Embedded Software Engineer

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer

Job Description

This Embedded Software Engineer role focuses on developing payload software, external interfaces, and operating system deployments for space sensor payloads running on size, weight, and power constrained computing hardware. You will participate in the full software development lifecycle, from requirements generation through implementation, testing, deployment, and ongoing support, while working with Linux-based and real-time operating systems. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to missions that operate in space, processing data where it is collected to deliver high-quality results to customers. You will join a collaborative team of highly skilled engineers who learn from one another and work together to achieve ambitious space systems missions, including spacecraft, precision payloads, and critical subsystems.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of payload software, including application logic, control software, and supporting utilities for space sensor payloads.
• Design, implement, and maintain external interfaces between payload software and other spacecraft subsystems, sensors, and ground systems.
• Develop and manage operating system deployments on size, weight, and power constrained computing hardware for space applications.
• Participate in all phases of the software development lifecycle, including requirements generation, architecture and design, implementation, code review, testing, deployment, and post-deployment support.
• Leverage a strong understanding of Linux fundamentals to build robust, efficient, and maintainable software for mission-critical systems.
• Apply fault-tolerant design principles to ensure reliable operation in harsh space environments and under constrained resources.
• Implement device interfaces and drivers, integrating hardware components such as sensors, optical systems, and other payload elements.
• Work with real-time operating systems and multi-threaded applications to meet timing, performance, and reliability requirements.
• Develop and use Python scripts for automation, testing, simulation, and system deployment tasks.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of system deployment strategies, including operating system images and software configuration for spaceborne hardware.
• Collaborate closely with a cross-functional team of engineers to solve complex technical challenges and deliver high-performance space systems.
• Participate in testing and validation activities, including simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and integration with other spacecraft components.
• Support interface definition and implementation for timing, communications protocols, and data exchange between subsystems.
• Document software designs, interfaces, test procedures, and deployment processes to ensure traceability and maintainability.
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally with team members, stakeholders, and customers regarding technical status, issues, and solutions.
• Adhere to engineering best practices, coding standards, and configuration management processes to ensure high-quality software delivery.
• Travel occasionally, as needed, to support integration, testing, or collaboration with other teams.
• Perform work that requires regular use of a computer, keyboard, and related controls, while maintaining the visual focus needed to review code, documentation, and system outputs.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of professional full-time software engineering experience.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or an equivalent discipline.
• At least 5 years of professional experience using C and C++ in production-quality coding environments.
• Strong proficiency in C and C++ for embedded and systems-level software development.
• At least 2 years of Python scripting experience for automation, tooling, and testing.
• At least 5 years of professional Linux experience, including development and deployment on Linux-based systems.
• At least 5 years of experience developing complex multi-threaded applications.
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and their use in embedded or mission-critical systems.
• Experience with system deployment, including operating system images and software configurations.
• Experience with software testing, including unit testing, integration testing, and system-level validation.
• Experience implementing and working with device interfaces and low-level hardware interactions.
• Understanding of Linux fundamentals, including processes, threading, memory management, and system services.
• Ability to design and implement fault-tolerant software for mission-critical systems.
• Strong skills in multi-threaded programming, including synchronization, concurrency control, and performance optimization.
• Proficiency with Python for scripting, automation, and test infrastructure.
• Ability to participate in the full software development lifecycle, from requirements through deployment and support.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with operating system deployment, including building and configuring images and managing software on constrained hardware platforms.
• Experience with hardware drivers and interfaces, including integration of sensors, optical systems, or other payload components.
• Exposure to hybrid C and Python workflows for testing and validation.
• Experience with interfaces, timing, and communications protocols relevant to embedded and space systems.
• Exposure to or experience with FPGA interfaces and associated software integration.
• Experience with image processing algorithms for processing data from optical or sensor systems.
• Experience with simulation infrastructure using tools such as MATLAB or Python.
• Familiarity with space systems, spacecraft payloads, or space domain awareness applications.
• Interest in working on missions related to interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, national security, or defense initiatives.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering teams on complex, high-reliability systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to tackle challenging technical problems in a collaborative environment.

Work Environment

This role operates in a fully remote work environment, providing flexibility while contributing to complex space systems projects. The engineering team consists of approximately 25 full-time engineers who collaborate closely and learn from one another, fostering a culture of shared expertise and mutual support. You will work primarily with Linux-based and real-time operating systems, embedded C and C++ code, Python scripting, and interfaces to hardware such as optical systems and other payload components. The broader space systems organization develops spacecraft, precision payloads, and subsystems including flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and solar panels, supporting missions ranging from lunar and Martian exploration to national security and defense initiatives. Work involves extensive computer use, including regular sitting, keyboard operation, and screen-based tasks that require close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Occasional travel, potentially up to approximately two weeks per quarter, may be required to support integration, testing, or collaboration activities at other locations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Tucson, AZ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $67.31 - $85.00/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 remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 18, 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 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.