Freelance Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

This role focuses on developing next-generation embedded Linux software for advanced submarine acoustic systems and newly designed hardware platforms. You will work on a cutting-edge, multi-year initiative that supports advanced defense systems, with a strong emphasis on Linux kernel development, hardware/software integration, and device driver implementation. The position offers the opportunity to lead technical discussions, influence system architecture, and build a significant amount of new software from the ground up.

• Lead or contribute to the design and development of Linux kernel components and device drivers for custom embedded hardware platforms.
• Write, review, and maintain high-quality code in C and C++ for embedded Linux applications and system components.
• Develop and maintain scripts in Bash and Python to support development, integration, testing, and automation tasks.
• Integrate and debug Linux operating systems on embedded systems, ensuring reliable operation on custom hardware.
• Collaborate closely with hardware engineering teams to ensure seamless software and hardware integration throughout the development lifecycle.
• Perform software testing, validation, and long-term maintenance of embedded systems to ensure performance, reliability, and stability.
• Support system bring-up activities on new hardware platforms, including low-level troubleshooting and configuration.
• Participate in system-level architectural decisions and contribute to the overall design of embedded software solutions.
• Lead or support technical discussions within the team and assist with task allocation for new hardware requirements and associated software development.
• Contribute to a substantial amount of new software development, with more than half of the codebase being developed from scratch for the program.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years of experience working with Linux operating systems, including kernel-level development.
• Hands-on experience developing Linux kernel components, modules, and device drivers.
• Proficiency in programming with C and C++ for embedded Linux environments.
• Proficiency with Bash and Python for scripting and automation in Linux environments.
• Strong understanding of operating system internals, particularly in Linux.
• Experience with embedded Linux development, including integration, debugging, and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of networking concepts such as Ethernet, TCP/IP, and IPv6 in the context of embedded systems.
• Ability to provide technical leadership in areas such as Linux kernel development, integration, debugging, and troubleshooting.
• Eligibility to obtain a US Secret Clearance.

• Familiarity with embedded hardware platforms and embedded system design.
• Demonstrated ability in Linux integration and debugging on embedded systems.
• Prior experience working on defense or aerospace embedded systems.
• Experience with real-time systems and performance optimization in embedded environments.
• Familiarity with Git for version control and CI/CD pipelines as part of modern development workflows.
• Experience working in an Agile development environment.
• Experience working at the Linux command line using Bash or Python for development and operations tasks.
• Comfort leading or contributing to technical discussions and collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams.

This position is 100% on-site in a laboratory environment dedicated to advanced submarine electronic systems and high-performance computing. You will work in the ARCI Lab in Manassas alongside a diverse group of engineers and integrators from multiple organizations who collaborate on shared platforms. The environment is highly technical and collaborative, with direct access to embedded hardware, Linux-based systems, and associated test equipment. Work is focused on hands-on development, integration, and troubleshooting of embedded Linux software on custom hardware platforms in a secure, lab-based setting.

This is a Contract position based out of Manassas, VA.

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

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 Manassas,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.