Embedded Software Engineer

Actalent; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is hiring an Embedded Software Engineer in the San Diego area to design, develop, and test secure embedded software for cryptographic systems. You will work on real-time, multi-threaded applications and collaborate with Systems Engineering, Hardware, and Integration teams.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Computer Engineering or similar, plus 5+ years of experience and an active Secret Clearance. Proficiency in C/C++, cryptography libraries, and Linux toolchains is essential, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering or related STEM field; 5+ years of relevant experience (Master's degree with 3+ years also considered).
• Active Secret Clearance required.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ development.
• Experience implementing cryptographic solutions using software libraries.
• Experience with Yocto/Petalinux or WindRiver Linux.
• Experience with Xilinx platforms including Zynq, Ultrascale+, and Versal.
• Knowledge of TCP/IP networking and common network configurations.
• Experience developing and debugging embedded real-time systems.
• Experience with Agile development tools such as Git, Bitbucket, and Jira.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and test embedded software for secure communication and cryptographic systems.
• Develop and support real-time, multi-threaded embedded applications.
• Work with cross-functional teams including Systems Engineering, Hardware, Digital Engineering, and Integration & Test.
• Participate in all phases of the software development lifecycle, from requirements through testing and deployment.
• Integrate low-level firmware and software components in complex embedded environments.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize embedded systems and software performance.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded systems

Cryptography

Real-time software

Networking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering or related STEM

Tools

Yocto/Petalinux

Wind River Linux

Git

Bitbucket

Jira

Docker

Kubernetes

Vivado/Vitis

Job description

Actalent is Hiring: Embedded Software Engineer

Location: San Diego, CA Area

Pay Rate: $70-$110/hour

Duration: Estimated 12-month contract with potential for extensions and the opportunity to apply for a direct hire position.

Clearance Required: Active Secret Clearance

Actalent is actively seeking an Embedded Software Engineer with expertise in embedded systems, C/C++ development, and cryptographic software to support advanced defense and communication technology programs. We are looking for qualified candidates ASAP for this opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and test embedded software for secure communication and cryptographic systems.
• Develop and support real-time, multi-threaded embedded applications.
• Work with cross-functional teams including Systems Engineering, Hardware, Digital Engineering, and Integration & Test.
• Participate in all phases of the software development lifecycle, from requirements through testing and deployment.
• Integrate low-level firmware and software components in complex embedded environments.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize embedded systems and software performance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering or a related STEM discipline and 5+ years of relevant experience (Master's degree with 3+ years also considered).
• Active Secret Clearance required.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ development.
• Experience implementing cryptographic solutions using software libraries.
• Experience with Yocto/Petalinux or WindRiver Linux.
• Experience with Xilinx platforms including Zynq, Ultrascale+, and Versal.
• Knowledge of TCP/IP networking and common network configurations.
• Experience developing and debugging embedded real-time systems.
• Experience with Agile development tools such as Git, Bitbucket, and Jira.

Preferred Experience

• Rust programming knowledge.
• Linux kernel and low-level driver development.
• Docker, Kubernetes, or other containerization technologies.
• Software Defined Radio (SDR) systems.
• Communication protocols including I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, and Ethernet.
• Xilinx development tools such as Vivado and Vitis.
• Familiarity with modern NSA security standards.
• Experience with bare-metal development, assembly language, and embedded device drivers.
• Active Top Secret or SAP clearance is a plus.

This opportunity offers the chance to work on highly advanced embedded and secure communications technologies within a collaborative engineering environment supporting mission-critical applications.

Qualified applicants will be contacted directly with additional project details, client information, and next steps.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $110.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 29, 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.