Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Ottawa, ON (NOW HIRING)

Actalent is seeking an...

Job Title: Software Engineer – Embedded Systems

Job Description

This role focuses on designing and implementing embedded software solutions for complex, multi-network communication systems used in large-scale naval programs. You will contribute to software architecture, develop and debug near real-time embedded applications, and collaborate closely with systems and hardware engineering teams. The position offers the opportunity to work on advanced communication technologies within a mission-critical defense environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop embedded software solutions that meet performance, reliability, and real-time requirements.
• Contribute to the definition and implementation of software architecture for complex embedded systems.
• Develop software that operates reliably in complex, multi-network environments integrating various communication protocols.
• Conduct independent research to identify and propose innovative solutions to technical challenges.
• Collaborate closely with systems and hardware engineering teams to resolve technical issues and ensure seamless system integration.
• Debug and troubleshoot embedded software issues in near real-time simulation environments.
• Prepare and deliver clear presentations and demonstrations of software features, system behavior, and technical findings to internal stakeholders.
• Ensure that implemented solutions align with project requirements, system constraints, and industry best practices.
• Document designs, implementation details, and test results to support ongoing development and maintenance.

Essential Skills

• At least 7 years of experience with modern C++ for embedded software development.
• At least 7 years of experience with embedded Linux and real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Strong experience with networking protocols, including TCP/IP, SIP, RTP, and VOIP.
• Proficiency in developing embedded software for complex, multi-network environments.
• Hands-on experience debugging embedded systems and resolving near real-time software issues.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with systems and hardware engineering teams on technical topics.
• Strong understanding of Linux-based embedded systems and associated development tools.
• Experience with REST APIs in the context of embedded or networked systems.
• Solid knowledge of embedded systems concepts, including real-time constraints, resource limitations, and hardware-software interaction.
• Currently hold or are eligible to obtain Level II (Secret) Security Clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with additional C++ libraries and frameworks for embedded systems.
• Familiarity with PJSIP C/C++ libraries for SIP and VOIP applications.
• Experience with TightVNC or similar remote desktop and visualization tools.
• Experience in software-defined radio (SDR) development or integration.
• Knowledge of ED137 interoperability standards for communication systems.
• Experience preparing technical presentations and demonstrations for internal or external stakeholders.
• Prior exposure to large-scale defense, naval, or communication system integration projects.

Work Environment

This role is primarily on site, with an expectation of working in the office 4–5 days per week. You will operate in a highly collaborative engineering environment, working closely with systems and hardware teams on advanced communication systems. The work involves modern embedded development tools, Linux-based platforms, real-time operating systems, and networking test setups that support near real-time simulation and validation. The environment emphasizes rigorous engineering practices, system reliability, and continuous collaboration to support mission-critical naval communication programs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Ottawa, ON.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $70.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ottawa,ON.

À propos d'Actalent

Actalent est un leader mondial dans les services d’ingénierie et de sciences ainsi que dans les solutions de talents. Nous aidons des entreprises visionnaires à faire progresser leurs initiatives d’ingénierie et de science grâce à l’accès à des experts spécialisés qui favorisent l’échelle, l’innovation et la rapidité de mise sur le marché. Avec un réseau de près de 20 000 consultants et 5 000 clients à travers les États-Unis, le Canada, l’Asie et l’Europe, Actalent dessert de nombreuses entreprises du Fortune 500. Nous sommes fiers d’être l’une des 500 meilleures firmes de conception de l’Engineering News-Record (ENR) pour nos services de conception en ingénierie et un lauréat du prix ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® tant pour le service client que pour les talents.

Actalent est un employeur souscrivant au principe de l’égalité des chances et accepte toutes les candidatures sans tenir compte de la race, du sexe, de l’âge, de la couleur, de la religion, des origines nationales, du statut d’ancien combattant, d’un handicap, de l’orientation sexuelle, de l’identité sexuelle, des renseignements génétiques ou de toute autre caractéristique protégée par la loi.

Si vous souhaitez faire une demande d’accommodement raisonnable, tel que la modification ou l’ajustement du processus de demande d’emploi ou d’entrevue à cause d’un handicap, veuillez envoyer un courriel à actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com pour connaître d’autres options d’accommodement.

Ordonnance sur l’égalité des chances de San Francisco:Conformément à l’Ordonnance sur l’égalité des chances de San Francisco, pour tous les postes situés dans la ville et le comté de San Francisco, nous examinerons les candidatures des personnes qualifiées ayant un casier judiciaire ou des antécédents criminels.

Utilisation de l’intelligence artificielle (IA):Nous pouvons utiliser l’intelligence artificielle (IA) pour soutenir certaines étapes de notre processus d’embauche, notamment la recherche, la présélection et l’évaluation des candidatures. L’IA aide à analyser les candidatures et les qualifications, mais les décisions finales sont prises par notre équipe de recrutement. En soumettant votre candidature, vous reconnaissez et acceptez que celle-ci puisse être examinée à l’aide d’outils d’IA.

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.

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.