Software Development Engineer

Software Development Engineer

We are seeking a Software Development Engineer to design and maintain embedded Linux application software for our next-generation controller platform, while also supporting and sustaining legacy products built on Microchip PIC microcontrollers. This role bridges high-level application development with low-level hardware interfacing, working closely with Embedded Systems and Electrical Engineers to integrate hardware drivers, board-level firmware, and real-time control loops with the application layer.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain application software on embedded Linux platforms such as iMX8M Plus / Torizon OS.
• Implement cure execution engine, data logging, recipe/library management, and system diagnostics.
• Develop system services for USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and cloud connectivity.
• Implement user authentication, role-based access control, and device security.
• Support secure over-the-air (OTA) and offline (USB) software update mechanisms.
• Implement and tune PID control loops for thermal cure processes.
• Develop real-time or near-real-time control software with deterministic timing requirements.
• Apply industrial process control principles to composite repair heating applications.
• Ensure safe and reliable operation under fault conditions, including watchdogs, fail-safes, and alarm handling.
• Manage TCP/IP networking, HTTP/FTP services, and SMTP email notifications.
• Secure data export via USB and network.
• Provide remote diagnostics and telemetry.
• Integrate device management platform using pub/sub messaging and message broker architectures such as MQTT, AMQP, or similar.
• Maintain and troubleshoot bare-metal firmware on legacy controller products built on Microchip PIC microcontrollers (PIC16/PIC18/dsPIC).
• Diagnose and resolve field issues reported by customers.
• Port or bridge legacy functionality to the new embedded Linux platform where appropriate.
• Develop and execute unit, integration, and regression tests.
• Support compliance validation (UL, IEC, accessibility).
• Participate in milestone design reviews.
• Maintain software revision control (Git) and release documentation.

Essential Skills

• Strong proficiency in embedded Linux application development.
• Strong C programming skills, including experience with bare-metal microcontroller firmware.
• Experience interfacing with hardware peripherals via serial buses such as RS-232, RS-485, SPI, and I²C.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and hardware reference documentation.
• Experience with multi-threaded applications, IPC, and concurrency in resource-constrained environments.
• Familiarity with real-time or near-real-time control concepts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with ARM-based Linux SoMs such as NXP i.MX8.
• Experience with Microchip PIC microcontrollers, MPLAB X, XC8/XC16 compilers.
• Experience writing or modifying custom Linux device drivers and kernel modules.
• Experience working with ADCs, DACs, and signal conditioning for sensor integration.
• Hands-on experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG/SWD debug tools.
• Experience implementing and tuning PID control loops.
• Familiarity with industrial process control principles including thermal management and closed-loop control.
• Experience with safety-critical or regulated equipment software in fields such as aerospace, defense, or medical.
• Experience with HTML/CSS/JavaScript-based HMI development for embedded devices.
• Experience with Python scripting, test automation, and build tooling.
• Familiarity with containerized deployment using Docker on embedded Linux.
• Experience with OTA update frameworks such as OSTree.
• Familiarity with pub/sub messaging systems and message brokers like MQTT and RabbitMQ.
• Familiarity with role-based access control and secure boot / TPM integration.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG) and industrial human factors.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Seattle, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/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 Seattle, WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 27, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands.