Embedded Software Engineer

Job Description

The Embedded Software Engineer plays a key role in developing payload software, external interfaces, and operating system deployments for space sensor payloads. This role focuses on deploying novel systems on size, weight, and power constrained computing hardware, enabling advanced processing where images are captured to deliver the best possible results to customers. You participate in the full software development lifecycle, from requirements generation through implementation, testing, deployment, and ongoing support, leveraging a strong foundation in Linux, real-time operating systems, fault-tolerant design, and device interface implementation. You join a highly capable team of engineers working on missions that are launched into space, contributing to spacecraft, precision payloads, and subsystems that support ambitious space missions ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security and defense initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of payload software for space sensor systems, ensuring reliable operation on constrained computing hardware.
• Design, implement, and maintain external interfaces and operating system deployments for embedded space applications.
• Participate in all phases of the software development lifecycle, including requirements generation, architecture and design, coding, unit and integration testing, deployment, and post-deployment support.
• Develop and optimize embedded software solutions for size, weight, and power constrained platforms used in space payloads.
• Leverage a deep understanding of Linux fundamentals to build robust, fault-tolerant systems suitable for space environments.
• Implement device interfaces and integrate hardware drivers to support sensors, optical systems, and other payload components.
• Work with real-time operating systems (RTOS) to meet timing, reliability, and performance requirements for mission-critical applications.
• Develop and maintain complex multi-threaded applications, ensuring correct synchronization, resource management, and performance.
• Use C and C++ for production-quality embedded software development and Python for scripting, testing, and automation tasks.
• Contribute to system deployment activities, including configuration, packaging, and integration with flight software and ground systems.
• Participate in testing and verification of software, including interface testing, timing analysis, and communications protocol validation.
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, sharing knowledge and learning from domain experts across optics, spacecraft, and payload systems.
• Support the development and refinement of image processing algorithms and on-board processing capabilities to deliver high-quality data products.
• Assist in building and using simulation infrastructure, such as Matlab or Python-based tools, to model system behavior and validate designs.
• Communicate clearly in writing and verbally with team members and stakeholders regarding requirements, design decisions, and test results.
• Regularly sit, use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and controls, and perform tasks requiring close, distance, peripheral, and depth vision, as well as the ability to focus.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of professional, full-time software engineering experience.
• Bachelors degree in computer science, computer engineering, or an equivalent discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience using C and C++ for production-style coding.
• At least 2 years of Python scripting experience.
• At least 5 years of professional experience working with Linux in a software engineering context.
• At least 5 years of experience developing complex multi-threaded applications.
• Strong proficiency in C and C++ for embedded and systems-level programming.
• Strong proficiency in Python for scripting, automation, and test development.
• Experience with Linux fundamentals, including system configuration, process management, and performance considerations.
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and their application in embedded or mission-critical systems.
• Experience with system deployment, including software packaging, configuration, and integration on embedded hardware.
• Experience with software testing, including unit, integration, and system-level testing of embedded software and interfaces.
• Experience implementing and working with hardware and software interfaces for devices and payload components.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with operating system deployment and hardware drivers, including implementation and integration of device interfaces.
• Exposure to hybrid C and Python workflows for testing and validation of embedded systems.
• Experience with interfaces, timing analysis, and communications protocols relevant to embedded and space systems.
• Exposure to or experience with FPGA interfaces and integration into embedded software architectures.
• Experience with image processing algorithms, particularly in the context of optical systems or space domain awareness.
• Experience building or using simulation infrastructure, such as Matlab or Python-based tools, to model and validate system behavior.
• Familiarity with optical systems, telescopes, or space domain awareness concepts is beneficial.
• Experience working on flight software, payload software, or other space-related systems is a plus.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance, particularly for candidates located in Tucson, AZ or Chantilly, VA, is highly desirable.
• Interest in and enthusiasm for space missions, including interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security or defense initiatives.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a team of highly skilled engineers and contribute to a learning-focused, mission-driven culture.

Work Environment

This role is fully remote, providing flexibility in where you work while contributing to missions that operate in space. You may need to travel up to approximately two weeks per quarter, so you should be comfortable with periodic business travel for team collaboration, testing, or program activities. You join a team of about 25 full-time engineers who are highly skilled in their respective domains and who actively learn from one another, working together to achieve shared mission goals. The environment is intellectually engaging and mission-focused, with work centered on spacecraft, precision payloads, optical systems, flight software, and related components that support ambitious space missions. You regularly work at a computer, using hands and fingers to operate a keyboard and controls, and perform tasks that rely on close, distance, peripheral, and depth vision, along with the ability to focus. The culture emphasizes collaboration, technical excellence, and the excitement of seeing your work launched into space.

This is a Contract position based out of Austin, TX.

The pay range for this position is $67.31 - $95.00/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)

This is a fully remote position.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 19, 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 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 applicantswith 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.