Principal software engineer

Job Title: Principal Software Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking multiple Software Engineers and Software Team Leads with expertise in real-time embedded systems to support software development, integration, and testing efforts across defense programs. These roles operate within the Electrical Software and Controls (ESC) Functional Engineering Directorate and are aligned to Software Integrated Product Teams (IPTs). Engineers will support one or more contracts/work directives, contributing to full lifecycle software development efforts and, in some cases, overseeing subcontracted work. Individual contributors will focus on software design, development, integration, and testing, while collaborating closely with team leads. Team Leads will divide their responsibilities between hands-on technical work and technical leadership/project execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead software engineering efforts including planning, estimation, and execution.

• Oversee requirements analysis, architecture, design, integration, and testing efforts.

• Drive execution across cost, schedule, and technical performance metrics.

• Support software verification planning and test execution.

• Ensure compliance with SQA and configuration management processes.

• Coordinate with safety engineering for safety-critical requirements.

• Manage control accounts/work packages and support financial reporting.

• Plan development schedules, builds, and milestone reviews.

• Collaborate with software architects and ensure design alignment with requirements.

• Lead issue resolution across subsystems and stakeholders.

• Communicate with IPT leadership, program managers, and functional leadership.

• Provide direction to team members and support performance reviews.

• Ensure cybersecurity integration within software development efforts.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in object-oriented programming, C++, Python programming.

• Experience with real-time embedded software development using Linux OS or bare-metal.

• Full software development lifecycle (SDLC) experience.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to solve technical design and development problems.

• Experience in software integration and testing (unit, HW/SW integration).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ada programming experience.

• Experience with Git, GitLab, Jira for configuration management.

• Familiarity with Qt Framework / QML for GUI development.

• Experience with DOORS requirements management.

• Knowledge of CMMI development environments.

• Familiarity with cybersecurity tools such as Nessus and Coverity.

• Experience with STIG hardening.

• Knowledge of military/commercial design standards.

• RMF / ATO cybersecurity process knowledge.

• Weapon systems or combat vehicle experience.

• Active Secret Clearance preferred.

Work Environment

This position is part of a matrixed organization reporting to a Functional Manager and aligned to a Software Lead. The work involves collaboration with cross-functional teams including Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, and Controls. The work environment is a combination of development, integration, lab, and field/range testing environments. Occasional travel to customer/test sites may be required.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $64.91/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 Sterling Heights,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 2, 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 process due to a disability, please email [email protected] 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.