Software Engineer

Embedded Software Engineer – Safety-Critical Avionics

This role focuses on developing and verifying embedded software in C for safety-critical avionics systems in compliance with DO-178 standards. You will work across the full software lifecycle, from requirements through verification and certification, ensuring that all software meets rigorous safety and airworthiness standards for aviation, space, and defense applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and verify embedded software in C for safety-critical avionics systems.
• Execute DO-178 (DAL A–C) compliant software development and verification activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Create, review, and manage software requirements using DOORS to ensure traceability and completeness.
• Develop and execute software test cases and test procedures aligned with both high-level and low-level requirements.
• Perform structural coverage analysis, including Statement, Decision, and MC/DC coverage as applicable.
• Analyze test results, identify defects, and support issue resolution through thorough root cause analysis.
• Prepare and maintain software development and verification artifacts to support certification activities.
• Support internal and external audits by providing compliant documentation and evidence of DO-178 process adherence.
• Collaborate closely with systems, test, and certification teams to ensure alignment and consistency across the full software lifecycle.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of processes, tools, and practices for safety-critical software development and verification.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of professional software engineering experience.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience working under DO-178 guidelines.
• At least 3 years of experience performing structural coverage analysis, including Statement, Decision, and MC/DC where applicable.
• At least 3 years of experience developing and executing software test cases and test procedures.
• Strong proficiency in DOORS (self-assessed at 8/10 level).
• Strong proficiency in the C programming language (self-assessed at 8/10 level).
• Proven ability to work within a safety-critical software development environment and follow rigorous processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for interpreting test results and conducting root cause analysis.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams across systems, test, and certification disciplines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with avionics platforms or other flight-critical systems.
• Familiarity with test and verification tools such as VectorCAST, LDRA, or similar solutions.
• Experience supporting FAA or EASA certification activities and audits.
• Strong understanding of the full V-model software development lifecycle.
• Experience working on safety-critical programs in aviation, space, or defense domains.
• Comfort working with complex requirements and maintaining traceability in DOORS.

This is an onsite role based at the company's headquarters in Phoenix, AZ. You will work in a professional engineering environment focused on safety-critical embedded software for aviation, space, and defense programs. The team collaborates closely across systems, software, test, and certification disciplines, using tools such as DOORS and industry-standard test and coverage tools to support DO-178 compliant development. The culture emphasizes rigorous engineering practices, high-quality documentation, and close coordination to meet demanding certification and airworthiness standards.

This is a Contract position based out of Phoenix, AZ.

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $60.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Phoenix,AZ.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 8, 2026.

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 process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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.

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.

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.