Software Development Engineer Intern Jobs in Rhode Island

Exciting opportunity to work at an innovative defense company with hybrid flexibility!

Job Description

This role offers the opportunity to work hands-on with naval hardware and automated test equipment (ATE) systems while contributing directly to the modernization of critical government test infrastructure. You will support the design, development, and testing of ATE software, with clear opportunities to grow into a leading role on complex projects. The position involves translating and modernizing legacy software into contemporary languages and tools, becoming a subject matter expert on multiple ATE systems, and collaborating with a highly skilled team to deliver state-of-the-art test solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test software solutions for automated test equipment systems.
• Work in a supporting role on ATE software projects with the opportunity to assume a leading role as you grow in the position.
• Read, interpret, and reverse-engineer legacy PASCAL software routines and translate them into modern supported languages such as C++, LabVIEW, and TestStand.
• Perform test, checkout, and validation of the software you develop to ensure reliability, accuracy, and compliance with system requirements.
• Analyze technical documentation to understand the operation and function of legacy systems, using this knowledge to modernize and improve their design.
• Become a subject matter expert on the software for multiple ATE systems, contributing to both initial design and long-term sustainment activities.
• Integrate software with National Instruments hardware platforms such as PXI and related test equipment, ensuring seamless hardware–software interaction.
• Collaborate closely with skilled, self-motivated engineers to design and implement state-of-the-art test systems for naval applications.
• Support ongoing maintenance, updates, and enhancements to existing ATE software to improve performance, reliability, and usability.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at modernizing outdated government systems and delivering meaningful technical advancements.

Essential Skills

• At least 4 years of experience designing software solutions for automated test equipment (ATE) systems.
• Strong working knowledge of concepts related to electrical test and measurement.
• Hands-on experience with automated test equipment and test engineering environments.
• Proficiency with National Instruments products, including PXI, LabVIEW, and TestStand.
• Experience with software modification and code migration for test equipment and hardware integration.
• Proficiency in C++ for developing and maintaining test software.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documentation for complex legacy systems.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance up to the level of SECRET, including meeting all eligibility requirements.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or another engineering discipline combined with multiple years of software development experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with PASCAL, particularly for reverse-engineering and translating legacy software routines.
• Experience with National Instruments ecosystems, including NI hardware integration and related software tools.
• Experience in electrical testing and measurement instrumentation.
• Experience working with automated test equipment in defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated environments.
• Demonstrated ability to modernize and improve legacy systems through thoughtful software design and refactoring.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a team of self-motivated engineers.
• Motivation to contribute to meaningful improvements in government systems and to work on long-term modernization initiatives.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role requiring presence on-site five days per week. You will work in a secure, engineering-focused environment that supports hands-on interaction with hardware, automated test equipment, and National Instruments platforms such as PXI. The setting emphasizes collaboration, technical rigor, and adherence to security and operational protocols typical of a government and defense-related facility. You will work alongside experienced engineers who are focused on modernizing and sustaining critical test systems, with access to specialized test equipment, lab resources, and development tools needed to design, implement, and validate advanced ATE solutions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Middletown, RI.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $70.00/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 Middletown,RI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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.

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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.