Embedded Software Engineer (TOP SECRET)

Embedded Software Engineer

We are seeking a highly skilled Embedded Software Engineer to support mission-critical projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong experience in embedded systems development, particularly in regulated or high-reliability environments. This role involves the full software development lifecycle, from requirements analysis to design, implementation, testing, and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop embedded software modules, components, and full-feature areas
• Define and formalize system, hardware, software, and human integration requirements.
• Execute engineering test, validation, and verification activities.
• Validate and verify software designs in diverse system integration environments, from simulations to hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Implement protocols and algorithms for resource-constrained environments.
• Collaborate with hardware teams to enable seamless communication between modules and applications.
• Ensure software robustness, resilience, and fail-safe operation for critical systems.
• Identify and mitigate safety and security vulnerabilities in embedded software.
• Create detailed design documentation and technical specifications.
• Optimize existing applications and implement new features.

Job Skills & Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in embedded software engineering.
• Proven experience in mission-critical industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, medical devices, or first responder systems.
• Strong experience translating CONOPS, specifications, or requirements into software design, code, and test plans.
• Proficiency in C, C++, or equivalent programming languages.
• Experience with RTOS (e.g., Linux, FreeRTOS, QNX) and device driver development.
• Familiarity with complex systems involving multi-threading, distributed processing, multi-core, SoM, BSP, and API design.
• Hands-on experience with embedded software testing and debugging using tools such as gdb, lldb, scopes, analyzers, UARTs, JTAGs, and oscilloscopes.
• Experience implementing user interfaces in embedded systems.
• Embedded software cybersecurity experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Active Secret U.S. Security Clearance required (Top Secret preferred).
• Familiarity with model-based engineering tools such as Cameo.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $67.31 - $86.54/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 Chicago, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 8, 2025.

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 due to a disability, please email actALENTaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.