Job Information
Actalent Senior Software Developer in North Reading, Massachusetts
Job Title: Senior Software DeveloperJob Description
This Senior Software Developer role focuses on building and scaling orchestration software that controls advanced automated work cells, including complex electro-mechanical systems and robotic arms. You will design and implement applications that run on local, on-premise servers configured to mirror cloud environments, enabling low-latency communication with the controls layer via APIs and MQTT. The position requires a strong object-oriented programmer who understands the impact of software on real-world physical systems and who can help scale a growing infrastructure as thousands of automated systems are deployed across multiple global facilities.
Responsibilities
Own the end-to-end lifecycle of orchestration software, including design, architecture modifications, implementation, deployment, monitoring, and ongoing operation.
Develop, test, and maintain robust, scalable, and maintainable code primarily in Java and Kotlin for orchestration and control of automated work cells.
Build and scale CI/CD pipelines to manage deployments and remote updates across a large fleet of edge devices and on-premise servers.
Collaborate closely with hardware, controls, and operations teams to ensure seamless communication between cloud services, local servers, and physical machinery.
Implement and maintain unit tests, integration tests, and other automated testing strategies to drive operational excellence and ensure system reliability.
Perform rigorous root-cause analysis for production issues, proposing and implementing long-term corrective actions and improvements.
Leverage cloud services, such as AWS or similar platforms, to design and optimize solutions that integrate with edge compute and on-premise environments.
Apply a strong sense of ownership and accountability to all stages of the development process, from requirements clarification through production support.
Navigate ambiguous requirements and evolving priorities while consistently delivering high-quality software and measurable results.
Ensure that software design and implementation appropriately account for the physical consequences of system behavior, particularly when interacting with moving machinery and automated equipment.
Essential Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
3–5+ years of hands-on professional software development experience.
High proficiency in Object-Oriented Programming, specifically with Java and/or Kotlin.
Strong experience working with cloud services such as AWS or similar cloud platforms.
Experience deploying software to edge compute or on-premise servers in distributed environments.
Practical experience building, configuring, and managing CI/CD pipelines for automated builds, testing, and deployments.
Experience writing software for systems with real-world physical consequences, such as medical devices, robotics, fleet management, or industrial automation.
Deep understanding of MQTT and API-driven communication for integrating services and devices.
Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, highly ambiguous environment with a strong bias for action.
Proven track record of taking ownership of complex problems and driving them to resolution.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including hardware, controls, and operations.
Background in designing software architectures for large fleets of devices or distributed systems.
Familiarity with best practices in automated testing, including unit, integration, and system-level tests.
Experience performing detailed root-cause analysis and implementing permanent fixes for production issues.
Ability to interpret and refine ambiguous or evolving requirements into clear technical deliverables.
Strong communication skills to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Work Environment
You will work in a highly collaborative environment that brings together software, hardware, and controls engineering to build advanced automated work cells. The software you develop will run on local, on-premise servers configured to mirror cloud environments while integrating with cloud platforms such as AWS. The systems rely on MQTT and API-based communication to coordinate robotic arms, electro-mechanical systems, and other physical machinery. The role operates in a fast-paced setting where requirements can evolve quickly, and where a strong sense of ownership, accountability, and bias for action is valued. You will regularly work with CI/CD tooling, edge compute infrastructure, and distributed devices across multiple facilities globally, focusing on reliability, scalability, and safe interaction with physical equipment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract 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 Apr 30, 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.