Senior Software Engineer

Job Title: Sr Software Engineer

Job Description

This Sr Software Engineer role serves as the technical lead for advanced undersea acoustics software projects, with a strong focus on embedded and Linux-based systems. You will drive project planning, architecture, detailed design, and hands-on implementation to deliver robust, production-ready software. In addition to core development, you will integrate software products into larger, complex systems, design secure interfaces, support containerized deployments, contribute to cybersecurity compliance efforts, and ensure interoperability with external systems built by other integrators.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small software team, providing technical direction across architecture, project planning, implementation strategy, detailed development, testing, and deployment.
• Own the end-to-end software development lifecycle for advanced undersea acoustics projects, from requirements analysis through delivery of production-ready solutions.
• Collaborate closely with hardware, FPGA, and test teams to achieve effective system-level integration of embedded and software-defined subsystems.
• Work with project leadership to plan sprints, define milestones, track execution, and participate in cross-functional coordination using both Agile and Waterfall methodologies.
• Design and implement secure software interfaces for integration with external systems and third-party platforms, ensuring reliability and interoperability.
• Apply cybersecurity principles aligned with CMMC and NIST 800-218 frameworks, including secure design approaches, performance monitoring, and fault location techniques.
• Participate in and lead code reviews, design discussions, and technical troubleshooting to maintain high software quality and performance.
• Develop and maintain embedded software in C and C++ for Red Hat and embedded Linux environments, ensuring deterministic behavior and reliability.
• Collaborate with customers as a technical lead and primary software interface, translating requirements into technical solutions and providing clear communication on progress and issues.
• Contribute to DevOps and CI/CD practices, supporting automated builds, tests, and containerized deployments for embedded software.
• Support system-level integration testing and software-quality assurance processes to validate functionality, security, and performance.
• Document designs, interfaces, and implementation details clearly and thoroughly for both engineering teams and non-technical stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of professional software development experience.
• Expert-level proficiency in C and C++ (C++11 or newer) for embedded and systems-level software.
• Strong Python skills for scripting, tooling, and test automation.
• Proven expertise with Red Hat Linux and embedded Linux environments.
• Experience with at least one of the following: real-time systems including RTOS design, deterministic scheduling, and latency analysis; or bare-metal firmware development including low-level driver development and hardware bring-up.
• BG in systems integration, collaborating with hardware, FPGA, and software teams to embed subsystems into larger networked or software-defined platforms.
• Experience acting as a people manager or technical lead for a software team, including customer-facing technical leadership.
• Familiarity with both Agile and Waterfall project management approaches and the ability to operate effectively within each.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to both engineering and non-technical audiences.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience implementing modern DevOps and CI/CD pipelines using tools such as GitLab CI, Jenkins, or GitHub Actions.
• Experience with containerization and orchestration technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes for embedded-software builds and tests.
• Knowledge of secure coding practices and software-quality assurance processes, including system-level integration testing.
• Experience with system-on-chip (SoC) architectures, especially designs involving shared memory or tight CPUFPGA interaction.
• Familiarity with CMMC or NIST 800-218 cybersecurity frameworks and experience contributing to compliance efforts in regulated software environments.
• Experience developing software for defense-related or DoD projects.
• Prior exposure to undersea acoustics, sonar, or related signal-processing domains is a strong plus.
• BG in performance monitoring, fault location, and diagnostic techniques in complex embedded or distributed systems.

Work Environment

The role is based in a collaborative environment with a relaxed, supportive company culture that encourages initiative and ownership. You will not be working in a startup, but you will have the opportunity to wear many hats and influence architecture, implementation, and process. The team embraces modern DevOps tooling, containerization, and embedded Linux technologies, and you will work closely with hardware, FPGA, and test engineers on integrated systems. The location offers convenient access to coastal amenities, being only a few minutes from the beach. The organization provides attractive benefits, including a 401(k) plan with a 4% contribution that does not require employee matching and a bonus structure with 710% potential, creating a stable yet dynamic environment where technical excellence is highly valued.

This is a Permanent position based out of Goleta, CA.

The pay range for this position is $155000.00 - $200000.00/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.

3% 401(k) company contribution (no match required). Additional bonus contribution to 401(k): Discretionary employer contribution historically averaging approximately 7% of eligible compensation, with actual contributions varying annually. Medical, dental, and vision insurance. Life insurance, paid vacation, and sick leave. Professional development and training opportunities. Supportive, inclusive work environment with active investment in employee growth.

This is a Permanent position based out of Goleta, CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 12, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Goleta,CA.

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 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.