• Microcontroller Firmware Engineer

    Actalent (Merritt Island, FL)


    Job Title: Microcontroller Firmware Engineer Job Description

     

    We are seeking a talented Microcontroller Firmware Engineer to join our team in developing a ruggedized VPX-based embedded computing platform. This platform is designed to support both satellite missions and terrestrial applications, forming the foundation for a new product line. The role entails close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to bring up hardware, develop firmware, and support system integration in space-grade and mission-critical environments.

    Responsibilities

    + Design and implement firmware for ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers.

    + Develop bare-metal device drivers and bootloaders.

    + Integrate low-level communication protocols such as I2C, SPI, and UART.

    + Work within RTOS environments for real-time control and task scheduling.

    + Collaborate with electrical engineers and FPGA developers to validate and integrate new hardware.

    + Support board-level debugging and test automation.

    + Participate in system-level testing and performance tuning.

    + Work closely with Linux systems engineers, FPGA developers, and hardware designers.

    + Contribute to architectural decisions and system-level design discussions.

    + Support iterative development cycles leading to a product release, with ongoing support for future satellite missions.

    Essential Skills

    + Proven experience developing firmware for microcontrollers in embedded systems.

    + Strong understanding of hardware/software integration and debugging.

    + Hands-on development with ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers, especially the SAMD21 RT.

    + Experience writing bare metal device drivers and integrating bootloaders for bare-metal systems.

    + Proficiency with low-level communication protocols such as I2C, SPI, and UART.

    + Familiarity with FreeRTOS or similar real-time operating systems.

    Additional Skills & Qualifications

    + Experience implementing IPMI for embedded systems, particularly in rugged or space-grade environments.

    + Ability to interpret and implement requirements from VPX standards documentation.

    + Comfort working in a hardware-centric development environment.

    + Familiarity with ruggedized or space-grade electronics is a plus.

    Work Environment

    Join a dynamic and fast-paced hardware-centric environment where you will collaborate with a highly skilled cross-functional team. The role offers opportunities for technical leadership and innovation, with competitive compensation and benefits. Work on cutting-edge embedded platforms in a hands-on lab setting with prototype hardware.

     

    Job Type & Location

     

    This is a Contract position based out of Merritt Island, Florida.

    Pay and Benefits

    The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $76.00/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 Merritt Island,FL.

     

    Application Deadline

     

    This position is anticipated to close on Oct 15, 2025.

    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 due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.