Independent Contractor Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Oak Brook, IL

Embedded Software Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled Embedded Software Engineer to join our team, renowned for its pioneering work in electron beam welding technology and metal additive manufacturing. The successful candidate will be instrumental in planning and coordinating activities related to software requirements gathering, design, development, and implementation of our Electron Beam Welding and Additive Manufacturing control and software systems. This role involves maintaining, supporting, and upgrading existing systems and applications, with a strong emphasis on communication, problem-solving, and best practice knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate software requirements gathering, design, development, and implementation.
• Maintain, support, and upgrade existing systems and applications.
• Communicate effectively with team members and customers.
• Travel to client sites for installation, testing, debugging, start-up/commissioning, and training.
• Work with industrial technologies, including PLC and HMI programming.
• Utilize version control systems such as Git.
• Apply problem-solving skills and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Engage in both development (70%) and testing (30%) activities.

Essential Skills

• Minimum Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related Controls/Automation programming experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in software development, programming design, and systems management.
• Proficiency in C#, C++, C, Labview, and Visual Studio.
• Experience with hardware-software integration and understanding of communication protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP, and RS232.
• Experience with real-time system development.
• Strong knowledge of version control systems, including Git.
• Experience with UNIX, VX-Works, VME systems, and embedded systems design.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Electrical Engineering knowledge is highly desirable.
• Robotic programming experience.
• Familiarity with Analog to Digital and Digital to Analog conversions.
• Experience with mechanical and electrical assembly.
• Proficiency in TwinCAT real-time development is preferred.
• Must be a U.S. citizen due to ITAR requirements.

Work Environment

This position is primarily based in an office setting or designated administrative area, with occasional visits to additional company facilities. Some travel to other facilities is required. Movement through industrial or manufacturing areas is necessary, requiring appropriate personal protective wear and adherence to established safety policies. The work environment is fast-paced and collaborative, fostering strong communication and teamwork.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/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 Chicago,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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.