Embedded Software Engineer

Job Title: Embedded Software EngineerJob Description
This role focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining low-level embedded software for mission systems applications in the aviation, space, and defense domains. You will work closely with hardware platforms and avionics subsystems to deliver safety-critical solutions that meet rigorous certification standards such as DO-178B and DO-178C. The position offers the opportunity to contribute across the full software lifecycle, from requirements analysis through verification and validation, while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Responsibilities
Design, develop, and maintain low-level embedded software for mission systems applications.
Interface directly with hardware platforms and avionics subsystems to implement and support embedded solutions.
Support software integration activities, including bringing up new hardware, integrating software components, and resolving integration issues.
Perform detailed software debugging to identify, analyze, and resolve defects and performance issues.
Collaborate closely with systems, hardware, and test engineering teams to ensure cohesive and robust system designs.
Participate in requirements analysis to understand, refine, and decompose system and software requirements.
Implement software features and components in C and/or C++ in accordance with project and industry standards.
Contribute to verification and validation efforts, including test planning, test execution, and documentation of results.
Support DO-178B and DO-178C certification activities and software lifecycle processes for safety-critical applications.
Troubleshoot hardware and software integration issues throughout the development lifecycle.
Work with avionics communication interfaces such as ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, Ethernet, or serial interfaces when applicable.
Assist in maintaining compliance with systems safety, avionics certification, and airworthiness requirements.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field.
Minimum 1 year of embedded software development experience.
Minimum 1 year of experience with low-level embedded software development.
Minimum 1 year of experience developing software in C and/or C++.
Demonstrated experience with Design Assurance Level (DAL) A or DAL B safety-critical software.
Minimum 1 year of experience supporting software development under DO-178B or DO-178C standards.
Minimum 1 year of experience performing software integration and debugging activities.
Minimum 1 year of experience working directly with hardware interfaces and embedded systems.
Ability to work effectively with mission systems and avionics subsystems.
Strong debugging skills for low-level embedded software and hardware interactions.
Comfort working in a structured, safety-critical software lifecycle environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Ability to support periodic travel or rotational onsite work in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Experience in aerospace, avionics, or defense industry environments.
Experience supporting mission systems applications.
Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks or Green Hills Integrity.
Experience with Board Support Packages (BSPs).
Device driver development experience for embedded platforms.
Experience with avionics communication protocols such as ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, Ethernet, or serial interfaces.
Experience supporting safety-critical software development beyond minimum requirements.
Active security clearance or the ability to obtain one, where applicable.
Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work in multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Clear written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and cross-team coordination.
Work Environment
The role offers a hybrid work model centered around Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A typical hybrid arrangement may include two weeks working remotely followed by two weeks onsite in Cedar Rapids, providing a balance between in-person collaboration and remote flexibility. A fully onsite option is also available, with work performed on location in Cedar Rapids five days per week. Fully remote arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on project needs and candidate suitability. You will work in a safety-critical, engineering-focused environment that emphasizes avionics certification, systems safety, and airworthiness compliance. The work involves close interaction with hardware platforms, avionics subsystems, and embedded development tools, as well as collaboration with systems, hardware, and test engineering teams. The culture values technical excellence, rigorous engineering practices, and long-term partnerships across aviation, space, and defense programs.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Phoenix, AZ.
Pay And Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Phoenix, AZ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 4, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully remote position.
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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.

Work arrangement
Yes