Job Title: Embedded Software EngineerJob DescriptionThe Embedded Software Engineer designs, implements, and certifies flight control software for a spaceflight vehicle. This role focuses on developing safety-critical embedded software with rigorous traceability, thorough review, and comprehensive verification in support of an advanced space plane program.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement embedded flight control software for a spaceflight vehicle using C and C++.
- Develop safety-critical software in accordance with DO-178 standards, ensuring full traceability from requirements through implementation and test.
- Participate in the certification of flight control software, including documentation, reviews, and compliance activities.
- Use Python to support software development tasks such as scripting, testing, automation, and tooling.
- Integrate and validate software on real-time operating systems (RTOS) used in flight control applications.
- Implement and troubleshoot communication protocols such as RS232, RS485, CAN, and Ethernet within the embedded software.
- Collaborate within an agile software engineering team to plan, develop, test, and deliver safety-critical features.
- Conduct code reviews, participate in design reviews, and contribute to continuous improvement of software quality and development processes.
- Support verification and validation activities, including unit, integration, and system-level testing of flight control software.
- Document software designs, interfaces, test procedures, and results to meet safety-critical and certification requirements.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Computer Science or a closely related field.
- Strong proficiency in C and C++ for embedded software development.
- Proficiency in Python for scripting, automation, or tooling in support of software development.
- Hands-on experience with safety-critical software development.
- Experience working with DO-178 or similar safety-critical software certification standards.
- Knowledge of real-time operating systems (RTOS) in the context of embedded and flight control applications.
- Experience with flight control software or similar control systems.
- Practical experience with communication protocols including RS232, RS485, CAN, and Ethernet.
- Ability to work effectively in an agile software engineering environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to software quality, traceability, and verification.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Degree in a related technical discipline such as Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering.
- Experience contributing to the development of complex aerospace or spaceflight systems.
- Familiarity with certification processes and documentation practices for safety-critical aerospace software.
- Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary teams that include systems, hardware, and test engineers.
- Interest in advancing next-generation spaceplane technologies and flight control systems.
Work EnvironmentYou will work in an agile software engineering team dedicated to safety-critical development for a spaceflight vehicle. The environment emphasizes collaboration, rigorous engineering practices, and adherence to DO-178 and related standards. The team works with embedded systems, real-time operating systems, and communication interfaces such as RS232, RS485, CAN, and Ethernet. The culture values precision, accountability, and continuous improvement while offering the opportunity to directly support the development of a next-generation space plane. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Tustin, CA. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $75.00 - $90.00/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 Tustin, CA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 24, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a hybrid position in Tustin,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 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.
