Job Title: Senior Embedded Software EngineerJob DescriptionThis Senior Embedded Software Engineer role focuses on the architecture, development, integration, and testing of advanced communication, control, and safety software for complex High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon systems and innovative space technologies. You will work across the full software stack, from embedded real-time controls and hardware interfaces to operator interfaces and mission-level graphical user interfaces (GUIs). The position is ideal for a versatile engineer with strong software fundamentals, experience in safety-critical systems, and a structured approach to testing, who thrives in a fast-paced defense and aerospace environment and is comfortable using modern AI-assisted development tools while maintaining rigorous technical judgment.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of advanced communication, control, and safety software for High Energy Laser weapon systems.
- Design, develop, integrate, and test software across embedded, middleware, backend, and GUI application layers.
- Design, develop, test, and validate software and interface specifications for complex systems.
- Develop embedded control software for real-time hardware interaction and system-level control.
- Design and implement operator interfaces, mission displays, and visualization tools for mission operations.
- Develop software architectures that support modularity, scalability, maintainability, and mission reliability.
- Integrate software with sensors, tracking systems, beam control systems, and weapon subsystems.
- Support real-time communications, hardware interfaces, and distributed system architectures.
- Participate in system integration, hardware/software integration, and field testing activities.
- Conduct software verification, validation, debugging, and performance optimization for high-reliability systems.
- Perform software safety analyses and participate in software safety reviews for mission-critical systems.
- Ensure software compliance with Government Information Assurance (IA), cybersecurity, and system sanitization requirements for operation on classified and tactical Command and Control (C2) networks.
- Utilize AI-assisted development tools to improve productivity while critically evaluating generated code for correctness, efficiency, security, safety, and maintainability.
- Develop and maintain software documentation, interface definitions, test procedures, and technical data packages.
- Collaborate closely with systems, electrical, optical, and controls engineering teams in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Support Agile development activities, including sprint planning, design reviews, and technical interchange meetings.
- Mentor junior software engineers and contribute to internal software engineering best practices and standards.
- Support proposal development and advanced technology initiatives related to Directed Energy and space systems.
- Support software deployment and accreditation activities within classified and secure operational environments.
- Develop and maintain software architectures that support secure communications, data handling, and operational security requirements.
- Participate in cybersecurity assessments, vulnerability mitigation efforts, and Authority to Operate (ATO) support activities.
- Support software sanitization, media handling, and cross-domain security requirements for government systems.
- Own projects from concept through deployment, taking responsibility for technical quality, schedule, and integration outcomes.
- Apply a rigorous, structured approach to testing to ensure reliability, safety, and performance of embedded and real-time systems.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 8+ years of software engineering experience supporting complex technical systems.
- Strong experience developing software in C and C++ in embedded environments.
- 5+ years of experience owning embedded software projects from start to finish, with strong C/C++ skills in real-time contexts.
- Experience developing both GUI applications and embedded real-time software.
- Experience with real-time and control systems, including latency-sensitive applications or tracker systems.
- Experience supporting hardware/software integration and controls software development.
- Experience designing distributed or modular software architectures for complex systems.
- Experience with multithreaded and real-time software systems.
- Experience conducting software safety reviews and supporting safety-critical systems.
- Familiarity with the full software development lifecycle, testing methodologies, and configuration management practices.
- Experience integrating software with hardware devices, sensors, or weapon system components.
- Familiarity with Linux and/or embedded operating systems, including RTOS environments.
- Ability to evaluate software quality, maintainability, security, and performance in complex systems.
- Experience using modern AI-assisted software development tools and workflows, such as AI coding assistants.
- Experience supporting software systems operating on government Command and Control (C2) networks and within classified environments.
- Familiarity with Government Information Assurance (IA) and cybersecurity requirements for weapon or mission-critical systems.
- Experience implementing or supporting system sanitization and secure data handling procedures.
- Understanding of secure software development practices and cybersecurity compliance requirements.
