Embedded Software Engineer

Actalent; Wauwatosa (WI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401K

Dental and vision

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to design, implement, and maintain software across the product lifecycle. You will collaborate with multiple engineering disciplines to build embedded software, board-support packages, and device drivers for robust products.

You will lead with a strong background in C/C++, RTOS, and real-time systems, while driving code quality through reviews, testing, and automation.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of embedded software development experience.
• Strong experience with C and C++ in embedded environments.
• Deep understanding of object-oriented design for maintainable architectures.
• Experience with RTOS such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or Embedded Linux.
• Proficiency with test and debug tools and networking protocols.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to lead projects and coordinate with multiple groups.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, debug, and support embedded software architectures.
• Develop embedded software in C and C++, including reusable components.
• Conduct unit, integration, and system testing; track defects and verify fixes.
• Develop automated tests and tools in Python to improve coverage.
• Document designs with comments and technical descriptions for maintainability.
• Follow coding standards and version-control workflows; perform peer reviews.
• Plan and develop products with cross-functional teams for performance and compatibility.
• Serve as technical lead on projects; coordinate with customers to meet deliverables.
• Work independently and collaboratively to meet deadlines and drive innovation.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded systems

RTOS expertise

Python for automation

Multithreading design

Code reviews

OA/OOD principles

Networking protocols

Debugging tools

Education

BS or MS in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

Git

Version control workflows

Linux tooling

FreeRTOS/Zephyr/Embedded Linux

Job description

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to join a collaborative development team responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining software across the entire product lifecycle. In this role, you work closely with multiple engineering disciplines to architect, develop, test, and support embedded software applications, platforms, board-support packages, and device drivers for both new and existing products. You contribute to software architectures that meet demanding technical and customer requirements while driving innovation and reliability in embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, debug, and support embedded operating-system and application software architectures that satisfy technical and customer product requirements.
• Develop embedded software in C and C++, including reusable software and system components for new and existing designs.
• Conduct unit, integration, and system testing, track reported defects, and verify the effectiveness of fixes through thorough validation.
• Develop automated tests and tools in a high-level language such as Python to improve test coverage and efficiency.
• Document designs clearly with comments, reports, and technical descriptions to ensure maintainability and knowledge sharing.
• Follow established coding standards and embedded software development best practices to ensure high-quality, consistent code.
• Design and implement code within a controlled workflow using version control systems.
• Conduct and participate in peer code reviews to improve code quality and share technical knowledge.
• Work closely with other engineering disciplines to plan, design, and develop products that ensure software and hardware performance and compatibility.
• Serve as technical lead on assigned projects, coordinating with functional groups and customers to meet deliverables and resolve technical or product issues.
• Work independently and collaboratively within a team while consistently meeting critical deadlines.
• Drive innovative embedded software designs based on input from product management and end customers.
• Use AI tools appropriately and effectively to improve productivity, code reliability, and overall development efficiency.

Essential Skills

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of relevant embedded software development experience.
• Strong experience with C and C++ embedded software development, including object-oriented analysis and design skills.
• Deep understanding of object-oriented design (OOD) principles to create maintainable, modular, and reusable software architectures.
• Strong understanding of microcontroller architecture, including timing, memory, interrupts, multithreading, real-time scheduling, inter-process communication (IPC), and deterministic networking.
• Experience with real-time operating systems such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or Embedded Linux.
• Proficiency with test and debug tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
• Experience with networking protocols, including TCP, UDP, and HTTP/HTTPS.
• Excellent oral, written, and listening skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse professionals.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, problem-solving, decision-making, and time-management skills, with the ability to multitask, work independently, and consistently meet deadlines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience developing automated tests and tools in high-level languages such as Python.
• Experience with industrial wired networking technologies is a plus.
• Familiarity with version control workflows and collaborative development practices.
• Experience conducting and participating in peer code reviews.
• Comfort using AI-assisted development tools to enhance productivity and code reliability.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite, initially at a facility in Franksville and then transitioning to a new facility in Wauwatosa in early 2027. You work closely with cross-functional engineering teams in a hands-on environment that involves embedded systems, microcontrollers, and real-time operating systems. The workplace makes regular use of test and measurement equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers, and supports a structured development process with established coding standards, version control workflows, and peer reviews. The environment emphasizes collaboration, clear communication, and meeting project deadlines while fostering innovation in embedded product development.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Wauwatosa, WI.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $165000.00/yr.

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.

full benefits- health, dental, vision, 401K

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Wauwatosa, WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Wauwatosa,WI.

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.