Firmware Engineer

Actalent; United States; Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance & AD&D

PTO / Vacation

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an experienced Firmware Engineer to join our team in Hopkins, MN. This contract role focuses on embedded firmware and software for a range of microcontrollers and platforms, including Linux/FreeRTOS.

You will lead teams, interface with customers, and deliver reliable, high-quality solutions. The ideal candidate has 8+ years in embedded software, strong C skills, and deep knowledge of microcontroller peripherals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer/Electrical Engineering, CS or related field.
• 8+ years hands-on software engineering in embedded/ services environments.
• Proven C programming for real-time embedded or Linux/FreeRTOS.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor software teams in embedded firmware design and implementation.
• Organize and implement software/firmware per customer specs.
• Deliver reliable products with on-time design-services engagements.
• Serve as primary technical contact for customer engagements, including on-site work.
• Provide and implement technical solutions, solving complex problems.
• Coordinate with other teams and customer groups to validate requirements.
• Maintain project tracking and source control documentation.
• Participate in training to maintain job-related skills.
• Evaluate and improve software design processes and workflows.

Skills

C programming

RT embedded systems

Linux/FreeRTOS

Microcontroller peripherals

Debugging & troubleshooting

Customer interaction

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in CE/EE/CS

Tools

Yocto build system

Linux development environment

Job description

Job Title: Firmware Engineer

Job Description

Join a team of Principal Software Engineers specializing in embedded firmware and software for a variety of microprocessors, microcontrollers, and applications. Our expertise spans wireless communication, low-power design, high-reliability systems, IoT platforms, embedded Linux, and Android.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor software engineering teams in the design and implementation of embedded firmware and software systems.
• Organize, contribute to, and implement software/firmware systems following specifications provided by internal and external customers.
• Ensure the successful completion of design-services engagements in embedded software (Linux, Android, C/C++, Python) with timely delivery of reliable products.
• Serve as the primary technical contact for strategic customer engagements, including direct communication and on-site collaboration.
• Provide and implement technical solutions, applying ingenuity and innovation to solve complex problems.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other software development teams and customer teams to integrate systems and validate requirements.
• Maintain tracking and documentation of project progress and source code; participate in configuration management and version control processes.
• Participate in training and development programs to maintain and enhance job‑related skills.
• Evaluate and improve software design processes, tools, and workflows to drive quality and efficiency.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 8+ years of hands‑on software engineering experience, preferably in a services environment.
• Proven expertise in programming in C for real‑time embedded systems or Linux/FreeRTOS platforms.
• Deep knowledge of microcontroller peripherals and interfaces (UART, I²C, SPI, ADC, PWM, Timers, etc.).
• Skilled in embedded software coding, debugging, and troubleshooting—close to the chip level.
• Proficient with test and debug equipment: oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, spectrum analyzers.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and ability to thrive in a deadline‑driven, fast‑paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience interacting directly with customers and senior personnel.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Yocto build system.
• Embedded Linux/Android driver development.
• Knowledge of RF communication protocols (802.15.4, ZigBee, Cellular, Wi‑Fi).
• Experience customizing routers and gateways.
• Experience with multithreading.

Work Environment

This is a hybrid role requiring 3-4 days per week in the office. You will be immersed in IoT projects and work primarily with Yocto and Linux. The position offers a mostly remote working arrangement with opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Hopkins, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $70.00/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 jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable 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 hybrid position in Hopkins,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 6, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity 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 acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.