Senior Cyber Security Software Engineer

Actalent
Sterling Heights, MI

Job Title: Senior Cyber Security Software Engineer
Job Description

The Senior Cyber Security Software Engineer supports a flagship U.S. Army modernization program, focusing on the design, development, and integration of embedded cybersecurity software across vehicle and platform-level systems. This role implements secure software mechanisms that enable protected communications, authentication, access control, and secure interfaces between devices and subsystems. The engineer collaborates closely with systems, software, and cybersecurity teams to translate cybersecurity designs into deployable embedded solutions that meet U.S. military and regulatory requirements, contributing directly to mission-critical cybersecurity capabilities for next-generation combat vehicles.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and integrate embedded cybersecurity software solutions for vehicle and platform-level systems on the XM30 program.
  • Implement secure software mechanisms that provide authentication, access control, protected communications, and secure interfaces between devices and subsystems.
  • Translate cybersecurity architectures and design specifications into robust, deployable embedded software solutions that meet U.S. military and regulatory requirements.
  • Develop and maintain embedded or systems-level software in C and/or C++ with a strong focus on security and reliability.
  • Secure communications between distributed and embedded systems, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.
  • Apply secure coding practices, vulnerability mitigation techniques, and software hardening methods throughout the development lifecycle.
  • Debug, test, and integrate software in lab, bench, and vehicle test environments to verify functionality, performance, and security behavior.
  • Collaborate with systems, software, and cybersecurity engineers in a cross-functional team to refine requirements and resolve technical issues.
  • Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and technical reviews to ensure high-quality, secure software implementations.
  • Communicate technical solutions and cybersecurity impacts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Support risk management activities by identifying, assessing, and helping remediate software-related cybersecurity risks.
  • Contribute to the remediation of software vulnerabilities and support cybersecurity validation activities as needed.
  • Align software solutions with general military standards and regulations relevant to defense and ground vehicle systems.
  • Occasionally interact with overseas engineering teams to coordinate design, integration, and testing activities.
Essential Skills
  • 5+ years of embedded software development experience with direct cybersecurity responsibilities.
  • Strong experience implementing authentication, access control, protected communications, and secure interfaces in embedded or distributed systems.
  • Proficiency in C and/or C++ for embedded or systems-level software development.
  • Experience securing communications between distributed or embedded systems.
  • Knowledge of secure coding practices, vulnerability mitigation techniques, and software hardening approaches.
  • Experience debugging and integrating software in lab, bench, or vehicle test environments.
  • Hands-on, self-directed engineering approach with the ability to drive tasks to completion.
  • Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills in complex embedded and networked environments.
  • Ability to communicate technical concepts and solutions clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • General knowledge of military standards and regulations related to defense and ground vehicle systems.
  • Comfort participating in and contributing to design reviews, code reviews, and technical reviews.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Security Clearance.
  • Background or strong familiarity with defense industry cybersecurity and risk management practices.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Experience implementing cybersecurity software in defense, automotive, or vehicle platforms.
  • Familiarity with U.S. Department of Defense ground vehicle requirements.
  • Experience with software vulnerability remediation and cybersecurity validation activities.
  • Exposure to vehicle or platform-level secure communications architectures and protocols.
  • German language proficiency.
  • Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline.
  • Interest in working on mission-critical cybersecurity solutions for next-generation combat vehicles.
  • Motivation to work within a global defense organization with long-term program stability and deep technical heritage.
Work Environment

This is an onsite engineering role based in Auburn Hills, MI, within a collaborative, cross-functional environment that brings together systems, software, and cybersecurity engineers. Work takes place across lab, integration, and vehicle test environments, providing hands-on exposure to embedded systems and secure vehicle platforms. The role may involve interaction and coordination with overseas engineering teams, requiring clear communication and a cooperative mindset. The position can occasionally require lifting up to 25 pounds when handling equipment or test hardware. The environment supports long-term program stability, exposure to cutting-edge embedded and vehicle cybersecurity challenges, and the opportunity to contribute directly to high-impact defense modernization efforts.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Sterling Heights, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $72.12 - $86.54/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 Sterling Heights,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 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.

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