Lead Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in California

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer

Job Description

The Embedded Software Engineer will verify, test, integrate, and develop embedded software for high-power, safety-critical systems in aerospace, defense, aviation, and related applications. This role focuses on full product lifecycle development, code upgrades, and development testing, with significant involvement in verification activities using shell scripting and automated test setups in a Windows environment.

Responsibilities

• Verify and validate embedded software functionality using structured test plans, automated setups, and shell scripting in a Windows environment.
• Perform integration testing of embedded software with hardware components, including sensors, motorized valves, and power electronics.
• Develop, upgrade, and maintain embedded C and C++ code for digital signal processors (DSPs), motor control systems, and high-power applications.
• Execute development testing to ensure software quality, reliability, and compliance with rigorous aerospace, defense, aviation, and avionics standards.
• Apply DO-178 and RTCA processes and guidelines in the design, development, verification, and documentation of avionics software.
• Contribute to the full product lifecycle across multiple releases, from initial design and coding through integration, verification, and ongoing maintenance.
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation to support certification, audits, and internal quality processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams in a production environment to resolve issues and optimize system performance.
• Participate in continuous improvement of verification setups, automation scripts, and testing methodologies.
• Support long-term projects with an emphasis on rigorous testing, traceability, and documentation throughout the software lifecycle.

Essential Skills

• Experience working through at least three complete product lifecycles, typically requiring a minimum of 10 years of relevant embedded software experience.
• Strong background in embedded software development and verification for aerospace, defense, aviation, or avionics applications.
• Hands-on experience with DO-178 processes and RTCA standards for safety-critical avionics software.
• Proficiency in embedded C and embedded C++ programming for real-time systems.
• Experience with digital signal processors (DSPs), including motor control and power electronics applications.
• Knowledge of power electronics, motor control, and high-power systems, particularly in water and waste-related products or similar domains.
• Experience working with sensors, motorized valves, and other embedded system components.
• Ability to perform verification and testing using shell scripting and automated setups in a Windows environment.
• Strong exposure to embedded systems and software across the entire lifecycle, including rigorous testing and documentation.
• Ability to produce and maintain heavy, detailed documentation to support compliance and certification activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with the TMS family of digital signal processors (DSPs) from Texas Instruments; any TMS variant is acceptable.
• Basic to intermediate understanding of PowerShell or other shell scripting languages for automation and verification.
• experience in aerospace and defense (A&D), space applications, or similarly regulated, safety-critical industries.
• Experience working within environments that require rigorous testing, traceability, and structured lifecycle processes.
• Familiarity with high-power systems and water or waste product applications is beneficial.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex embedded systems.
• Attention to detail and commitment to thorough documentation and quality practices.
• Ability to work independently within a collaborative engineering team and adapt to evolving project requirements.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite in a large production warehouse environment, with engineers working upstairs in office and cubicle-style spaces. The setting combines hands-on exposure to production activities with a dedicated engineering workspace for development and verification tasks. The schedule is flexible, with team members typically arriving between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.; you may arrive and leave when you prefer, provided you work eight hours each day. The position is structured around long-term projects, with contract terms commonly extended in six-month increments and a strong likelihood of transitioning to a direct role over time. The environment emphasizes collaboration, rigorous testing practices, detailed documentation, and adherence to safety-critical standards for embedded software in aerospace, defense, aviation, and related applications.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Carson, CA.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $100.00/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 Carson,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 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.

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