Embedded software engineer

Exciting Embedded Opportunity Supporting UAV Technology at a Top Aerospace Company!!

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced embedded software engineer to join our R&D division, focusing on advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for defense and national security applications. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in embedded systems, PCB design, and electrical integration for UAV platforms. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team developing next-generation UAS technologies for DoD, government, and industry customers. The role demands independence, engineering rigor, compliance, and adherence to project timelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and testing of embedded electrical systems for UAVs, including power systems, flight control interfaces, sensor integration, and RF communications.

• Design schematics and multi-layer PCBs using tools such as Altium Designer, Mentor Graphics, or KiCad, ensuring adherence to MIL-STD and IPC standards where applicable.

• Develop, test, and optimize embedded firmware for microcontrollers (e.g., STM32, ARM Cortex-M) and interface with flight-critical subsystems.

• Perform system integration and hardware bring-up of custom avionics, including debugging with lab tools (oscilloscope, logic analyzer, JTAG/SWD).

• Participate in requirements definition, design reviews, and documentation in accordance with government contracting and quality assurance processes.

• Support field testing and validation of UAV systems, including pre-mission electrical checks and post-flight diagnostics.

• Collaborate closely with mechanical, software, and systems engineering teams to ensure cohesive platform integration.

• Contribute to internal technology development initiatives and proof-of-concept prototypes for future programs.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in Embedded C/C++

• PCB schematic capture and layout, including high-speed and mixed-signal design

• Familiarity with sensor integration, GPS/GNSS, IMUs, and RF communications (e.g., telemetry, command and control links)

• Experience with electrical design validation, environmental testing, and reliability engineering in aerospace/defense contexts

• Eligible for secret clearance

• Experience with open-source flight stacks, such as ArduPilot and PX4

• Knowledge of RTOS, DO-160, RF systems, and MBSE

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Active experience with open-source flight stacks (PX4, ArduPilot, LibrePilot, Dronecode)

• Knowledge of RTOS-based embedded architectures or bare-metal development

• Exposure to MIL-STD DO-160

• Experience in RF Systems, power electronics, or signal processing

• Familiarity with Model Based Systems Engineering - MBSE tools and workflow

Work Environment

This role requires working on-site with some hybrid flexibility at our facility on Leeman Ferry Road. You will join a collaborative environment with a small team of varying experiences, providing an opportunity to take ownership of ideas and work. The environment is structured yet innovative, offering exposure to cutting-edge UAV technology. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities and contribute to both short-cycle prototyping and long-term R&D initiatives across multiple applications.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Huntsville, Alabama.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $55.00/hr.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Huntsville,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 28, 2025.

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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.