Software Engineer II Next-Generation Embedded & AI-Driven Platform Development Location: Irvine, CA (Hybrid)Start Date: ASAP Help Shape the Future of Connected Aviation Technology Join a global technology innovator that designs and delivers advanced connected solutions used by leading airlines around the world. With a strong legacy of engineering excellence and a focus on next-generation passenger experiences, this organization is investing heavily in modernizing its software ecosystem through cutting-edge technologies, cloud-native architectures, AI-assisted development, and advanced embedded platforms.As part of a high-visibility initiative, you'll help drive the evolution of a next-generation operating platform focused on scalability, observability, distributed communications, and intelligent software development practices. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects involving Rust, Digital Twin technologies, modern messaging frameworks, and AI-powered software engineering methodologies. About the OpportunityWe are seeking a talented Software Engineer with 3-5+ years of experience to support a strategic modernization effort focused on rebuilding core software infrastructure and embedded platform services.You will work with a highly collaborative engineering team developing advanced onboard software systems, distributed messaging architectures, and AI-enabled development workflows. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and wants to work with emerging technologies that are helping redefine the future of software development. What You'll Be Working On
- Contributing to a major software modernization initiative leveraging the latest platform architecture.
- Supporting the migration and development of software components in Rust.
- Designing and implementing distributed messaging solutions using technologies such as Zenoh.
- Applying AI-assisted development practices to accelerate software delivery and improve code quality.
- Supporting Digital Twin concepts and system state modeling initiatives.
- Building scalable, reliable, and observable embedded software solutions.
- Developing tools to visualize, monitor, troubleshoot, and validate system behavior and data flows.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and enhance embedded software solutions supporting platform services and onboard data distribution.
- Define and manage messaging topologies utilizing Zenoh and other distributed messaging technologies.
- Configure data routing, partitioning, and communication architectures for performance and reliability.
- Develop, integrate, test, debug, and optimize software components.
- Create tools for monitoring messaging infrastructure, telemetry, tracing, and system health.
- Review system designs, interfaces, integration strategies, and software architectures.
- Evaluate and improve AI-generated code, ensuring maintainability, performance, and security.
- Produce engineering documentation, diagrams, data models, and technical specifications.
- Participate in requirements analysis, verification, validation, and test planning activities.
- Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership when needed.
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams in an Agile development environment.
Qualifications
Required
- 3-5+ years of professional software development experience.
- Strong programming experience in Rust, Golang, or C++.
- Experience developing software within Linux-based environments.
- Knowledge of distributed systems, messaging architectures, and software integration.
- Experience with messaging technologies such as:
- Zenoh
- DDS
- MQTT
- Similar data-centric communication frameworks
- Strong debugging, testing, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving engineering environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience working in Agile/Scrum development environments.
- Familiarity with GitLab and CI/CD pipelines.
Preferred
- Hands-on experience with Rust development.
- Experience reviewing and improving AI-generated code.
- Understanding of AI-assisted software development workflows.
- Knowledge of Digital Twin technologies and system state modeling.
- Experience with Docker, containers, and virtualization.
- Knowledge of networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS, DNS, and DHCP.
- Familiarity with observability frameworks, telemetry, tracing, and metrics collection.
- Experience integrating legacy systems and software translation layers.
- Exposure to embedded or resource-constrained environments.
- Background in aviation, aerospace, or In-Flight Entertainment systems is a plus.
Why Join?
- Work on a highly visible software modernization program.
- Gain exposure to emerging technologies including Rust, AI-assisted engineering, Digital Twins, and advanced distributed messaging systems.
- Collaborate with industry-leading engineers solving complex real-world challenges.
- Influence the future architecture of critical software platforms used globally.
- Join an innovative engineering culture that embraces modern development methodologies and continuous learning.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Irvine, CA. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $70.00 - $85.00/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 Irvine, CA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 18, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Irvine,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.
