Embedded Software Engineer

Actalent; Overland Park (KS); On-site; USD 52,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Disability coverage

HSA

Transportation benefits

PTO

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to design, implement, and execute automated and manual test plans for ground-based radio navigation systems in a highly regulated aviation environment. The role emphasizes DO-278 compliance, system-level integration, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams in a state-of-the-art lab.

The position is contract-to-hire, onsite in Overland Park, KS, with a competitive hourly pay range and comprehensive benefits for eligible roles.

Qualifications

• 35 years of professional software engineering experience.
• Bachelors or Masters degree from an ABET-accredited college or university in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Python, C, C++, and MATLAB for test development and automation.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop detailed system-level Design Qualification Test plans and procedures.
• Develop automated tests using C, C++, Python, or MATLAB.
• Conduct manual system-level testing to validate behavior and performance.
• Utilize lab test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, vector signal generators).
• Perform integration testing across hardware, software, and FPGA elements.
• Identify root causes of faults and test issues through analysis and debugging.
• Execute verification/validation to ensure DO-278 compliance.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing test procedures.

Skills

Software engineering

Python

C

C++

MATLAB

Education

ABET-accredited degree in EE/CE/CS

Tools

Lab test equipment

VHDL knowledge

Job description

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer

The Embedded Software Engineer will play a critical role in ensuring the quality and reliability of ground-based radio navigation aids and systems. This role focuses on designing and executing comprehensive automated and manual test plans to validate system functionality, performance, and reliability, while also contributing to broader software engineering and testing activities in a highly regulated aviation environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop detailed system-level Design Qualification Test plans and procedures, incorporating both automated and manual testing methodologies.
• Develop automated tests using C, C++, Python, or MATLAB to streamline repetitive testing tasks and improve test efficiency and consistency.
• Conduct manual system-level testing to validate system behavior, performance, and reliability, ensuring thorough coverage of functional and non-functional test scenarios.
• Utilize lab test equipment, including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, vector signal generators, and other specialized tools to perform system testing, measurement, and analysis.
• Perform integration testing across various product components to verify seamless interoperability and compatibility between hardware, software, and FPGA elements.
• Conduct integration testing with customer interfaces to ensure systems align with customer requirements, expectations, and operational environments.
• Identify and diagnose root causes of system faults, performance issues, and test procedure problems through systematic analysis, debugging, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Execute verification and validation activities to confirm that system requirements are met and that solutions comply with relevant industry standards and regulations, including DO-278.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing test procedures to support consistent product quality and reliability throughout the production process.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, hardware engineers, FPGA engineers, and manufacturing personnel, to investigate and resolve issues discovered during testing.
• Adapt testing strategies and software engineering approaches to evolving technologies, methodologies, and industry standards in the aviation and safety-critical domains.

Essential Skills

• 35 years of professional software engineering experience.
• Bachelors or Masters degree from an ABET-accredited college or university in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C, C++, and MATLAB for test development and automation.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to systematically diagnose and resolve complex system and software issues.
• High attention to detail when designing, executing, and documenting test procedures and results.
• Hands‑on experience with lab test equipment and software tools, including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and vector signal generators.
• Ability to learn and adapt quickly to new technologies, methodologies, and industry standards in a regulated environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with safety-critical software development or highly regulated development processes, including standards such as DO-178 or DO-278, is a plus.
• Experience working with aviation authorities such as the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Defense (DoD), or other civil or military aviation organizations is an advantage.
• Experience with FPGA design and VHDL is highly desirable.
• Experience in embedded C and embedded systems development is beneficial.
• Familiarity with manufacturing test development and optimization supports success in this role.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in Olathe, Kansas at a brand-new, modern facility designed to support advanced engineering and testing activities. Initial work may take place at a nearby site in Lenexa, Kansas while final preparations are completed at the Olathe location. The environment offers access to state‑of‑the‑art lab equipment and collaborative spaces for close interaction with cross‑functional engineering and manufacturing teams. The role is part of a rapidly growing organization involved in a large‑scale initiative to replace air traffic control radars across the country, providing opportunities to contribute to critical national aviation infrastructure in a professional, technology‑driven setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Overland Park, KS.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $62.50/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).

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Overland Park,KS.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 14, 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.