Contract Embedded Software Jobs in Massachusetts

Embedded Software Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on building foundational real-time control applications that power advanced robotic platforms. You will work exclusively on C-based embedded development, creating low-level software that interfaces directly with Linux-based Industrial PCs (IPCs) and hardware components. This position is ideal for an embedded software engineer who enjoys deterministic, performance-critical programming and wants to see their code directly control high-speed automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain real-time control applications using pure C for embedded systems.
• Own the end-to-end integration of embedded software into Linux-based Industrial PC (IPC) infrastructure.
• Optimize system performance, memory management, and process execution for high-speed robotic applications.
• Collaborate closely with hardware engineers to define system requirements and support new board bring-up activities.
• Validate and integrate sensors and actuators to ensure reliable and precise hardware interaction.
• Lead and perform hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing to verify system behavior under realistic operating conditions.
• Apply rigorous operational excellence practices to ensure reliability, maintainability, and scalability of embedded software.
• Navigate ambiguous technical challenges and propose robust, long-term engineering solutions.
• Establish and uphold durable engineering standards, including coding guidelines, testing practices, and documentation.
• Use hardware-level debugging tools such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers to diagnose and resolve system issues.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 3–5+ years of hands-on experience in embedded software engineering.
• Expert-level proficiency in C and C++ programming for embedded systems.
• Strong experience with embedded C development and low-level software design.
• Deep understanding of real-time control systems and deterministic software behavior.
• Experience working in Linux environments and with IPC (Industrial PC) architectures.
• Proficiency with the full software development life cycle (SDLC), including version control using Git.
• Experience conducting effective code reviews to maintain code quality and consistency.
• Strong hardware-level debugging skills using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and similar tools.
• Ability to write clear technical specifications, design notes, and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in robotics, industrial automation, or medical device industries.
• Experience integrating embedded software with complex hardware systems and real-time control loops.
• Experience in sensor and actuator integration within embedded platforms.
• Strong written communication skills for documenting designs, requirements, and test results.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams, including hardware and systems engineers.
• Comfort working through ambiguous technical problems and defining scalable engineering patterns.

Work Environment

You will work in a technology-driven environment focused on advanced robotics and automation, where embedded software directly controls real-world systems. The role centers on Linux-based Industrial PCs, real-time control frameworks, and low-level C/C++ development in close collaboration with hardware teams. You can expect regular interaction with lab and test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) setups to validate and refine system performance. The culture emphasizes rigorous engineering practices, clear documentation, code quality, and continuous improvement, providing an environment where precise, performance-critical embedded software is highly valued.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of North Reading, MA.

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $80.00/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 North Reading,MA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 9, 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.