Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

Actalent; Milwaukee (WI); Hybrid; USD 99,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer in Milwaukee to lead development of robust control-system software for residential and power products. You will work with hardware, software, and product teams to deliver scalable embedded solutions in RTOS environments, with IoT cloud connectivity and manufacturing readiness.

The role emphasizes hands-on coding in C/C++, system architecture, code reviews, and mentoring while supporting sustaining engineering and NPD efforts in a hybrid lab

Qualifications

• BS degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering required; MS preferred.
• 6+ years of embedded software experience in RTOS environments.
• Solid C and C++ programming for embedded systems with low-level design.
• Hands-on with QNX, ZephyrOS and related RTOS platforms.
• Experience with RS-485/Modbus, CAN, Ethernet, and USB protocols.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded software for MCU systems using C/C++.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and product teams to define requirements.
• Own components of embedded software with scalable, modular architectures.
• Oversee unit, integration, regression, and system validation testing.
• Develop networking code for Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, and ISM for IoT/cloud contexts.
• Support hardware troubleshooting and co-design with hardware teams.
• Document architecture, design, and implementation details for maintenance.
• Lead code reviews, releases, and process improvements; mentor peers.
• Lead software scope breakdown, timelines, and budgets for initiatives.
• Participate in sustaining engineering and new product development.

Skills

C

C++

RTOS

Embedded systems

QNX

ZephyrOS

CAN

Ethernet

USB

Unit testing

Code reviews

Mentoring

Education

BS in Electrical/Computer Engineering

MS degree preferred

Tools

QNX

ZephyrOS

ARM debuggers

Job description

Job Title: Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Embedded Software Engineer to join an engineering team focused on developing robust, efficient, and scalable software solutions for embedded control systems. In this role, you work closely with hardware engineers, software engineers, and product teams to deliver high-quality software for residential and power products, with a strong focus on embedded systems, RTOS, and cloud-connected IoT environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded software for microcontroller-based systems using C and C++ for QNX, ZephyrOS, and similar real-time operating systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional hardware, software, and product teams to define software requirements and system architecture for embedded control systems.
• Own elements of embedded software development using layered architectures and embedded operating systems, ensuring scalability and maintainability.
• Oversee unit testing, integration testing, regression testing, and system validation to ensure software reliability, performance, and testability.
• Develop networking implementations and application code for wireless processors supporting Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ISM bands within IoT and cloud-connected environments.
• Support hardware troubleshooting during product development and testing, including close co-design work with hardware and circuit teams.
• Document software design, architecture, and implementation details in a clear and structured manner for ongoing maintenance and knowledge sharing.
• Use industry-standard diagnostic tools such as emulators, debuggers, oscilloscopes, and related equipment to debug and verify controller software at the unit level.
• Develop custom diagnostic software as needed for specialized features or functions to support testing and validation.
• Contribute to and perform code reviews, release processes, and workflow walkthroughs to drive continuous improvement of development practices.
• Technically lead the breakdown of software scopes of work, and help develop project timelines and budgets for embedded software initiatives.
• Mentor and guide less experienced team members in core embedded software development practices, tools, and methodologies.
• Participate in sustaining engineering activities and support existing products while also contributing to new product development (NPD) projects.
• Ensure software is designed for board bring-up and end-of-line production testing, supporting smooth transition from development to manufacturing.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering or Computer Engineering required; a Masters degree is preferred.
• 6+ years of professional experience in embedded software development, with experience level dependent on educational background.
• Strong embedded systems knowledge and experience working in embedded control systems and RTOS-based environments.
• Proficiency in C and C++ programming languages, including syntax, generally accepted code structure, and object-oriented programming concepts.
• Hands-on experience with embedded operating systems such as QNX, ZephyrOS, or similar RTOS platforms.
• Experience owning elements of embedded software development using layered architectures and modular design principles.
• Practical experience with industry-standard communication protocols including RS-485 (Modbus), SAE J1939 CAN, Ethernet, and USB.
• Experience designing software for test, including unit testing, regression testing, board bring-up, and end-of-line production testing.
• Experience with co-design, working closely with hardware and circuit design teams to integrate software with embedded hardware.
• Strong engineering background with the ability to analyze complex technical problems and propose effective solutions.
• Experience with release processes, formal code reviews, and walking through workflow and process steps in a structured development environment.
• Programming expertise primarily in C for embedded systems, with C preferred over C++ for low-level implementation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with CAN analysis tools such as Vector CANalyzer, CANape, and CANoe.
• Familiarity with debuggers and emulators for ARM-based processors and other embedded architectures.
• Familiarity with wireless certification requirements for Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, and ISM bands, including experience navigating certification processes.
• Experience or familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink model-based code development and integration into embedded software.
• Experience with wireless and networking implementations in embedded and IoT environments.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• High level of motivation with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment and work independently to achieve results.
• Experience in cloud-connected and IoT systems, including connected device architectures and data flows.
• Experience in both sustaining engineering for existing products and new product development (NPD) initiatives.

Work Environment

You work in a modern engineering environment focused on embedded and IoT solutions, where devices are connected to cloud-based systems and operate within an Internet of Things ecosystem. The role typically involves spending about three days per week onsite in a lab environment, with some flexibility in scheduling. In the lab, you use oscilloscopes, debuggers, emulators, and other diagnostic equipment to develop, test, and validate embedded controllers and wireless devices. The environment supports both sustaining engineering for existing products and new product development (NPD), offering exposure to the full product lifecycle from concept through production. You collaborate closely with hardware and software teams in a technically rigorous setting that emphasizes strong engineering fundamentals, structured release processes, and formal code reviews. The culture encourages teamwork, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing, while also supporting independent work to drive results in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $98900.00 - $125600.00/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.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Milwaukee, 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.