Overnight Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in River Rouge, MI

We are seeking a dedicated Senior Software Engineer to support advanced munitions programs within a leading defense organization. This role involves hands-on embedded software development and providing technical leadership to software teams across multiple defense contracts and work directives.

• Lead embedded software development efforts for munitions programs.
• Perform software design, development, integration, and troubleshooting activities.
• Support software verification planning, execution, and test automation efforts.
• Manage software schedules, estimates, and technical execution.
• Monitor program cost, schedule, and technical performance metrics.
• Support formal customer milestone reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR events.
• Coordinate software architecture reviews and design approvals.
• Manage project risks, issues, and opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with software quality, configuration management, and safety processes.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity stakeholders to support RMF and ATO requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to engineering team members.
• Present technical status and project performance information to leadership and customers.

• Proficiency in Embedded C++ software development.
• Experience with real-time embedded systems (RTOS and/or bare-metal).
• Strong background in software technical leadership and project execution.
• Expertise in requirements analysis, software architecture, design, integration, and testing.
• Experience with Earned Value Management System.

• Experience leading small software development teams.
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain Secret Clearance.
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM discipline.
• Current Secret Security Clearance is a plus.
• Control Account Manager (CAM) or Work Package Manager experience.
• Cybersecurity knowledge, including RMF and ATO processes.
• Familiarity with CMMI and software lifecycle processes.
• Ethernet communications experience.
• Experience with weapon systems, munitions, or combat vehicles.
• Cybersecurity certifications.
• Experience overseeing subcontracted software development efforts.

The position is within a hybrid engineering environment supporting defense products and munitions systems. The role entails approximately 60% hands-on software development and 40% technical project leadership. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Systems Engineering, Safety Engineering, Cybersecurity, Software Architecture, Program Management, and Government stakeholders, is expected. There may be occasional support for integration labs and field/range testing activities. The work schedule follows a 9/80 format, and the environment supports classified U.S. defense contractor programs.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling Heights, MI.

The pay range for this position is $52.29 - $52.29/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 Sterling Heights,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 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.