Embedded Yocto Software Engineer

This role focuses on leading and supporting the migration of an embedded Linux IoT gateway from Yocto 3.7 to Yocto 5.0 (Linux 5.0), while maintaining and enhancing the gateway’s software stack. The gateway is a Linux-based embedded device that transfers data from fire alarm control panels to the cloud and central fire monitoring stations. You will work as a hands-on individual contributor on a scrum team, contributing across kernel, BSP, middleware, and application layers, and ensuring robust, secure, and reliable gateway operation in a fast-moving, hybrid work environment., * Lead or contribute to the migration of the gateway board support package (BSP) from Yocto 3.7 to Yocto 5.0, including kernel upgrades, Yocto layer updates, and porting of recipes.

• Perform Linux kernel and driver development, including device tree authoring and modifications for ARM-based platforms.
• Stabilize the BSP on the Yocto 5.0 platform by debugging and resolving kernel, driver, and integration issues.
• Build, configure, and validate embedded Linux images for the gateway hardware platform using Yocto and related tooling.
• Maintain and update existing Yocto layers, recipes, and build configurations to support ongoing gateway development and maintenance.
• Support porting, compilation, and integration of Python and C applications against the new Yocto 5.0 toolchain.
• Develop, maintain, and debug gateway applications written in Python and C that communicate via MQTT.
• Support integration of applications with the new Yocto 5.0 BSP and validate end-to-end gateway functionality, including data transfer from fire alarm control panels to cloud and monitoring systems.
• Contribute to resolving the existing development backlog, including fixing identified vulnerabilities and bugs in the embedded software stack.
• Apply strong debugging skills to investigate and resolve issues in your own code as well as supplier firmware and third-party components.
• Collaborate with a small, fast-moving scrum team and participate actively in agile ceremonies, including sprint planning and technical reviews.
• Document technical decisions, migration progress, and known issues to support future redesign planning and facilitate knowledge sharing within the team.
• Work effectively in a hybrid environment, coordinating onsite and remote activities to meet project milestones and adapt to changing priorities.

• At least 7 years of embedded Linux development experience with strong hands-on Linux kernel, BSP, and driver development skills.
• Proven expertise with the Yocto Project / OpenEmbedded, including recipe authoring, layer creation, custom BSP development, and multi-version migration.
• Proficiency in Python for embedded application development, integration, and debugging.
• Proficiency in C for embedded application development, architecture, and debugging.
• Experience with device tree authoring and debugging for ARM-based platforms.
• Strong debugging skills, including the ability to diagnose and resolve issues in your own code, supplier firmware, and third-party components.
• Ability to work independently and be productive with minimal ramp-up time in a small, fast-moving team.
• Experience with embedded Linux development in IoT contexts, including integration with microcontrollers and communication protocols such as MQTT.
• Practical experience with Linux security concepts and technologies such as Trusted Platform Module (TPM) in embedded environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on Linux-based IoT gateways or similar embedded devices that interface with external control systems and cloud services.
• Background in integrating microcontrollers with main Linux processors in embedded systems.
• Familiarity with Linux security hardening practices for embedded devices.
• Experience contributing to or working within agile development processes, including scrum ceremonies and sprint-based planning.
• Strong written documentation skills for capturing technical decisions, migration steps, and known issues to support future redesign and maintenance.
• Comfort working with changing project priorities and adapting quickly to evolving requirements in a hybrid work setting.

This position operates in a hybrid work environment, with three days per week onsite in Westford, MA and the remaining time worked remotely. You will work on a Linux-based embedded IoT gateway that connects fire alarm control panels to cloud and central monitoring systems, using technologies such as Yocto, embedded Linux, ARM-based platforms, Python, C, MQTT, microcontrollers, Linux security, and TPM. The team follows agile practices, including regular scrum ceremonies, sprint planning, and technical reviews. The environment emphasizes hands-on engineering, collaboration within a small, fast-moving team, and the ability to take ownership of tasks across kernel, BSP, and application layers. The role offers a competitive time-off structure, including three weeks of paid time off and ten company holidays, supporting a balanced and sustainable work life. Dress expectations align with a typical professional engineering and office environment while onsite.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Westford, MA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $75.00 - $75.00/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.

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.