Principal Software Engineer

Job Title: Principal Software EngineerJob DescriptionThis role focuses on designing, developing, modifying, and maintaining embedded operational flight software using robust software engineering best practices and standards. The Principal Software Engineer leads complex technical efforts across the full software development life cycle and collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, external partners, and government customers.

ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, modify, and maintain embedded operational flight programs using industry-standard software development practices.

Participate in the full software development life cycle, including requirements development, modeling and design, implementation, unit testing, integration, formal system testing, release, installation, and ongoing maintenance.

Provide technical leadership in solving complex software and system integration problems in an embedded environment.

Integrate embedded software with firmware and hardware components to ensure reliable and high-performance system operation.

strong object-oriented programming principles to design maintainable, scalable, and robust software solutions.

Collaborate frequently with program management, external suppliers, and government customers to clarify requirements, present technical solutions, and support program objectives.

Prepare and deliver clear technical documentation, reports, and presentations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Contribute to continuous improvement of development processes, coding standards, and best practices for embedded software.

Support troubleshooting, debugging, and root-cause analysis of software issues in embedded systems.

Work within security and compliance requirements, including maintaining eligibility to obtain a Secret clearance.

Essential Skills8+ years of industry experience programming in C and C++ in an embedded environment.

Strong skills programming in C and C++ on Linux operating systems.

Working experience with Linux OS in an embedded context.

Strong foundation in object-oriented programming fundamentals.

Experience integrating embedded software with firmware and hardware.

Ability to lead and solve complex technical problems in embedded software systems.

Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills for frequent interaction with program management, external suppliers, and government customers.

Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

Additional Skills & QualificationsBachelors degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.

Familiarity with real-time operating systems such as VxWorks or other RTOS platforms.

Experience with embedded C in addition to C++.

Familiarity with electronic warfare, radar, or avionics systems.

Active or previous Secret security clearance preferred.

Work EnvironmentThe role centers on embedded software development for operational flight systems, working primarily with C and C++ on Linux in an embedded environment. You will collaborate closely with firmware and hardware teams, program management, external suppliers, and government customers in a structured engineering setting that follows a full software development life cycle from requirements through formal system testing and release. The environment emphasizes rigorous engineering standards, object-oriented design, integration with real-time operating systems such as VxWorks or other RTOS platforms, and adherence to security and compliance requirements.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Warner Robins, GA.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $75.00 - $95.00/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)

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Warner Robins, GA.

Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 24, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Warner Robins,GA.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.