About this role
Description
In this role you will design develop integrate and test software for our end-user customers and businesses primarily focused on cryptographic software code bases. Specifically you will be responsible for the design architecture development and administration of embedded and real time systems. You will work with multi-disciplinary teams such as with Systems Engineering Digital Engineering Hardware and Integration amp Test in an Agile software development environment. You will analyze system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent output requirements input data acquisition programming techniques and controls.
Principal Engineer Embedded Software Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering or another STEM discipline with 5 years of related experience or Master's degree with 3 years or a PhD with 1 year of experience
Current active US Government Secret Clearance
Proficient in C/C
Familiarity with HAIPE OTNK and/or IKE
Experience implementing cryptographic mechanisms using dedicated software libraries
Experience with Yocto/Petalinux or WindRiver Linux
Experience with Xilinx platforms Zynq Ultrascale and VERSAL
Experience with TCP/IP and common network configurations
Proficient in all areas of the formal software lifecycle process from requirements to testing
Experience integrating low-level firmware and software in complex real-time multi-threaded embedded applications
Experience with developing and debugging embedded real-time systems.
Experience using Jira/Bitbucket/Git and the Agile software development process
Ability to work full-time onsite at our Rancho Carmel location.
Preferred Qualifications:
Foundational Knowledge with Rust
Experience with low level driver development
Familiarity with Linux kernel driver development/modifications
Proficiency working with Linux containers Docker Kubernetes or similar container orchestration platforms
Experience with TCP/IP and common network configurations
Experience with RESTful Services
Experience with Software Defined Radios
Experience with the Avionics Operating System
Experience with Communication Protocols I2C SPI UART PCIe Ethernet
Familiarity with Xilinx tools Vitis Vivado
Familiarity with latest NSA Security Standards
Familiarity with assembly language
Familiarity with bare metal embedded device drivers
Familiarity with PowerPC architectures and peripherals
Familiarity with IBM tools Rhapsody DOORS Clearcase
Familiarity with Green Hills AdaMulti
Current active US Government Top Secret Clearance
Current active SAP clearance
Skills
secret clearance, cryptography, c c++
Top Skills Details
secret clearance,cryptography,c c++
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications:
Foundational Knowledge with Rust
Experience with low level driver development
Familiarity with Linux kernel driver development/modifications
Proficiency working with Linux containers (Docker, Kubernetes or similar container orchestration platforms)
Experience with TCP/IP and common network configurations
Experience with RESTful Services
Experience with Software Defined Radios
Experience with the Avionics Operating System
Experience with Communication Protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, Ethernet)
Familiarity with Xilinx tools (Vitis, Vivado)
Familiarity with latest NSA Security Standards
Familiarity with assembly language
Familiarity with bare metal embedded device drivers
Familiarity with PowerPC architectures and peripherals
Familiarity with IBM tools (Rhapsody, DOORS, Clearcase)
Familiarity with Green Hills AdaMulti
Current active US Government Top Secret Clearance
Current active SAP clearance
Experience Level
Intermediate Level
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $110.00/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
This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026. 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 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.
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 process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.