DoD Embedded Software Engineer

Actalent; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to design, develop, and validate flight software for space-based payloads. You will work in a digital development environment, using C++ in RTOS contexts including VxWorks, and collaborate with hardware and systems teams to ensure flight-ready software.

The role emphasizes rigorous testing, documentation, and adherence to flight qualification standards. Requirements include 5+ years in embedded software, a technical bachelor’s degree, and proven

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of embedded software development experience.
• Strong proficiency in C++ for embedded systems development.
• Hands-on experience with Embedded C and embedded software architectures.
• Proven expertise with RTOS including VxWorks.
• Experience developing flight software (flight-qualified or flight-critical).
• Experience with digital simulations for software validation and verification.
• Ability to design low-level software for hardware-constrained environments.
• Ability to document designs, test procedures, and validation results.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test embedded flight software in C++ for space-based sensor payloads.
• Implement software meeting functional, performance, and reliability requirements for flight operations.
• Execute digital simulations to validate software performance in representative environments.
• Ensure software meets flight qualification standards and regulatory requirements.
• Debug and resolve issues in RTOS environments (VxWorks).
• Collaborate with systems and hardware teams to integrate software with payloads.
• Analyze timing, memory, processing constraints and design within them.
• Develop, document, and execute test procedures and validation plans for flight software.
• Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and assessments to ensure quality and compliance.

Skills

C++ programming

Embedded C

RTOS

VxWorks

Flight software

Flight-qualified software

Software validation

Debugging in RTOS

Software design

System integration

Problem-solving

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/CE/ECE or related

Job description

Embedded Software Engineer

Job Description

This position focuses on the design, development, and validation of embedded flight software for a deployed payload system that uses advanced sensors in a novel space application. You will work in a fully digital development environment and play a key role in qualifying and validating software for flight operations. The role requires deep expertise in embedded systems, real-time operating systems, and C++ development for mission-critical, flight-qualified software.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test embedded flight software in C++ for space-based sensor payload systems.
• Implement embedded software that meets functional, performance, and reliability requirements for flight operations.
• Execute digital simulations to validate software performance, behavior, and functionality in representative environments.
• Ensure embedded software meets flight qualification standards and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Debug and resolve complex software issues in real-time operating system (RTOS) environments, including VxWorks.
• Collaborate closely with systems engineering and hardware teams to integrate software with payload and sensor systems.
• Analyze system-level constraints such as timing, memory, processing capacity, and safety requirements, and architect solutions that operate effectively within these limits.
• Apply a systematic, fact-based problem-solving methodology to isolate root causes and implement robust fixes.
• Develop, document, and execute software test procedures and validation plans for flight software.
• Prepare and maintain detailed documentation of software design, implementation decisions, test procedures, and validation results.
• Participate in technical design reviews, code reviews, and formal assessments to ensure software quality and compliance.
• Generate and evaluate multiple technical solution options when addressing complex embedded software challenges.
• Demonstrate technical resilience by persisting through difficult issues and driving them to successful resolution.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 5 years of experience in embedded software development.
• Strong proficiency in C++ for embedded systems development.
• Hands‑on experience with embedded C and embedded software architectures.
• Proven expertise with Real‑Time Operating Systems (RTOS), including VxWorks.
• Demonstrated experience developing flight software rather than ground support software.
• Prior experience with flight‑qualified or flight‑critical software development.
• Experience executing digital simulations for software validation and verification.
• Strong embedded experience with the ability to design, implement, and test low‑level software for hardware‑constrained environments.
• Demonstrated ability to write embedded code that performs to specification and can be effectively tested and validated in simulated environments.
• Systematic problem‑solving methodology, including structured approaches to isolating root causes of technical issues.
• Fact‑based analysis skills, with the ability to gather, interpret, and leverage technical data and empirical evidence for debugging and troubleshooting.
• Ability to generate multiple viable technical solutions within engineering and system constraints.
• Understanding of system‑level constraints such as timing, memory, processing limitations, and safety requirements, and the ability to design within those boundaries.
• Technical resilience, with a track record of persisting through complex embedded software problems and driving them to resolution.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to systematically diagnose issues, evaluate constraints, and develop viable solutions.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with missile or other highly mission‑critical systems is beneficial.
• Familiarity with classified or sensitive projects and environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams, including systems and hardware engineers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting designs, test procedures, and validation results.
• Comfort working within a fully digital development and simulation environment.

Work Environment

This role supports classified work performed within a secure facility (SCIF) environment at locations such as Sunnyvale, CA, Denver, CO, or Huntsville, AL. You will work primarily in a fully digital development and simulation setting, using modern tools to design, implement, and validate embedded flight software for space‑based sensor payloads. The environment emphasizes rigorous engineering practices, thorough documentation, and adherence to flight qualification standards. Work is conducted in a secure, professional office and lab setting, with appropriate access controls and security protocols. Collaboration with cross‑functional engineering teams is a regular part of the workday, and you will participate in design reviews, technical assessments, and integration activities within this secure environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Huntsville, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $95.00/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 Huntsville,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 16, 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 [e-mail] 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.