Embedded Software Developer
Actalent, North Reading, MA, United States
Embedded Controls Engineer
Job Description
We are seeking an Embedded Controls Engineer to support and optimize the controls layer of our next-generation automated machinery. This role focuses on maintaining a soft PLC platform (CODESYS) running on Linux-based Industrial PCs (IPCs) directly connected to electrical panels. This is a highly challenging role that requires an embedded software mindset. You will inherit an existing codebase programmed in structured text and will be tasked with untangling complex logic, optimizing global variables, and improving deployment reliability. We are looking for an engineer who thrives in the intersection of hardware and software and is adaptable enough to navigate a constrained IDE environment.
Responsibilities
Own the maintenance, debugging, and optimization of soft PLC code (CODESYS / Structured Text) running on local IPCs.
Refactor existing code to improve reliability, reduce duplication, and introduce better testing methodologies.
Manage remote deployments and rollbacks to industrial hardware in the field.
Troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical systems, sensor inputs, and barcode integrations directly on the machinery.
Collaborate closely with mechanical and software teams to bridge the gap between high-level orchestration software and physical motor control.
Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, design notes, and operational runbooks.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
Strong experience in Embedded Software Engineering, specifically with C/C++ programming.
Willingness and ability to quickly learn and adapt to structured text and the CODESYS IDE environment.
Hands-on experience working directly with industrial hardware, IPCs, and Linux-based systems.
Strong debugging and root-cause analysis skills for complex, real-time systems.
Additional Skills
Direct experience with soft PLCs or IEC-3 programming languages.
Experience with servo-based motion control systems.
Comfort operating without traditional high-level software tools.
Work Environment
Work directly with industrial hardware in a Linux-based system environment. The role involves navigating constrained IDE environments without standard unit/integration testing frameworks. Collaboration with mechanical and software teams is essential to bridge software and hardware functionalities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of North Reading, MA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $80.00/hr.
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 North Reading,MA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 7, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
Job Description
We are seeking an Embedded Controls Engineer to support and optimize the controls layer of our next-generation automated machinery. This role focuses on maintaining a soft PLC platform (CODESYS) running on Linux-based Industrial PCs (IPCs) directly connected to electrical panels. This is a highly challenging role that requires an embedded software mindset. You will inherit an existing codebase programmed in structured text and will be tasked with untangling complex logic, optimizing global variables, and improving deployment reliability. We are looking for an engineer who thrives in the intersection of hardware and software and is adaptable enough to navigate a constrained IDE environment.
Responsibilities
Own the maintenance, debugging, and optimization of soft PLC code (CODESYS / Structured Text) running on local IPCs.
Refactor existing code to improve reliability, reduce duplication, and introduce better testing methodologies.
Manage remote deployments and rollbacks to industrial hardware in the field.
Troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical systems, sensor inputs, and barcode integrations directly on the machinery.
Collaborate closely with mechanical and software teams to bridge the gap between high-level orchestration software and physical motor control.
Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, design notes, and operational runbooks.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
Strong experience in Embedded Software Engineering, specifically with C/C++ programming.
Willingness and ability to quickly learn and adapt to structured text and the CODESYS IDE environment.
Hands-on experience working directly with industrial hardware, IPCs, and Linux-based systems.
Strong debugging and root-cause analysis skills for complex, real-time systems.
Additional Skills
Direct experience with soft PLCs or IEC-3 programming languages.
Experience with servo-based motion control systems.
Comfort operating without traditional high-level software tools.
Work Environment
Work directly with industrial hardware in a Linux-based system environment. The role involves navigating constrained IDE environments without standard unit/integration testing frameworks. Collaboration with mechanical and software teams is essential to bridge software and hardware functionalities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of North Reading, MA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $80.00/hr.
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 North Reading,MA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 7, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.