Embedded software engineer

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a Sr Software Engineer to take architectural ownership of real-time embedded communication systems. This role involves designing message routing and translation layers, developing high-performance embedded software, and implementing hardware interface layers in C/C++. You will also design deterministic real-time architectures and integrate heterogeneous network types while creating and maintaining technical documentation. Leadership in hardware/software integration with FPGA and systems teams, setting code quality standards, and evaluating new communication protocols are key aspects of this position.

Responsibilities

• Architect and design real-time embedded communication systems.

• Develop production-quality embedded software focused on performance and reliability.

• Implement hardware interface layers using C/C++.

• Design deterministic real-time architectures.

• Integrate and bridge heterogeneous network types.

• Create and maintain technical documentation, including ICDs and schemas.

• Lead hardware/software integration with FPGA and systems teams.

• Set code quality standards for safety-critical systems.

• Evaluate and prototype new communication protocols.

• Mentor junior and intermediate engineers.

• Contribute to debugging, performance tuning, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Provide potential technical leadership on autonomous vehicle/UAS initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Strong proficiency in C/C++ for hardware interface and low-level systems.

• Deep experience with real-time systems and deterministic timing.

• Familiarity with automotive/industrial communication protocols: CAN 2.0, J1939, CANopen.

• Experience designing distributed messaging architectures.

• Ability to bridge heterogeneous network types.

• Skill in authoring ICDs, message catalogs, and protocol documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional software development experience.

• Technical leadership and mentorship experience.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (Master's preferred).

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to produce high-reliability, safety-critical embedded systems.

Work Environment

This is a fully on-site role where you will collaborate closely with software, hardware, and systems engineering teams. The position is desk-based with extensive hands-on hardware/software testing in a fast-paced, defense-oriented engineering organization. The work environment offers the opportunity to contribute to mission-critical defense programs, engage in multidisciplinary work, and participate in a strong mentorship culture.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison Heights, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $68.00/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 Madison Heights,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 28, 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 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 [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.