Mid Level Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Software Engineer (Staff / Sr Staff)

Job Description

This role focuses on leading and delivering complex embedded software projects in a safety-critical environment, with a strong emphasis on DO-178 standards, aerospace applications, and robust system architecture. You will design and implement high-quality embedded software, drive best practices across the development lifecycle, and guide less experienced engineers while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead embedded software engineering projects from inception through delivery, ensuring they meet quality, safety, and performance requirements.
• Oversee and manage advanced software development activities, including planning, design, implementation, integration, and verification.
• Establish, refine, and maintain software development standards, methodologies, and best practices to ensure high-quality, maintainable code.
• Design scalable, robust, and maintainable embedded software architectures aligned with system requirements and safety standards.
• Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve complex software issues using systematic debugging, data analysis, and diverse technical information sources.
• Develop, review, and execute verification test cases and test scripts in accordance with DO-178 guidelines and internal processes.
• Perform verification testing of embedded systems and document results to support certification and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including systems, hardware, test, and quality engineers, to ensure cohesive and compliant solutions.
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, supporting informed decision-making.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior and mid-level engineers, fostering knowledge sharing and professional growth.
• Contribute to market and competition analysis to inform strategic technical decisions and future product enhancements.
• Facilitate consensus among stakeholders on technical approaches, design decisions, and project direction.
• Apply industry best practices and standards throughout the software development lifecycle to optimize efficiency and reliability.
• Support documentation and evidence generation required for regulatory, certification, and customer audits in a DO-178 environment.

Essential Skills

• Advanced proficiency in embedded software development using C++.
• Hands-on experience with embedded systems, including low-level software and hardware-software integration.
• Practical experience with DO-178 or DO-178C standards for safety-critical software development and verification.
• Strong experience in verification testing, including test case and test script development and execution.
• Proficiency with Python for test automation, scripting, and tooling.
• Demonstrated ability to design scalable, robust, and maintainable software architectures.
• Proven complex problem-solving skills, including the ability to diagnose and resolve intricate technical issues.
• Experience leading software development projects with minimal supervision, including planning and coordination.
• Ability to provide technical mentorship and guidance to less experienced engineers.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, working effectively with multiple teams and disciplines.
• Clear and effective technical communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Bachelor’s degree (BS) in a relevant field.
• For Staff level: typically 4+ to 8+ years of relevant embedded software experience, including DO-178 exposure.
• For Sr Staff level: typically 10+ years of relevant embedded software experience, including DO-178 exposure.
• Eligibility to access information subject to ITAR and/or EAR regulations, including the ability to obtain required authorizations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Aerospace industry experience, particularly in safety-critical or regulated environments, is preferred.
• Experience specifically with DO-178C is highly valued.
• Familiarity with market and competition analysis to support strategic technical decisions.
• Experience in developing and maintaining software in compliance with rigorous certification and regulatory standards.
• Experience working in hybrid or mixed on-site environments with cross-functional engineering teams.
• Commitment to continuous learning, including participation in professional development and training opportunities.

Work Environment

The role operates in a hybrid/onsite setting, combining time in the office with potential flexibility for remote work, depending on project and team needs. You will work in a highly regulated, safety-critical environment that follows DO-178/DO-178C standards, with a strong focus on aerospace applications and compliance with ITAR/EAR requirements. The work involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams, leveraging modern embedded development tools, C++, Python, and structured verification and test frameworks. The organization promotes a supportive culture that emphasizes mentorship, technical excellence, and continuous improvement. Employees have access to comprehensive benefits, including tuition reimbursement and professional development support, 12 paid holidays plus vacation, sick time, and leave programs, and industry-leading medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on the first day of employment. Additional benefits include paid parental leave and adoption assistance, an Employee Assistance Program with mental health resources, life and AD&D insurance, disability coverage, optional supplemental plans, and voluntary benefits such as legal assistance and critical illness coverage. The company follows equal employment opportunity principles and maintains an inclusive, collaborative work environment.

This is a Contract position based out of Park Ridge, IL.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/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 hybrid position in Park Ridge,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 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.