Embedded Software Developer

Job Title: Embedded Software Developer

The Embedded Software Developer will design, develop, and troubleshoot embedded software and firmware with a strong focus on C++ for embedded Linux platforms. This role contributes to a long-term, high-profile space program in the National Capital Region, working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to integrate complex hardware and software systems and ensure reliable, high-performance solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and troubleshoot embedded software and firmware using C and C++, with C++ as the primary development language.
• Integrate software onto embedded Linux platforms and support system and hardware bring-up activities.
• Work with board support packages (BSPs), Linux kernel components, and device drivers to enable and optimize hardware functionality.
• Diagnose and resolve issues across hardware, firmware, operating system, networking, and application layers.
• Configure, maintain, and validate lab environments involving embedded hardware, DSPs, FPGAs, routers, switches, and other networking equipment.
• Perform system-level integration, functional testing, and sanity testing to verify end-to-end system behavior.
• Support hardware interfaces and platforms such as ARM-based systems, I2C, and SPI communication buses.
• Develop Bash and Python scripts to support configuration, automation, testing, and troubleshooting tasks.
• Troubleshoot networking technologies including Ethernet, TCP/IP, and Layer 2 networking protocols.
• Collaborate closely with hardware, software, systems, networking, and external vendor teams throughout design, integration, and validation phases.
• Work hands-on with physical hardware in a lab environment to support software deployment, debugging, and system verification.

Top Skills

• Strong embedded software development experience using C and C++, with a focus on C++ for embedded systems.
• Strong knowledge of Linux and embedded Linux environments.
• Experience working with BSPs, Linux kernel development, and/or device drivers.
• Hands-on experience with hardware and software integration and system bring-up.
• Experience troubleshooting software running directly on embedded hardware platforms.
• Proficiency in using the Linux operating system for development and debugging.
• Understanding of networking concepts and protocols, including Ethernet, TCP/IP, routers, and switches.
• Comfort working with physical hardware in a lab setting, including configuring and validating embedded systems and networking equipment.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Basic understanding of networking concepts and protocols in the context of embedded systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Yocto for building and customizing embedded Linux distributions.
• Experience with Bash scripting for automation and system configuration.
• Experience with Python scripting for testing, tooling, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with ARM-based platforms and architectures.
• Experience working with I2C and SPI hardware communication interfaces.
• Experience integrating and troubleshooting FPGA or DSP-based systems.
• Knowledge of Layer 2 networking protocols and their application in embedded environments.
• SATCOM or telecommunications systems and technologies.
• Experience using GitLab for source control, CI/CD, and collaboration.
• Experience using Jira for issue tracking and agile project management.
• Experience working in Agile or Scrum development environments.
• Interest in long-term consulting engagements and contributing to large-scale, multi-year engineering programs.

Work Environment

This role is based on-site in downtown Ottawa, within a modern engineering environment that supports complex embedded and networking lab setups. Team members typically work in the office four days per week, with Wednesday designated as a work-from-home day. There may be occasional requirements to work on-site in Gatineau to support project activities.

The work involves regular hands-on interaction with embedded hardware, DSPs, FPGAs, routers, switches, and other networking equipment in a lab environment, alongside close collaboration with cross-functional engineering and vendor teams. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to one of the fastest-growing technology initiatives in the National Capital Region and to participate in the largest space program in Canadian history as part of a long-term engagement extending at least through early 2028.

This is a Contract position based out of Ottawa, ON.

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $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.

This is a Contract position based out of Ottawa, ON.

This is a fully onsite position in Ottawa,ON.

Actalent est un leader mondial dans les services dingénierie et de sciences ainsi que dans les solutions de talents. Nous aidons des entreprises visionnaires à faire progresser leurs initiatives dingénierie et de science grâce à laccès à des experts spécialisés qui favorisent léchelle, linnovation et la rapidité de mise sur le marché. Avec un réseau de près de 20 000 consultants et 5 000 clients à travers les États-Unis, le Canada, lAsie et lEurope, Actalent dessert de nombreuses entreprises du Fortune 500. Nous sommes fiers dêtre lune des 500 meilleures firmes de conception de lEngineering News-Record (ENR) pour nos services de conception en ingénierie et un lauréat du prix ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® tant pour le service client que pour les talents.

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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.

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