Lead Software Engineer
Actalent
About the role
Lead Software Engineer
Description
We are seeking a talented Software Integration Leader with a passion for autonomous systems to design, develop, and optimize software solutions that enable intelligent behavior in robotics and automation technologies. The ideal candidate has a strong software development, testing and leadership background, familiarity with robotics and autonomous systems, and proven track record of collaborating with a cross‑functional team of engineers, researchers, and product managers to create robust and scalable software for complex systems.
What you'll do
- Design and implement software using C++ in a Linux environment
- Work with stakeholders to define requirements and integrate and verify systems
- Integrate software into production platforms and deploy it
- Develop and maintain software solutions, including debugging, maintenance, and updating
- Test and evaluate performance of software feature in both simulation and on‑vehicle
- Lead cross functional teams to ensure reliable and effective vehicle behaviors
- Analyze test results, identify issues, and collaborate with engineering teams to resolve problems
- Provide performance data and constructive feedback to hardware design and manufacturing teams
- Travel ranging from 10‑25% depending on candidate preference and role placement
Skills & Qualifications
MUST HAVE
- 7 or more years of relevant experience
- 3 or more years leading SW engineers and products
- SME in Robotics and/or Autonomous Vehicles
- B.S. in computer science, engineering, robotics, or related field
- Experience in integrating software on hardware products
- Strong programming skills in languages such as C++ or Python
- Solid core software engineering skills: software design, unit testing, debugging
- Ability to consistently deliver production‑quality software in a continuously integrated environment
- Strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software design principles
- Experience working in teams and a willingness to proactively solve problems
- Familiarity with real‑time operating systems and embedded programming
- Leadership experience on cross‑functional software teams
- Willingness to lead 2‑3 junior SW Engineers
- Green Card Holder or U.S. Citizenship required due to nature of work
PREFERRED
- Experience in software development for robotics and autonomous systems
- Experience with safety‑critical systems (e.g., MIL‑STD‑882, ISO‑26262, DO‑178)
- Experience with state machines, motion, path planning, and/or perception pipelines
- Knowledge of navigation, localization, and/or mapping algorithms
Work Environment
This role can sit out of Clarksburg, MD or Arlington, VA. There is travel for week(s) at a time domestically depending on which program they are supporting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Clarksburg, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $145,000.00 - $220,000.00/yr.
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Clarksburg, MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 14, 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.
Requirements
- The ideal candidate has a strong software development, testing and leadership background, familiarity with robotics and autonomous systems, and proven track record of collaborating with a cross-functional team of engineers, researchers, and product managers to create robust and scalable software for complex systems
- 7 or more years of relevant experience
- 3 or more years leading SW engineers and products
- SME in Robotics and/or Autonomous Vehicles
- B.S. in computer science, engineering, robotics, or related field
- Experience in integrating software on hardware products
- Strong programming skills in languages such as C++ or Python
- Solid core software engineering skills: software design, unit testing, debugging
- Ability to consistently deliver production-quality software in a continuously integrated environment
- Strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software design principles
- Experience working in teams and a willingness to proactively solve problems
- Familiarity with real-time operating systems and embedded programming
- Leadership experience on cross-functional software teams
- Willingness to lead 2-3 junior SW Engineers
- Green Card Holder or U.S. Citizenship required due to nature of work
- Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Responsibilities
- Design and implement software using C++ in a Linux environment
- Work with stakeholders to define requirements and integrate and verify systems
- Integrate software into production platforms and deploy it
- Develop and maintain software solutions, including debugging, maintenance, and updating
- Test and evaluate performance of software feature in both simulation and on-vehicle
- Lead cross functional teams to ensure reliable and effective vehicle behaviors
- Analyze test results, identify issues, and collaborate with engineering teams to resolve problems
- Provide performance data and constructive feedback to hardware design and manufacturing teams
- Travel ranging from 10-25% depending on candidate preference and role placement
- Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Benefits
Skills
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