Contract Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer

Job Description

An exciting opportunity awaits an Embedded Software Engineer to join our mission-critical RF programs. This role involves developing and integrating C++ embedded software on real-time operating systems such as Linux within an Agile, lab-based engineering environment. You will be engaged in the full software lifecycle, from requirements gathering to design, coding, testing, and hardware integration, working collaboratively with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver high-reliability defense systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate embedded software using C++ on real-time operating systems.
• Engage in the full software lifecycle, including requirements, design, coding, testing, and hardware integration.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure high-reliability defense systems.
• Conduct on-target lab testing and debugging.
• Utilize Agile workflows and tools such as Jira and Git.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of experience, Master’s with 6 years, or equivalent experience.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and object-oriented programming.
• Experience developing embedded software on Linux or other RTOS.
• Hands-on experience in a lab environment for testing, debugging, and integrating software on hardware.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and tools like Jira, Git, or similar.
• Scripting experience in languages such as Python or Bash.
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a Secret clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with C++11.
• Strong debugging and integration skills on embedded targets.
• Experience with multi-threaded or distributed embedded systems.
• Active Secret clearance is preferred.
• Experience with SPs or ARM cores embedded in FPGAs/SoCs.

This is a Contract position based out of Schaumburg, IL.

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $75.00/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 Schaumburg,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 2026.

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.