Freelance Navy Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Software Engineer

Job Description

This Software Engineer role supports the Machinery Control Systems (MCS) branch for U.S. Navy LHA and LHD class ships. You will work on mission‑critical, custom software used to monitor and control shipboard machinery and systems. The software is highly specialized and non‑commercial, and you will receive comprehensive training on the system upon joining. This position is well suited for early‑career to mid‑level engineers seeking long‑term stability, exposure to defense programs, and hands‑on work with real operational systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and maintain machinery control software for Navy shipboard systems.
• Perform bug fixes, software enhancements, and system updates using tools such as Jira and Confluence.
• Support integration of software with shipboard hardware and I/O points, including sensors, valves, and controllers.
• Work with programmable control systems in VME or PLC‑type environments.
• Participate in software testing, validation, and troubleshooting activities to ensure reliable system performance.
• Support occasional shipboard testing and software installations on operational vessels.
• Collaborate closely with Navy engineers, technical leads, and program managers to clarify requirements and deliver solutions.
• Ensure cybersecurity considerations are incorporated throughout the software development lifecycle.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 2–5 years of professional software development experience.
• Experience with C# or comparable high‑level programming languages.
• Ability to obtain an Interim DoD Secret Clearance or currently hold a DoD Secret Clearance.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to analyze complex systems and issues.
• Willingness to learn and work with proprietary, highly specialized control systems.
• Comfort working in a secure, regulated environment with formal processes and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with real‑time or control‑oriented software environments.
• Experience working in Windows and/or Linux operating system environments.
• Understanding of basic networking concepts and communication protocols.
• Experience with PLC‑style systems or industrial control systems.
• Exposure to MATLAB or scripting languages for analysis, automation, or tooling.
• CompTIA Security+ certification or willingness to obtain this certification.
• Exposure to shipboard, industrial, or defense systems and environments.

Work Environment

You will work in a secure, regulated engineering environment focused on mission‑critical software for naval machinery control systems. The role involves a mix of office‑based software development and occasional on‑site shipboard testing and installations. You will use tools such as Jira and Confluence for tracking work and documentation, and you will develop and support software running in Windows and/or Linux environments, often interfacing with VME or PLC‑style control hardware and shipboard I/O devices. The position offers long‑term stability, exposure to defense programs, and the opportunity to see your software operate on real ships in operational settings.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Philadelphia, PA.

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $46.00/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 Philadelphia,PA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 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.