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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Software Engineer - **Company:** Actalent - **Location:** Jessup, MD, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $130,000.0 - $150,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Azure, Bug Tracking Systems, C Sharp (Programming Language), C++ (Programming Language), Code Review, Computer Programming, Computer Engineering, System Configuration, Software Debugging, Linux, Digital Electronics, Embedded Software, Firmware, FreeRTOS, Graphical User Interface, Java GUIs, Python (Programming Language), Linux System Administration, Qt (Software), Real-Time Operating Systems, Release Management, Shell Script, Software Construction, Software Engineering, Subsystems, PIC Microcontroller, Real Time Systems, Delivery Pipeline, Git, Information Technology, Bare Metal, C++14, Software Version Control - **Published:** August 27, 2026 - **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/A4D193EC843F445DA69DA5ABFA6A6E53/job/ ## About the Role * At least 5 years of experience in firmware or software development for scientific, academic, industrial, biotech, medical, or semiconductor instrumentation. * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred. * Strong C and C++ programming skills for embedded real-time systems and microcontroller firmware. * Extensive microcontroller programming experience with a significant emphasis on bare-metal and low-level development. * Hands-on experience with embedded development in both bare-metal and RTOS environments. * RTOS experience, including practical implementation and debugging in real-time embedded systems. * Strong debugging skills and proficiency with electronics lab tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters. * Ability to interact directly with hardware and troubleshoot firmware issues in a laboratory environment. * Strong commitment to software engineering best practices, including version control, documentation, and structured release management. * GUI development experience using C# and/or Qt C++ on Windows or Linux. * Proficiency with Python for scripting, automation, or application support. * Experience using Git for software version control. * Experience with Linux system configuration and integration. * Comfort working beyond pure software development, including close interaction with electronics and hardware., * Master's degree (MS) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. * Experience with STM32 microcontrollers. * Experience with FreeRTOS or similar real-time operating systems. * Proficiency with modern C++ (e.g., C++11 and beyond). * Experience using Azure DevOps or similar platforms for managing software projects, work items, and CI/CD pipelines. * Linux scripting experience to support development, testing, or deployment workflows. * General understanding and/or hands-on experience with analog and digital electronics. * Strong communication skills, both oral and written, including the ability to deliver clear technical presentations. * Interest in and potential for growing into a Software Engineering Manager position as the team and responsibilities expand., 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. ## Description This Software Engineer role focuses on firmware and software development for advanced photonics and instrumentation products. You will design and implement embedded firmware and graphical user interfaces, plan and execute complex software and firmware architectures, and work closely with cross-disciplinary teams to deliver highly integrated systems. The position offers strong growth potential, including a clear path to a future Software Engineering Manager role as the team expands., * Design, develop, and maintain firmware and software for advanced photonics and instrumentation products. * Program microcontrollers with a strong emphasis on bare-metal and low-level embedded development. * Develop graphical user interfaces (GUIs) using C# and/or Qt C++ on Windows or Linux platforms. * Plan, architect, and implement complex software and firmware systems that integrate with hardware and other subsystems. * Apply system-level thinking to ensure seamless integration across mechanical, electrical, laser/optics, firmware, and software disciplines. * Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams to support highly integrated product designs. * Manage multiple projects simultaneously, including planning, scheduling, prioritizing tasks, and reporting progress to leadership. * Create and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications, user guides, and release notes. * Track, investigate, and resolve defects using structured bug tracking and debugging processes. * Provide production support as needed, including troubleshooting issues and implementing corrective actions. * Train, mentor, and supervise junior team members, helping them develop technical and professional skills. * Use electronics lab tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters to debug and validate firmware and hardware interactions. * Configure Linux systems and support embedded software integration with Linux-based environments. * Follow software engineering best practices, including version control, code review, documentation, and structured release management. * Contribute to continuous improvement of development processes, tools, and standards within the engineering team., This is an onsite role within a highly collaborative engineering environment focused on advanced photonics and integrated instrumentation systems. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team spanning mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, laser/optics engineering, firmware engineering, and software engineering. The products are highly integrated, requiring frequent interaction with hardware in a laboratory setting and regular use of electronics lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters. The team culture emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration, system-level thinking, and strong internal growth opportunities supported by ongoing company expansion. ## Related Videos - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [Why Your Best Mediors Never Become Seniors (And How to Fix It)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2108-why-your-best-mediors-never-become-seniors-and-how-to-fix-it) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) - [Git for Code Reviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/429-git-for-code-reviews) - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) ## Related Articles - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers) - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? 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