Embedded Software Engineer
Job Description
This role focuses on developing, integrating, and testing C++ embedded software for missioncritical RF systems within a realtime operating system environment. You will contribute across the full software development lifecyclefrom requirements and design through coding, verification, and hardware integrationwhile working in an Agile, labbased engineering setting. The position requires strong C++ and objectoriented programming skills, experience with Linux and realtime operating systems, and the ability to perform handson testing and debugging on embedded hardware in support of highreliability defense applications.
Responsibilities
This role is located in Illinois.
Design, develop, and maintain C++ embedded software for realtime RF systems running on Linux and other realtime operating systems.
Participate in the full software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, architecture and design, implementation, unit testing, integration, and verification.
Perform handson testing and debugging of embedded software in a lab environment, including integration of software with hardware platforms.
Work closely with crossfunctional engineering teams to integrate embedded software into complex RF and defense systems.
Use Agile development practices and tools such as Jira and Git (or similar) to plan work, track progress, manage code, and collaborate with team members.
Develop and maintain scripts (for example, in Python or Bash) to support build, test, integration, and automation activities.
Debug and resolve issues on embedded targets, including multithreaded and distributed embedded systems where applicable.
Support validation of software in lab environments, including ontarget testing and verification of functionality and performance.
Contribute to continuous improvement of software development processes, coding standards, and best practices within the team.
Ensure that all software work products meet reliability, performance, and quality requirements appropriate for missioncritical defense systems.
Essential Skills
Bachelors degree with 8 years of experience, Masters degree with 6 years of experience, or equivalent practical experience in software or embedded systems engineering.
Strong proficiency in C++ and objectoriented programming, with the ability to apply solid design principles from day one.
Experience developing embedded software on Linux or other realtime operating systems.
Handson experience in a lab environment, including testing, debugging, and integrating embedded software on hardware platforms.
Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and tools such as Jira and Git, or similar issuetracking and versioncontrol systems.
Scripting experience using languages such as Python or Bash to support development, automation, and testing tasks.
Experience working with embedded systems and firmware development.
U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.
Ability to work independently, be selfsufficient, and quickly become productive in a complex engineering environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with C++11 and modern C++ features.
Strong debugging and integration skills on embedded targets, including ontarget testing and troubleshooting.
Experience with multithreaded or distributed embedded systems.
Experience with SPs or ARM cores embedded in FPGAs or SoCs.
Active Secret security clearance.
Experience developing embedded software on realtime operating systems (RTOS) is highly desirable.
Working knowledge on RFbased technology or defenserelated systems.
Experience with Linuxbased embedded systems and firmware development in a regulated or highreliability environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Chicago, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $120.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Chicago, IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.
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.
