Firmware Developer - C Programming - Mid to Senior

acktive-eng; Independence (KS); On-site; USD 214,000 - 262,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Profit sharing

Flexible schedule

Hourly pay

Job summary

ACKtive Engineering Solutions LLC is seeking a Firmware Developer with strong C skills to support a critical national-security mission. This role requires US citizenship and an active TS/SCI clearance, with on-site work at a customer facility.

The position offers competitive hourly pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including 401(k) matching, health/dental/vision insurance, generous PTO, and profit sharing, plus immediate vesting in retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance required.
• 5+ or 10+ years of software engineering experience focusing on iOS development.
• Strong proficiency in C programming.
• Experience with vulnerability research (exploitation, fuzzing, or security analysis of embedded systems).
• Familiarity with RE tools and environments (IDA Pro, Ghidra).

Responsibilities

• Develop firmware for a variety of applications in support of a critical customer mission.
• Apply CNO skills and creativity to discover and implement novel solutions.
• Work on-site at a customer facility, fully integrated into a small, expert team.
• Collaborate with senior subject matter experts and leverage their mentorship to expand your skills.
• Contribute to efforts that directly enhance national security and protect critical systems.

Skills

C programming

iOS development

Vulnerability research

Security analysis

Education

Master's degree (can substitute for 2 years experience)

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

IDA Pro

Ghidra

Job description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Profit sharing
• Vision insurance

About the Role:

ACKtive Engineering Solutions LLC is looking for a talented Firmware Developer with C programming experience. This position requires a US citizenship AND an active clearance.

Responsibilities:

• Develop firmware for a variety of applications in support of a critical customer mission
• Apply CNO skills and creativity to discover and implement novel solutions
• Work on-site at a customer facility, fully integrated into a small, expert team
• Collaborate with senior subject matter experts and leverage their mentorship to expand your skills
• Contribute to efforts that directly enhance national security and protect critical systems

Requirements:

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Flexibility in required professional experience:
  • 5+ or 10+ years of professional experience in software engineering with a focus on iOS development
  • A Master's degree may be substituted for 2 years of experience
• Strong proficiency in C programming
• Experience with vulnerability research (e.g., exploit development, fuzzing, or security analysis of embedded systems)
• Familiarity with common RE tools and environments (e.g., IDA Pro, Ghidra, binary analysis platforms)

About Us:

ACKtive Engineering Solutions is a minority-owned, disadvantaged business dedicated to providing specialized engineering and consulting services throughout the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. Our expertise spans Hardware Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, System Engineering, and related fields. With a single-tier management model, we effectively minimize overhead costs and maintain strong connections among our employees, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.

ACKtive Benefits:

• Hourly pay means you are in control of your pay and leave.
• 5% 401K company contribution - No employee contribution required!
• Up to a 15.75% 401K profit sharing company contribution after the calendar year ends
• Immediate vesting in 401K
• 56 hours of paid time off (vacation and sick)
• Health plans through an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) with a $100/month company contribution

Flexible Time off, Hourly Pay:

We believe flexibility and fair compensation go hand in hand. Our team is paid a competitive hourly rate, ensuring you're compensated for every hour you work. In addition to your high hourly pay, you'll receive 56 hours of paid time off (PTO) each year. Beyond your PTO, you may take additional unpaid time off as needed, provided your time away aligns with customer mission requirements and is approved in advance. This approach allows you to enjoy greater control over your schedule while earning industry-leading pay.

Total Compensation:

$214,116.06 - $262,193.88