Job Title: Software Integration Engineer

Job Description

The Software Integration Engineer plays a key role in integrating firmware, embedded applications, and signal processing algorithms into a cohesive, reliable system for space-based platforms. This position focuses on creating and managing the software integration environment, developing automation scripts, and resolving complex issues where multiple software modules and hardware interfaces intersect. The engineer will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to define interfaces, streamline build and deployment processes, and support system-level testing in a fast-scaling aerospace startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on integration of firmware, embedded applications, and signal processing algorithms onto target hardware platforms for space-based systems.
• Develop, document, and maintain software integration plans, procedures, and automated scripts to streamline and standardize build and deployment processes.
• Collaborate closely with software development and systems engineering teams to define software interfaces (APIs) and resolve integration dependencies across components.
• Configure, manage, and maintain the software integration environment, including build servers, version control systems, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines to support continuous integration, automated builds, and deployment to test and production environments.
• Troubleshoot and debug issues that arise during software integration, performing root cause analysis and implementing robust, long-term solutions across teams.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop testing and software-hardware integration efforts, including work with real-time operating systems (RTOS) where applicable.
• Document integration processes, software builds, configurations, and release baselines to ensure repeatability, traceability, and compliance with engineering standards.
• Provide stable, validated software builds to support system-level testing and verification activities for space-based platforms.
• Serve as a foundational member of the defense software team, helping to establish best practices, tools, and workflows for future software hires.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in software integration, DevOps, or software engineering, preferably in aerospace, defense, or telecommunications environments.
• Strong proficiency in integrating firmware, embedded applications, and signal processing algorithms onto target hardware.
• Hands-on experience configuring and maintaining CI/CD pipelines and integration environments.
• Proficiency in programming and scripting languages including Python, C, C++, and Bash.
• Experience using version control systems such as Git and managing branching, merging, and release workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to configure, manage, and maintain build servers, version control systems, and CI/CD tools such as GitLab CI.
• Proven troubleshooting and debugging skills in complex, multi-module software systems, including performing root cause analysis.
• Experience supporting software-hardware integration and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with embedded systems and real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Experience in software-hardware integration for space-based or similar high-reliability platforms.
• Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop testing setups and methodologies.
• Experience working in fast-paced aerospace, defense, or telecommunications startup environments.
• Active U.S. Security Clearance
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work closely with software development and systems engineering teams.
• Ability to establish and refine integration best practices, tools, and workflows as an early member of a growing defense software team.

Work Environment

This position operates in a hybrid work environment (about 3 days onsite depending on project needs), with primary work taking place on-site in Lanham, MD and a planned transition to Arlington, VA. The role supports a fast-scaling aerospace startup focused on building a first-of-its-kind global satellite-to-cellular network, offering high ownership, rapid learning, and tangible real-world impact. The engineer will work with modern integration technologies including CI/CD pipelines, version control systems such as Git, and automation tools such as GitLab CI, alongside hardware-in-the-loop test setups and embedded platforms. As the first software hire for the defense team, the individual will help shape the technical environment, tooling, and processes, collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams in a dynamic, high-intensity setting.

This is a Permanent position based out of Lanham, MD.

The pay range for this position is $170000.00 - $190000.00/yr.

AST offers benefits as it is a direct role

This is a hybrid position in Lanham,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 17, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.

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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.