Freelance Robotics Software Engineer Jobs in Huntsville, AL

The Software Engineer III (Embedded) has the opportunity to develop a variety of innovative unmanned and robotic systems for multiple defense and commercial applications. The Embedded Software Engineer writes functional software for deployment on embedded devices and systems like aircraft and payloads and has the opportunity to test these devices in flight test environments. This role requires designing, developing, coding, testing, and debugging system software while analyzing and enhancing efficiency, stability, and scalability of the software on specific devices. The position involves full lifecycle development as well as utilizing existing software code bases to expand capabilities to meet specific program requirements.

• Write and test software to integrate sensors and embedded processors into aircraft and other robotic systems.
• Design and implement software for prototypes and products using established tools and practices, ensuring good configuration control and management.
• Assist in writing system requirements, system test plans, diagnostic tools, and validation testing of software.
• Assist with hardware selection, recommending processing, memory, and storage needs.
• Support rapid prototyping and conceptual level testing, estimating time for software development to fit timeline and budget constraints.
• Provide development updates and estimate milestone dates to track progress and ensure project requirements are met on schedule.
• Troubleshoot complex systems from a software perspective with required hardware diagnostics and support flight test operations.
• Support the transition of development software to production environments and certification, participating in multi-disciplinary development teams.
• Develop proof of concept capability demonstrations and conduct design reviews.
• Work on complex issues requiring in-depth knowledge of variable factors, exercising judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 5 - 8 years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in troubleshooting complex systems and proficiency with Python, C, C++11, C++ STL, and OpenCL.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Visual Studio or similar IDE, as well as defect tracking tools.
• Experience with common protocols such as RS-485, RS-232, CAN, I2C, SPI, and USB.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Willingness to travel in support of testing equipment and customer field support at approved flying locations.

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience with STM32 family of processors and RTOS systems such as µC/OS, freeRTOS.
• Experience with Video 4 Linux and modifying and compiling Ubuntu Linux Kernels.
• Experience developing drivers for Linux/ARM and Robot Operating System (ROS).
• Experience with Ardupilot or PX4 open-source autopilots.
• Hands-on design/build experience with UAVs, R/C aircraft, or other lightweight miniature robotic systems.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with small teams.
• Strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Commitment to learning from mistakes and improving performance.
• Focus on teamwork and prioritizing the success of the team.

The work environment requires willingness and ability to travel for flight testing. Periods of development may require long, irregular hours around deadlines, including weekends and some holidays. The setting includes field test environments with possible exposure to RTOS, Ubuntu, Ardupilot, and PX4 systems.

This is a Permanent position based out of Huntsville, AL.

The pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $156000.00/yr.

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.

Comprehensive benefitsfull medical dental additional coverage

This is a fully onsite position in Huntsville,AL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 15, 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.

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