Software Engineer Contract Jobs in Skokie, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Contract)Job Description

This contract Senior Embedded Software Engineer role focuses on delivering one or more subsystems within an existing embedded framework and credential reader application for NFC/RFID reader firmware. You will work hands-on to implement, validate, and ship production firmware against a defined scope, collaborating closely with internal engineering teams while working independently day to day. The position requires strong modern C++ firmware expertise, sound architectural judgment within an established framework, and the ability to balance feature delivery with technical risk while consistently meeting coding standards from the outset.

Responsibilities

• Own the design, implementation, and delivery of one or more subsystems within the embedded framework and credential reader application for NFC/RFID reader firmware.

• Design and implement components, threads, and modules in modern C++ (C++17 and later) using the existing Module/Thread/Component framework without rewriting the core architecture.

• Implement ETL-based state machines and lifecycle hooks that meet hard real-time deadlines on Cortex-M4F microcontrollers.

• Develop, harden, and maintain Device Abstraction Layer drivers for STM32G474, including SPI, I2C, USB, UART, GPIO, timers, and DMA interfaces.

• Extend and enhance the USB stack to support CCID and related functionality for secure credential reading.

• Perform memory, timing, and power optimization, validating implementations against defined budgets using static analysis, profiling, and on-target measurements.

• Implement robust error handling, fault recovery, and safety-tolerant patterns consistent with a no-exceptions, no-heap-after-initialization policy.

• Integrate new firmware components cleanly with existing engineering work products, adhering to established coding standards and review practices.

• Work within a real-time operating system environment (with a strong preference for Zephyr RTOS) to develop low-level microcontroller and driver-level firmware rather than application-level software.

• Collaborate with other engineers to clarify requirements, identify technical risks, and propose solutions that align with project goals and timelines.

• Contribute to the validation and hardening of firmware for production release, including debugging, issue resolution, and iterative refinement.

• Maintain clear, concise documentation of firmware modules, interfaces, and design decisions to support ongoing development and maintenance.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of professional experience in embedded firmware development at the Senior or staff engineer level.

• Strong proficiency in modern C++ for firmware development, with comfort using C++17 and later standards.

• Hands-on experience developing low-level microcontroller firmware and driver-level code, as opposed to application-level development.

• Proven experience working with real-time operating systems (RTOS), with Zephyr RTOS strongly preferred.

• Practical experience working with UART, USB, SPI, and I2C interfaces, with a solid foundational understanding of USB as a primary interface.

• Experience implementing and optimizing firmware on Cortex-M class microcontrollers, such as Cortex-M4F.

• Demonstrated ability to design and implement state machines and lifecycle hooks for real-time embedded systems.

• Experience developing and hardening Device Abstraction Layer drivers for microcontrollers, including peripherals such as GPIO, timers, and DMA.

• Ability to perform memory, timing, and power optimization using tools such as static analysis, profiling, and on-target measurements.

• Strong understanding of robust error handling, fault recovery, and safety-tolerant firmware design, including adherence to policies such as no exceptions and no heap allocation after initialization.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with STM32 microcontrollers, particularly the STM32G474 family.

• Familiarity with ETL-based (Embedded Template Library) state machines and patterns for embedded systems.

• Domain experience with security-focused products or secure access and authentication solutions.

• Background with organizations or products emphasizing security and secure communications.

• Experience extending USB stacks, particularly for CCID or similar secure credential protocols.

• Ability to work effectively as a contractor, owning deliverables and meeting defined milestones with minimal supervision.

• Strong analytical and debugging skills for complex embedded systems.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills to document work and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams.

Work Environment

This is a contract role supporting the development of a new generation of secure credential readers. You will work primarily in a firmware-focused engineering environment centered on embedded systems, NFC/RFID reader technology, and secure access solutions. Day-to-day work involves using a Windows host machine running a Linux virtual machine for development, build, and test activities. The technical stack includes modern C++ (C++17 and later), Zephyr or similar RTOS, STM32G474 microcontrollers, Cortex-M4F architecture, and interfaces such as USB, UART, SPI, I2C, GPIO, timers, and DMA. The environment emphasizes high-quality, production-grade firmware, rigorous validation, and optimization for memory, timing, and power. You will collaborate with experienced engineers while maintaining a high degree of independence and ownership over your subsystems, contributing to a fast-paced project bringing a next-generation reader product to market.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Schaumburg, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $70.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Schaumburg,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 4, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.