Software Development Engineer

Job Title: Software Development Engineer (Junior, Mid-Level, and Experienced)

Job Description

This role offers the opportunity to join a growing engineering team as a Software Development Engineer at junior, mid-level, or senior experience tiers. You will design, develop, and maintain software applications and embedded systems that support critical business and product needs. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will contribute to the full software development lifecycle, from requirements and design through implementation, testing, and ongoing support, while applying modern C++ practices, object-oriented design, and engineering best practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop software applications and systems that meet defined business and technical requirements.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code in languages such as C, C++, and Python for applications and embedded systems.
• Develop, execute, and refine unit tests and integration tests to ensure software quality and reliability.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve software defects, performance issues, and technical problems in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with project managers, designers, QA engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure solutions align with business needs and user expectations.
• Maintain and enhance existing software applications and systems, implementing updates and improvements as required.
• Use software development tools, version control systems, and debugging tools to manage codebases and troubleshoot issues.
• Apply object-oriented programming principles, design theory, methodology, and SOLID principles to create robust and maintainable architectures.
• Participate in SAFe Agile ceremonies, including PI Planning, Sprint Planning, Daily Standups, Reviews, and Retrospectives, to support iterative development and continuous improvement.
• Work collaboratively across software, systems, validation, UX, and product teams to deliver customer-focused features through iterative development cycles.
• Leverage tools such as Jira, Confluence, Polarion, and Git for work tracking, collaboration, and configuration management.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively in both verbal discussions and written documentation.
• Contribute as a proactive team player, working independently when needed while coordinating closely with team members and leadership.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• For Software Engineer I: 1+ years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience (including a relevant Master's degree).
• For Software Engineer II: 3+ years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience (including a relevant Master's degree).
• For experienced Software Engineer: 5+ years of experience developing software for embedded systems, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Developed expertise in technical skills, proficiencies, and knowledge in the relevant field of support.
• Well-developed problem analysis and problem-solving techniques, with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex issues.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as C, C++, Python, or similar.
• Understanding of the software development lifecycle processes and engineering best practices.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
• Knowledge of object-oriented programming concepts and their practical application.
• Must have hands-on experience with modern C++ (C++14 or C++17), including threading.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with QT/QML for user interface development is preferred.
• Ability to apply design theory, methodology, and SOLID principles to software architecture and implementation.
• Proficiency with the Linux operating system for development and deployment activities is preferred.
• Experience using Git for version control and Jira for issue and task tracking is preferred.
• Prior experience with embedded software development is highly valuable.
• Specific skills, proficiencies, and domain knowledge related to the position, as defined by the department, are beneficial.
• Prior experience in agricultural guidance application development is preferred.
• Experience working in a SAFe Agile development environment, including participation in PI Planning, Sprint Planning, Daily Standups, Reviews, and Retrospectives.
• Proven ability to collaborate across software, systems, validation, UX, and product teams to deliver customer-focused features.
• Experience using collaboration and lifecycle tools such as Jira, Confluence, and Polarion.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills, with attention to detail.
• Self-motivated team player with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and leadership staff.

Work Environment

This position is fully onsite at one of two locations: Tempe, Arizona or Oak Brook, Illinois. You will work in a collaborative engineering environment that emphasizes Agile (SAFe) methodologies, including regular PI Planning, Sprint Planning, Daily Standups, Reviews, and Retrospectives. The team leverages modern development tools and technologies such as C++ (14/17), QT/QML, Linux, Git, Jira, Confluence, and Polarion to build and support applications and embedded systems. You will partner closely with software, systems, validation, UX, and product teams in a professional setting that values clear communication, cross-functional collaboration, and iterative delivery of customer-focused features. Standard office hours apply, with work performed in a typical technical office environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Carol Stream, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $42.00 - $58.00/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 Carol Stream,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 8, 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 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.