Senior Software Build Engineer (Aerospace AI)

The Senior Software Build Engineer joins the Satellite Embedded Software Group as a hands-on individual contributor responsible for end-to-end build systems, configuration, CI/CD pipelines, and internal tool integration for real-time, space-based intelligence platforms. In this role, you design, implement, and maintain the software infrastructure that powers satellite flight software, device emulators, and emulation environments, while supporting software requirements and test plans for mission-critical capabilities. As a Senior member of the team, you make a significant impact across multiple critical programs from design through execution, collaborating closely with embedded systems engineers and cross-functional partners in a dynamic, people-first, customer-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Deploy, configure, and manage build systems, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud-based infrastructure, including services such as AWS, to support production-quality embedded and flight software.
• Drive engineering tasks to timely completion using task management tools like Jira in an Agile or SCRUM environment, actively participating in and leading status meetings, standups, sprint planning, and task breakdown.
• Collaborate closely with other members of the Satellite Embedded Software Group and cross-functional engineers from multiple disciplines to deliver high-quality, mission-critical software infrastructure and tools on schedule.
• Ensure that documentation, testing, inspection, and analysis are planned, executed, and maintained to verify compliance with software requirements, quality standards, and program goals.
• Execute and provide feedback on flight software design, development, unit testing, and release processes, helping to refine and improve engineering workflows and best practices.
• Contribute significantly to internal tools, including device emulators and emulation environments, to support development, integration, and testing of satellite and embedded software.
• Support the definition and maintenance of software requirements and test plans for build systems, pipelines, and related tools, ensuring traceability and alignment with program objectives.
• Perform root cause analysis and problem-solving for build, integration, and deployment issues, implementing robust fixes and preventive measures.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while coordinating effectively across teams, skill sets, and disciplines in a diverse engineering environment.
• Carry out other job-related duties as assigned to support program success and continuous improvement of software engineering practices.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• At least six (6) years of experience delivering and maintaining commercial or embedded software in a production environment.
• Expert-level proficiency in Python development, with a track record of engineering clean, maintainable, and well-tested code.
• Strong experience with CI/CD pipeline engineering using tools such as GitLab CI and other build automation frameworks.
• Hands-on experience with Bash scripting for build, deployment, and automation tasks.
• Deep familiarity with Linux development environments and toolchains, including GNU toolchain, QEMU, Buildroot, and Yocto.
• Proven experience in build and release engineering for production software, including packaging, deployment, and versioning.
• Strong knowledge of version control systems, particularly Git and GitLab, and best practices for branching, merging, and code review.
• Experience working in Agile or SCRUM environments, including participation in sprints, standups, and iterative delivery cycles.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver products on time and within budget while maintaining high quality standards.
• Excellent root cause analysis and problem-solving skills, especially in complex embedded and build environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document processes, requirements, and technical decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across teams and skill sets and to communicate effectively in a diverse environment.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and take ownership of build systems, pipelines, and related tooling.
• Ability to support programs that may require U.S. citizenship, as applicable to specific projects., * Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Comfort working with and interfacing directly with physical hardware in lab or test environments.
• Knowledge of hardware description languages and related build tools and environments, such as Verilog and HDL toolchains.
• Working knowledge of hardware interfaces, including GPIO, I2C, PHY, and RS-422, as well as high-speed interfaces such as 10G Ethernet.
• Experience with real-time, fault-tolerant systems and their associated constraints and design patterns.
• Familiarity with C, C++, or Rust for embedded or systems-level development.
• Experience with embedded software environments and flight software, particularly in satellite or real-time systems contexts.
• Background working with real-time systems and satellite-related software infrastructure.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment that emphasizes customer focus and strategic impact.

The role is based in a manufacturing lab and office environment, with a preferred location in Tukwila, WA and a hybrid work arrangement that typically involves working in the office 1-2 days per week. You work with cutting-edge technologies supporting space-based intelligence platforms, embedded systems, flight software, and associated build and test infrastructure. The environment combines collaborative office-based work with hands-on interaction in lab spaces, where you may interface with physical hardware, emulators, and test equipment. The culture emphasizes being people-first, customer-focused, and fun, with a global team dedicated to delivering high-frequency monitoring, automated analytics, and satellite imagery that provide strategic advantages to governments and businesses.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Tukwila, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $67.00 - $77.00/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

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.