant experience with multithreaded embedded software design and implementation.
Hands-on experience with peripheral interfaces including CAN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C, UART, ADC, and PWM.
Experience with networking protocols such as TCP, IP, and UDP.
Comfort working in a lab environment using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, CAN tools, soldering irons, and related equipment for integration and debugging.
Solid understanding of software architecture, algorithm development, data structures, and modular, maintainable code design.
Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality, production-ready firmware in a real-time environment.
A test-driven mindset, with unit testing, validation planning, and quality practices embedded in the development process.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to decompose complex issues and deliver practical solutions efficiently.
Additional Skills & Qualifications:
Experience implementing firmware for power conversion systems, thermal control systems, battery management, or other highly physical product implementations.
Familiarity with Protobuf for data serialization.
Experience with UDS (Unified Diagnostic Services) or similar diagnostic protocols.
Experience working on systems that integrate both firmware and hardware in high-reliability environments.
Passion for tackling challenging technical problems and continuously improving systems and processes.
Work Environment:
This role centers on embedded firmware development for fast DC charging products, with approximately 80-90% of your time spent coding, primarily in C, on microcontrollers running an RTOS. You will work in a highly collaborative engineering environment that emphasizes modern software development practices, continuous integration, and close coordination between firmware and hardware teams. The position involves regular hands-on work in the lab, using equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, CAN tools, and soldering irons to bring up hardware, debug issues, and validate system performance. The work environment supports a culture of quality, test-driven development, and rapid iteration to deliver reliable, scalable charging solutions.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Palo Alto, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $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 Palo Alto,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 26, 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.
