Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Worcester, MA

This role focuses on leading the migration of a Linux-based IoT gateway from Yocto 3.7 to Yocto 5.0 and supporting ongoing development and maintenance of the gateway platform. You will work as a hands-on, individual contributor within a small scrum team, taking ownership of kernel, BSP, driver, and application-level tasks. The gateway transfers data from fire alarm control panels to the cloud and central monitoring stations, using a Linux-based main processor and a microcontroller for the phone line interface, with Python and C applications communicating via MQTT.

Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to the migration of the embedded gateway BSP from Yocto 3.7 to Yocto 5.0, including kernel upgrades, layer updates, and recipe porting.
• Perform Linux kernel and driver development, including device tree modifications and BSP stabilization on the Yocto 5.0 platform.
• Build, configure, and validate embedded Linux images for the gateway hardware platform.
• Support porting and compilation of Python and C applications against the new Yocto 5.0 toolchain.
• Maintain and update existing Yocto layers, recipes, and build configurations to ensure a stable and secure platform.
• Develop, maintain, and debug gateway applications written in Python and C that communicate via MQTT.
• Support integration of applications with the updated Yocto 5.0 BSP and validate end-to-end gateway functionality from fire alarm control panels to cloud and monitoring stations.
• Contribute to resolving the existing development backlog, including addressing identified vulnerabilities and fixing bugs.
• Collaborate within an agile scrum team, participate in agile ceremonies, and contribute to sprint planning and technical reviews.
• Document technical decisions, migration progress, and known issues to support future redesign and continuous improvement.
• Work proactively and independently in a small, fast-moving team environment, adapting to changing project priorities and contributing from day one.

• Minimum of 7 years of embedded Linux development experience with strong hands-on Linux kernel, BSP, and driver development skills.
• Proven expertise with the Yocto Project / OpenEmbedded, including recipe authoring, layer creation, custom BSP development, and multi-version migration.
• Strong experience with Yocto-based BSP engineering, including kernel upgrades and image builds.
• Proficiency in Python for embedded application development and debugging.
• Proficiency in C for embedded application development, architecture, and debugging.
• Experience with device tree authoring and debugging for ARM-based platforms.
• Strong debugging skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve issues in own code as well as root-cause supplier firmware and third-party component problems.
• Experience with embedded Linux development for IoT gateway or similar devices.
• Hands-on experience with MQTT-based communication between applications.
• Experience working with microcontroller-based subsystems in conjunction with Linux-based main processors.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a small, fast-moving team while adapting to changing project priorities.

• Experience with Linux security concepts and technologies in embedded environments.
• Familiarity with TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and secure hardware integration.
• Background in IoT systems, including data transfer from field devices to cloud services and monitoring stations.
• Comfort working in an agile development environment with scrum-based processes.
• Strong written documentation skills for recording technical decisions, migration details, and known issues.
• Proactive, adaptable mindset with the ability to contribute quickly without extensive ramp-up time.

This position follows a hybrid work model, with three days per week onsite in the Boston/Westford, MA area and the remainder of the time working remotely. You will work as part of a small, collaborative scrum team focused on embedded software for fire and safety gateway products. The environment centers on embedded Linux and Yocto-based development, including kernel, BSP, driver, and application-level work. The technology stack includes Linux, Yocto, Python, C, MQTT, ARM-based platforms, and microcontrollers. The role offers a structured time-off program, including three weeks of paid time off and ten company holidays, and provides a professional, engineering-focused setting where you can work hands-on with modern embedded tools and technologies while contributing to critical fire and safety systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Westford, MA.

The pay range for this position is $75.00 - $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 hybrid position in Westford,MA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 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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