Embedded Firmware Engineer
Location: Hawthorne, CA (Los Angeles Area) | Onsite
About the Opportunity
A stealth-mode, venture-backed aerospace startup in the Los Angeles area is pioneering a first-of-its-kind technology: satellites designed to extend the impact of solar energy after sunset. With a recent Series A raise from leading investors, this ~20-person engineering team is gearing up for their first orbital launch in 2026. Led by industry veterans with deep experience in space hardware, the team is on a mission to deliver game-changing solutions at scale.
Why Join?
· Shape the architecture and foundation of a new generation of space-based systems.
· Work alongside a team of proven engineers and innovators from top aerospace and robotics backgrounds.
· Own projects end-to-end, with autonomy and real impact from day one.
· Contribute to a mission that enables a more sustainable, energy-rich future for the planet.
Role Overview
As the first Embedded Firmware Engineer, you’ll architect, implement, and validate embedded flight software for the initial spacecraft. This is a hands-on, high-ownership role where you’ll invent novel solutions, leverage proven aerospace components, and build systems that are robust, scalable, and ruthlessly simple. Your work will directly enable reliable, remote operation and control of vehicles in orbit.
Key Responsibilities
· Architect and implement embedded flight software for the first satellite, including OS selection, mission management, command/data handling, and communications.
· Deliver highly reliable, modular, and remote-updatable software that can withstand the harsh conditions of low Earth orbit.
· Collaborate with avionics and hardware teams on processor/component selection and electrical system architecture.
· Integrate and support software for electromechanical subsystems: sensors, ADCS, motors, battery management, thermal controls, communications, deployment mechanisms, and cameras.
· Design embedded software systems that support subsystem hardware testing and validation.
· Implement comprehensive testing: unit tests, software simulation, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL/flatsat).
· Set and uphold best practices for software development, version control, release, and validation.
· Scale the initial architecture for future vehicle generations.
What You Bring
· Significant experience developing embedded C and/or C++ software for autonomous electromechanical systems (e.g., satellites, robotics, drones, autonomous vehicles).
· Deep understanding of software design for high-reliability, fault-tolerant, and remotely updatable systems.
· Experience architecting and operating real-world electromechanical systems, ideally in aerospace or related high-stakes environments.
· Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams on hardware/software integration.
· Thrive in highly autonomous environments—comfortable making decisions and moving fast, but know when to deliberate.
· Inventive mindset: seek new solutions for scalable, cost-effective space systems, not just legacy approaches.
Bonus Points For
· Experience with star trackers, ADCS, satellite communications, or deployment mechanisms.
· Prior work in early-stage startups or fast-paced hardware teams.
Education
· Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field is required.
· A Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant field is a strong plus.
· Equivalent hands-on experience developing embedded systems for spacecraft, robotics, drones, or other autonomous vehicles may be considered in lieu of a formal degree for exceptional candidates.
Compensation
· Level 2$100K – $125K • Offers Equity
· Level 3$130K – $160K • Offers Equity
· Level 4$150K – $180K • Offers Equity