- Familiarity with RMF (Risk Management Framework), STIGs, and secure deployment processes for weapon or mission systems.
- Experience supporting software accreditation, security reviews, or Authority to Operate (ATO) activities.
- Strong debugging, troubleshooting, and analytical problem-solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and cross-functional collaboration.
- Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
- Hands-on experience with RTOS platforms such as FreeRTOS or similar.
- Experience with microcontroller-based development, including platforms such as STM32 or comparable embedded systems.
- Familiarity with tools and processes used in AI, Jira, RMF, and related secure software development workflows.
- Experience working with laser or directed energy-related software or control systems.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Masters degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
- Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
- Experience supporting Directed Energy, aerospace, defense, or military systems.
- Familiarity with VHDL or Verilog development for FPGA-based systems.
- Experience with embedded C/C++ firmware development using microcontroller platforms such as STM32 and RTOS environments such as FreeRTOS.
- Experience with Python, Rust, and other high-level programming languages.
- Rust experience and interest in leading migration efforts toward Rust-based embedded or systems software.
- Experience with Docker containers and containerized software deployment.
- Experience with control algorithms and control systems design.
- Experience with ruggedized electronics and environmental qualification testing.
- Experience with cable and harness design for aerospace or defense systems.
- Familiarity with open systems architectures such as MOSA and SOSA.
- Experience operating within classified government network environments such as secure tactical networks.
- Familiarity with Department of Defense cybersecurity policies and classified system handling procedures.
- Experience supporting secure tactical communications or weapon system software deployments.
- Experience supporting prototyping and low-rate production environments.
- Some background in PCB or board design for embedded systems.
- Openness to AI-assisted development tools and workflows for code generation and analysis.
- background in defense, commercial aerospace, automotive controls, or commercial space, with experience that translates well to mission-critical embedded systems.
- Experience with Agile development methodologies and tools such as Jira.
- Experience with Zephyr or similar embedded operating systems.
Work EnvironmentThis is a full-time, on-site role in a collaborative engineering environment, with work performed on-site five days a week, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with some flexibility provided as needed. Approximately 75% of the role involves hands-on technical work and 25% involves leadership responsibilities, including mentoring, architecture ownership, and participation in reviews. You will work closely with systems, electrical, optical, and controls engineers on advanced High Energy Laser and space technology programs, using technologies such as C/C++, embedded Linux, RTOS platforms like FreeRTOS or Zephyr, microcontrollers such as STM32, AI-assisted development tools, and secure development frameworks aligned with RMF and IA requirements. The culture emphasizes innovation in space and directed energy technologies, collaboration, continuous learning, and a strong focus on safety and cybersecurity. The organization offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including 401(k) matching, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, health savings account options, life insurance, generous paid time off, relocation assistance for qualified candidates moving to the Las Vegas area, and tuition reimbursement to support continued education and skill development. The dress code is casual, allowing attire such as jeans and polo shirts while maintaining a professional and respectful workplace environment. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Madison, AL. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $215000.00/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.- Theopportunitytoworkoninnovativespacetechnologiesandmakeameaningfulimpact.
- Acollaborativeandsupportiveenvironmentthatvaluesgrowth,creativity,andwell-being.
- Acompetitivesalaryandcomprehensivebenefitspackage,including:
- 401(k)Matching:Investinyourfuturewithourgenerousretirementplan.
- Healthcare:Robustmedical,dental,andvisionplansforyouandyourfamily.
- HSA:Supportforhealth-relatedexpenses.
- LifeInsurance:Comprehensivecoverageforpeaceofmind.
- PaidTimeOff:GenerousPTOpoliciestomaintainwork-lifebalance.
- RelocationAssistance:SupportforqualifiedcandidatesmovingtoLasVegas.
- TuitionReimbursement:Opportunitiesforcontinuededucationandskilldevelopment. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Madison, AL. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Madison,AL.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.
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