Contract Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Location: Milwaukee, WI (Hybrid)

A growing technology organization is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to lead a team developing complex embedded software applications and real-time systems. This position is responsible for software architecture, development, verification, project execution, and process compliance across the full software development lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of technical leadership, embedded software expertise, and people management experience. This role will oversee a team of software engineers while partnering with systems, hardware, and cross-functional engineering groups to deliver high-quality software products on schedule and within budget.

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of software engineers.
• Lead software development efforts from architecture through verification and release.
• Ensure compliance with established software development processes and quality standards.
• Develop and maintain project plans in collaboration with engineering leadership.
• Coordinate activities across software, systems, hardware, and quality teams.
• Support customer reviews, technical milestones, and product release activities.
• Drive on-time and on-budget execution of engineering work packages.
• Develop technical approaches, project plans, and engineering estimates for new programs and proposals.
• Promote Agile software development best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of engineering experience, including embedded software development.
• 3+ years of software leadership, supervisory, or management experience.
• Experience leading software teams responsible for complex embedded systems.
• Strong understanding of Agile software development methodologies.
• Proficiency in C and/or C++.
• Experience developing software for real-time embedded systems.
• Familiarity with structured software development processes, software verification, and quality requirements.
• Experience using project management and development tools such as Azure DevOps, Jira, or similar platforms.
• Strong communication, leadership, and project planning skills.

• Experience working in regulated or safety-critical product development environments.
• Experience managing cross-functional engineering programs.
• Familiarity with requirements management tools such as DOORS or equivalent systems.
• Experience with continuous integration, automated builds, and software metrics.
• Background working with hardware/software integrated products.
• Experience supporting customer-facing technical reviews and program execution.

This opportunity is well suited for a technical leader who has managed embedded software teams and remains comfortable discussing architecture, software design, and real-time systems. Candidates with backgrounds in industrial controls, vehicle systems, medical devices, embedded electronics, automation, telecommunications, defense, or other complex embedded environments are encouraged to apply.

• Competitive compensation package.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development assistance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Collaborative engineering environment with opportunities for career growth and leadership development.

This is a Permanent position based out of Oak Creek, WI.

The pay range for this position is $145000.00 - $165000.00/yr.

Benefits Competitive compensation package. Medical, dental, and vision insurance. 401(k) with company match. Paid time off and paid holidays. Tuition reimbursement and professional development assistance. Life and disability insurance. Employee assistance programs. Collaborative engineering environment with opportunities for career growth and leadership development.

This is a fully onsite position in Oak Creek,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 3, 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.

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