Senior Embedded Engineer – Space Systems

Position: Senior Embedded Engineer

Type of Hire: Full-Time

Location: Seattle, WA

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Embedded Engineer to architect and implement software for satellite systems. This is a hands-on role working closely with hardware, RF, and operations teams to develop high-reliability embedded software that powers a satellite constellation.

You will act as a technical leader on the engineering team, translating system-level requirements into robust, efficient embedded solutions designed for the harsh space environment. This position spans the full embedded stack: from low-level device drivers to application-level software managing satellite operations, including contributing to next-generation satellite platform architecture.

Key Responsibilities

• Python & C Development: Write high-quality, maintainable code in both Python and C for satellite command scripts and performance-critical embedded applications.
• Embedded Linux Systems: Design, implement, and maintain embedded Linux systems for satellite payloads, including kernel configuration, driver development, and system optimization for resource-constrained space hardware.
• Low-Level Driver Development: Develop and debug device drivers for common interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet) and peripherals including ADCs, DACs, DDR memory controllers, and custom hardware.
• Flight Software Architecture: Contribute to the design and implementation of satellite flight software, including command & data handling, telemetry systems, and autonomous operations.
• Hardware Bring-Up: Lead board bring-up activities for new hardware, working closely with electrical engineers to validate designs, debug interfaces, and commission new systems.
• Space Environment Considerations: Design software with awareness of space-specific challenges including radiation effects (SEUs, latch-up), thermal constraints, and power budgets.

An Ideal Candidate Has

• A Sense of Urgency: Lead projects from concept to reality, rapidly and effectively.
• High Learning Agility: Love to learn; grounded approach to recognizing weaknesses and taking initiative to sharpen engineering foundations.
• System-Level Design and Analysis: Understand the requirements flow-down process and quickly iterate on evolving requirements.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Effectively convey ideas and communicate technical topics with engineering, build staff, and operations; run self-directed design reviews.
• Anticipation of Needs: Identify problems, think creatively, and rapidly produce reliable and cost-effective solutions for an early-stage company environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of proven experience delivering embedded systems for production hardware, preferably in Aerospace, Defense, or other high-reliability domains
• Expert-level C programming: deep understanding of memory management, real-time constraints, and optimization techniques for embedded systems
• Expert-level Python for scripting, automation, test frameworks, and ground system integration
• Solid embedded Linux proficiency: kernel configuration, device drivers, Buildroot/Yocto or similar
• Hardware interface experience with SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, ADCs, DACs, and memory interfaces (DDR)
• Comfortable using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG debuggers to troubleshoot hardware and software issues
• Space systems experience (optional): radiation hardening techniques, thermal management, and single-event effects
• FPGA integration experience (optional): AXI/PCIe interfaces, register-mapped peripheral access from embedded Linux or bare-metal, collaborative bring-up with digital design engineers
• U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required (ITAR)

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and HSA options
• Unlimited PTO
• Commuter benefits (HQ-based employees)
• Learning & Development Allowance
• Health & Wellness Stipend
• Sabbatical Program
• Work on cutting-edge satellite technology systems

ITAR Requirements

This position is subject to U.S. Government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (“green card holder”) as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15).

Pay: $180,000.00 - $249,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person