Lead Software Engineer

Job Title: Lead Software Engineer

Job Description

This Lead Software Engineer role focuses on designing, developing, and integrating robust software solutions within a Windows environment for industrial automation and SCADA systems. You will provide hands-on technical leadership in C, C++, and C#, define software architecture, and build interfaces to SCADA systems, PLCs, and industrial communication protocols. The position combines deep technical work with responsibility for mentoring others, shaping key technical decisions, and delivering high-quality, performant, and secure software that supports both short-term project needs and long-term business goals.

Responsibilities

• Define and document software requirements specifications in collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams.
• Design overall software architecture and implement high-quality, maintainable code in C, C++, and C#/.NET.
• Make key technical decisions for software development and guide the selection of tools, frameworks, and patterns.
• Build and maintain interfaces between Windows-based applications and SCADA systems.
• Develop and maintain communication between SCADA systems and industry-standard protocols such as Genisys, Modbus, UDP, TCP/IP, and serial communication.
• Integrate software with PLCs from various vendors in industrial automation environments.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams to define system requirements and ensure seamless system integration.
• Optimize, refactor, and maintain legacy codebases written in C, C++, and C#/.NET to improve performance, reliability, and maintainability.
• Conduct thorough code reviews, unit and integration testing, and debugging to ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Document software architecture, design decisions, integration workflows, and communication interfaces.
• Apply object-oriented programming principles and software design patterns to create robust, scalable, and reusable components.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentorship to junior developers and peers.
• Ensure consistent achievement of Software Engineering targets including safety, scope, quality, schedule, budget, and technical performance across projects and sustaining efforts.
• Adhere to and help improve Software Engineering processes, including requirements management, traceability, defect tracking, and source code management.
• Use configuration management tools effectively to create baselines, merge source file changes, and produce formal software releases.
• Support and contribute to project planning and staffing while maintaining adherence to department budget and utilization targets.
• Leverage scripting languages such as Python or PowerShell to automate build, deployment, testing, and operational tasks where appropriate.
• Apply knowledge of industrial cybersecurity best practices to design and implement secure software solutions.
• Work with client-server architectures, Microsoft SQL Server databases, and related technologies to deliver end-to-end solutions.
• Contribute to the continued growth of team competencies in C, C++, C#, .NET, SQL, SCADA, Modbus, and PLC integration.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of experience in software development and architecture in a Windows environment.
• Strong proficiency in C, C++, and C#/.NET technologies for application development.
• Hands-on experience with SCADA systems and industrial automation interfaces.
• In-depth knowledge of Modbus communication protocols, including Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP.
• Experience integrating with PLCs and industrial control systems.
• Proficiency with configuration management and source control tools such as JIRA, Git, or ClearCase.
• Solid understanding of multithreading, memory management, and performance optimization in software systems.
• Experience working with industrial communication standards such as OPC UA or OPC DA.
• Experience with GE Cimplicity or comparable SCADA systems.
• Strong grasp of object-oriented programming principles and software design patterns.
• Experience working with client-server architectures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Visual Studio as a primary development environment.
• Experience with Microsoft SQL Server databases and SQL development.
• Experience with Microsoft Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) and Windows Communication Foundation (WCF).
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with full-stack development across both front-end and back-end components.
• Experience with real-time and embedded software development, including FPGA work, board bring-up, peripheral bring-up, and low-level driver development.
• Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity best practices and secure software design principles.
• Familiarity with Agile or Scrum methodologies and iterative development practices.
• Experience using scripting languages such as Python or PowerShell to automate development and operational tasks.
• Experience developing software in a Linux environment is a plus.
• Exposure to AI frameworks or machine learning libraries.
• Demonstrated experience in developing software solutions involving GPS technologies.
• Experience with UDP, TCP/IP, and serial communication in industrial or real-time environments.
• Familiarity with additional SCADA-related protocols and tools beyond those explicitly listed.
• Ability to mentor and guide other engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

You will work primarily in a Windows-based software development environment using Microsoft Visual Studio, .NET, and Microsoft SQL Server, with frequent interaction with SCADA systems, PLCs, and industrial communication networks. The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams, including controls, hardware, and systems engineers, to deliver integrated industrial automation solutions. Work typically follows structured Software Engineering processes with formal requirements management, traceability, defect tracking, and configuration management practices. You will operate within an Agile or hybrid project framework, participate in code reviews and technical discussions, and contribute to both new development and sustaining engineering. The environment emphasizes safety, reliability, and cybersecurity, reflecting the demands of industrial control systems. Hours are generally aligned with standard business schedules, with flexibility driven by project milestones and integration activities. The position is office- and lab-based, with periodic access to industrial equipment, test rigs, and PLC/SCADA setups for integration, debugging, and validation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Melbourne, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $64.00/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 Melbourne,FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 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.

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.