Temporary Software Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Software Engineer

Job Description

The Embedded Software Engineer develops hardware, firmware, and graphical user interface (GUI) applications for use in both modular components and larger integrated systems. This role defines specifications and designs, develops, and documents firmware and software for ground-based, airborne, and space-qualified embedded systems. The engineer creates robust software architectures and technical specifications that support new product development and legacy product enhancement, contributing directly to products that reach the market quickly and reliably.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement firmware and software for embedded systems used in modules and larger integrated systems.
• Define technical specifications and software architectures for ground-based, airborne, and space-qualified embedded systems.
• Develop and maintain hardware, firmware, and GUI applications that interface effectively with embedded platforms.
• Work within bare metal and RTOS environments to implement efficient, reliable, and real-time embedded software solutions.
• Program and debug embedded applications using C and C++ in Linux and bare metal environments.
• Integrate and support communication interfaces such as RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, and RF/radio technologies.
• Produce clear, thorough documentation for firmware, software, and system architectures, including specifications and design descriptions.
• Apply structured development practices, including Waterfall methodology, to plan, implement, and deliver embedded software projects.
• Collaborate closely with multiple engineering disciplines to support the design and operation of Solid State Power Amplifiers and related systems.
• Participate in the full product lifecycle, from concept and new product development through deployment and support of legacy products.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams to clarify requirements, resolve technical issues, and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of embedded software design, coding standards, and documentation practices.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (BS CS) or a closely related field.
• In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with C programming for embedded systems.
• In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with C++ programming for embedded systems.
• Strong experience developing software in bare metal environments.
• Experience working with Linux operating systems in an embedded context.
• Proficiency in developing firmware and software architectures for embedded systems.
• Experience with RTOS (Real-Time Operating Systems) and microcontroller-based development.
• Experience with serial communication interfaces such as RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485.
• Experience working with RF and radio-related embedded applications.
• Strong documentation skills for specifications, designs, and embedded software artifacts.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for collaboration and technical reporting.
• Experience applying Waterfall methodology or similar structured development approaches.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $80.00/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 Cypress,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 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 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.