Senior Software Engineer

Job Title: Senior Software Engineer

Job Description: We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to take architectural ownership of real‑time embedded communication systems. The role involves designing message routing and translation layers, developing high‑performance embedded software, and implementing hardware interface layers in C/C++. It also includes designing deterministic real‑time architectures, integrating heterogeneous network types, creating and maintaining technical documentation, leading hardware/software integration with FPGA and systems teams, setting code quality standards, and evaluating new communication protocols.

• Architect and design real‑time embedded communication systems.
• Develop production‑quality embedded software focused on performance and reliability.
• Implement hardware interface layers using C/C++.
• Design deterministic real‑time architectures.
• Integrate and bridge heterogeneous network types.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including ICDs and schemas.
• Lead hardware/software integration with FPGA and systems teams.
• Set code quality standards for safety‑critical systems.
• Evaluate and prototype new communication protocols.
• Mentor junior and intermediate engineers.
• Contribute to debugging, performance tuning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide potential technical leadership on autonomous vehicle/UAS initiatives.

• Expert‑level Rust programming in production embedded environments.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ for hardware interface and low‑level systems.
• Deep experience with real‑time systems and deterministic timing.
• Familiarity with automotive/industrial communication protocols: CAN 2.0, J1939, CANopen.
• Experience designing distributed messaging architectures.
• Ability to bridge heterogeneous network types.
• Skill in authoring ICDs, message catalogs, and protocol documentation.

• 8+ years of professional software development experience.
• Technical leadership and mentorship experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to produce high‑reliability, safety‑critical embedded systems.

This is a fully on‑site role where you will collaborate closely with software, hardware, and systems engineering teams. The position is desk‑based with extensive hands‑on hardware/software testing in a fast‑paced, defense‑oriented engineering organization. It offers the opportunity to contribute to mission‑critical defense programs, engage in multidisciplinary work, and participate in a strong mentorship culture.

Contract to Hire position based out of Madison Heights, MI.

Pay range: $60.00 - $68.00/hr.

• 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)

Final date to receive applications:
February 14, 2026.

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 specialised 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, colour, 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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccom for other accommodation options.