Senior Embedded C++ Software Engineer

Job Title: Expert Level Embedded Software Engineer Job Description This Expert-level role offers full-stack ownership of the Vehicle Information Manager (VIM), the real-time CAN data broker at the core of a modern embedded Linux platform for connected vehicles. You will lead the entire lifecycle of vehicle data, from Python-based configuration toolchains to a high-performance C++ daemon that processes live traffic. In this highly visible, high-impact position, you will architect, develop, and maintain mission-critical software that bridges physical vehicle networks with all platform applications, while mentoring a small team and ensuring robust, defect-free integration. Responsibilities

- Own the end-to-end architecture of the Vehicle Information Manager (VIM), including the core daemon, client libraries, and configuration toolchains.
- Lead design and implementation of the fnv2vim daemon, focusing on high-performance CAN PDU processing, signal transmission, and delivery of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) services.
- Develop, maintain, and optimize public-facing client API libraries used by all applications on the embedded connectivity platform.
- Maintain and evolve the Python-based configuration toolchain that transforms database data into efficient VIM runtime configurations, dedicating approximately 10–15% of your time to this pipeline.
- Design, implement, and maintain comprehensive multi-threaded, real-time unit test suites using Google Test and related frameworks to ensure highly reliable data brokering.
- Ensure that no integration defects escape to validation by enforcing rigorous testing, code quality standards, and continuous improvement practices.
- Provide technical leadership to a small team of 2–4 developers, including mentoring, conducting code reviews, and guiding architectural decisions.
- Drive best practices in embedded C++ and embedded Linux development, promoting clean architecture, performance optimization, and maintainability.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional application teams to ensure seamless integration between vehicle network data and higher-level software services.
- Proactively identify architectural gaps and process improvements, and drive enhancements beyond immediate assigned tasks.
- Act as the primary point of contact for platform teams regarding vehicle network data access, APIs, and integration patterns.
- Contribute to the evolution of the next-generation electrical and software architecture for software-defined vehicles.

Essential Skills

- Approximately 8 years of professional experience in embedded Linux development using modern C++ (with some flexibility on exact years).
- Proven expertise in designing and implementing real-time, multi-threaded systems where performance and latency are critical.
- Deep understanding of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), inter-process communication (IPC) middleware, and asynchronous RPC patterns.
- Expert-level knowledge of automotive CAN bus protocols, including PDU encoding and decoding and complex network configurations.
- Advanced proficiency with Google Test (GTest) and related testing frameworks, specifically for off-target simulation and multi-threaded coverage.
- Strong scripting skills in Python, including experience with pytest and pandas for data-heavy configuration pipelines.
- Demonstrated ability to own complex systems end-to-end, including architecture, implementation, testing, and integration.
- Proactive mindset with a track record of identifying gaps, improving processes, and driving architectural enhancements.
- Strong technical leadership skills, including mentoring, code review, and guidance on best practices in embedded C++ development.
- Solid experience with embedded Linux platforms and associated development toolchains.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Automotive software development experience is a strong asset.
- Experience working with software-defined vehicle architectures or connected vehicle platforms.
- Experience in middleware design and integration for large-scale, distributed embedded systems.
- Familiarity with data-heavy configuration management pipelines and optimization techniques.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams in complex technical environments.
- Strong problem-solving and debugging skills for real-time, multi-threaded embedded applications.

Work Environment This role is fully onsite, five days per week, within a collaborative engineering environment focused on next-generation electrical and software architectures for connected vehicles. You will work hands-on with embedded Linux platforms, real-time C++ services, IPC middleware, CAN network interfaces, and Python-based configuration tools. The environment emphasizes close collaboration with cross-functional teams, high code quality, and rigorous testing practices to support mission-critical vehicle systems. Expect a technically challenging setting with high visibility, opportunities to influence architectural decisions, and a culture that values ownership, mentoring, and continuous improvement. This position is for an existing opening
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Ottawa, ON.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $70.00/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.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Ottawa,ON.

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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.

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