Embedded EngineerThe Firmware Engineer designs, develops, and tests embedded software for advanced aerospace and defense systems, ensuring high reliability, performance, and compliance with industry standards. This role focuses on developing efficient firmware in C and related languages for microcontrollers and embedded systems, collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver robust, production-ready solutions. The position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge spaceflight and valve control technologies while contributing directly to products used in space launch vehicles and satellite applications.Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and test embedded software, including performing requirements analysis, architecture design, implementation, and integration for embedded systems.
- Write efficient, reliable, and maintainable code in languages such as C, C++, C#, and Python for microcontroller-based and bare-metal embedded applications.
- Debug software and firmware issues using a variety of tools and techniques, including JTAG, emulators, and other embedded debugging tools.
- Develop and execute software verification and validation plans, including unit testing, integration testing, and system testing, to ensure robust and reliable performance.
- Create, execute, and maintain software tests to validate functionality, performance, and compliance with specifications and standards.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineering, systems engineering, and test engineering, to ensure software compatibility, seamless system integration, and effective problem resolution.
- Collaborate with engineers and technicians in a laboratory environment to bring up hardware, integrate firmware, and troubleshoot system-level issues.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation, including software design documents, test plans, user manuals, and other technical records.
- Manage software configuration using version control systems to ensure traceability, reproducibility, and controlled releases.
- Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations, including DO-178C and DO-254, and apply formal Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) processes.
- Apply software architecture and design best practices to create modular, scalable, and maintainable embedded software solutions.
- Perform code optimization and profiling to improve performance, resource utilization, and reliability of embedded applications.
- Follow and apply coding standards such as MISRA C and use code coverage and analysis tools to improve software quality.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of development processes, tools, and practices within the engineering team.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
- Development experience using C for embedded application development.
- Strong debugging and analysis skills for embedded systems and firmware.
- Experience developing software using a formal Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) process.
- Strong documentation and technical writing skills for design, test, and user documentation.
- Experience developing software tests and performing software verification and validation.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
- Familiarity with microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), and assembly language.
- Experience debugging embedded systems using tools such as JTAG and emulators.
- Software architecture and design experience for embedded or firmware systems.
- Experience in code optimization and profiling for performance and resource efficiency.
- Familiarity with coding standards such as MISRA C.
- Familiarity with code coverage and analysis tools such as Coverity and LDRA.
- Ability to work closely with a team of engineers and technicians and operate comfortably in a laboratory environment.
- Depending on level, 2+ to 7+ years of relevant embedded software or firmware development experience.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with C++, C#, and Python in addition to C for embedded or support tooling.
- Hands-on experience with bare-metal embedded systems and process peripherals such as communications interfaces and low-level hardware control.
- Knowledge of embedded C best practices and experience with embedded system constraints such as memory, timing, and real-time behavior.
- Experience working in regulated or safety-critical environments, particularly with standards such as DO-178C and DO-254.
- Exposure to aerospace, defense, spaceflight, or related high-reliability applications.
- Experience collaborating in cross-functional engineering teams spanning hardware, systems, and test disciplines.
- Interest in contributing to products used in space launch vehicles and small satellite (CubeSat) applications.
- Motivation to grow within a rapidly expanding technology organization and take on increasing levels of responsibility over time.
Work EnvironmentThis role is fully on-site at the Parsippany office, following a standard schedule of five days per week at eight hours per day with no remote or hybrid flexibility. The work takes place in a laboratory and office environment, where the Firmware Engineer collaborates closely with engineers and technicians, works directly with embedded hardware, and uses tools such as JTAG, emulators, and various test and measurement equipment. The organization is a fast-growing aerospace company working extensively with major space and defense partners and is at the forefront of its technology, offering the opportunity to see the direct impact of your work on the business and on deployed systems. The company has been recognized as a top workplace and provides flexible work schedule options, including a compressed workweek of four 10-hour days from Monday to Thursday with Fridays off, or four 9-hour days from Monday to Thursday with a 4-hour day on Friday ending at noon. The culture emphasizes innovation, growth, and high performance, with significant hiring and advancement opportunities for engineers who want to contribute to cutting-edge spaceflight and valve technologies. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $60.00 - $100.00/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 & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 26, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Parsippany-Troy Hills,NJ.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.
