Embedded Software Engineer

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer

Job Description

This Embedded Software Engineer role focuses on designing and developing high-quality, scalable embedded web and control solutions for ruggedized pan and tilt positioners, camera systems, tripods, and related video accessories. You will act as a technical thought leader, evaluating alternative architectures, identifying risks, and proposing mitigation strategies for new and custom products in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment that values energy, enthusiasm, and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and implement efforts to detect, solve, and prevent the recurrence of design problems, while driving initiatives that reduce excess work costs and improve overall efficiency.
• Stay current with new and emerging technologies in embedded software and related domains, and serve as a technical resource and mentor to other team members.
• Develop and support team efforts to create embedded software for boards with 32-bit microcontrollers and system-on-modules (SOM) that interface with sensors, motor drivers, and other hardware components.
• Maintain, enhance, and refactor existing software developed for embedded boards to improve functionality, reliability, and performance.
• Design and develop control software using HTML, JavaScript, PHP, Python, C++, and C# for embedded systems, as well as computer-based control, test, and configuration tools for embedded products.
• Lead and actively participate in design reviews for software requirements and architectures, ensuring that solutions are robust, scalable, and aligned with product objectives.
• Create and release software designs that assure functionality, feasibility, reliability, completeness, and conformance with internal engineering standards, while maintaining high quality and consistency of deliverables.
• Perform failure analysis on returned units to diagnose software and communication-related electrical issues, and implement corrective actions to improve product performance and reliability.
• Debug and troubleshoot embedded systems and prototyping boards using appropriate tools and techniques to resolve complex hardware–software interaction issues.
• Use electrical test equipment such as network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and protocol analyzers across a wide range of applications to validate and verify system behavior.
• Support products operating in an OEM facility environment, ensuring that embedded software integrates seamlessly into customer systems and meets operational requirements.
• Contribute to the conception, preparation, and analysis of software specifications, and resolve product performance problems that arise due to software-related issues.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering from an accredited engineering school.
• experience in software development focused on embedded web technologies, ONVIF protocol, video-based object tracking, and control graphical user interfaces (GUIs).
• Strong proficiency in coding and development techniques using HTML, JavaScript, PHP, Python, C++, and C# on Embedded Linux or similar platforms.
• Hands-on experience with embedded Linux environments and 32-bit microcontrollers or system-on-modules (SOM).
• Experience with serial communication using ASCII and binary protocols such as MODBUS, IBM BiSync, SONY VISCA, and PELCO-D.
• Experience implementing RTOS and TCP/IP stacks on embedded platforms.
• Practical experience with embedded device networking and handling real-world internet variability, including packet loss, latency, bandwidth estimation, and forward error correction (FEC).
• Demonstrated ability to conceive, prepare, and analyze software specifications and to resolve product performance issues caused by software defects or limitations.
• Ability to debug and troubleshoot embedded systems and prototyping boards using tools such as network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and protocol analyzers.
• High level of self-motivation and drive to succeed in a fast-paced, challenging, and fluid environment.
• Strong interest and passion for embedded systems and test/control software.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in an OEM product support context and work closely with cross-functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with ARM-based controllers or similar processors and controllers.
• Proficiency in C++ with the Qt framework for developing user interfaces and control applications.
• Familiarity with TI Code Composer Studio for development and debugging on Texas Instruments platforms.
• Experience in the motion control domain, including motor control and positioning systems.
• Experience with networking and video streaming technologies, particularly in embedded and security-related applications.
• Comfort working with defense-related technology and solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate alternative designs and propose risk mitigation strategies.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Work Environment

This position is based in a hybrid work environment that combines on-site collaboration in the Chicago area with remote work flexibility. You will work with ruggedized pan and tilt positioners, camera systems, tripods, and video accessories, focusing on embedded Linux platforms, 32-bit microcontrollers, ARM-based controllers, and associated networking and video streaming technologies. The culture is entrepreneurial and fast-paced, encouraging initiative, innovation, and continuous learning. You will use a range of development tools and electrical test equipment, including network analyzers, oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers, and IDEs such as TI Code Composer Studio, while collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver reliable, high-performance embedded solutions for defense-related applications.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Northfield, IL.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $85.00/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)

This is a hybrid position in Northfield,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 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 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.