We’re looking for a Staff Core Software Engineer to develop embedded and flight software for mission-critical robotic and spaceflight systems in a fast-paced startup environment.
This role is focused on real-time embedded systems, flight software architecture, hardware integration, and autonomy platforms. You’ll work closely with avionics, robotics, systems, and hardware teams to develop highly reliable software for lunar vehicles operating in demanding environments.
What You’ll Be Working On
Embedded and flight software for robotic space systems
RTOS-based software development (VxWorks, RTEMS, FreeRTOS, etc.)
Command & telemetry systems
Hardware abstraction layers and device drivers
Flight software integration and system control logic
Hardware-in-the-loop testing and simulation environments
Real-time system performance, debugging, and validation
Robotics and autonomous vehicle software architectures
Ideal Background
5+ years developing embedded software or avionics systems
Strong C programming experience for embedded systems
Experience with RTOS environments and real-time software concepts
Familiarity with NASA cFS or similar flight software frameworks
Experience integrating software directly with hardware platforms
Understanding of telemetry, networking, and spacecraft data handling
Comfortable debugging timing, integration, and system interaction issues
Strong collaboration skills in multidisciplinary engineering environments
Nice to Have
Device driver or BSP development experience
Hardware-in-the-loop or simulation experience
Safety-critical or fault-tolerant software development
GNC software integration experience
Planetary robotics or crewed spacecraft avionics experience
Startup or NewSpace background
This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge lunar robotics and help build the software systems that will support the next era of human space exploration.
We’re working with an innovative aerospace company developing next-generation communication systems for satellites, UAVs, and advanced airborne platforms. This is a hands-on role where you’ll contribute across the full software lifecycle—from concept through to in-orbit operations.
If you enjoy working close to hardware, owning systems end-to-end, and solving complex real-world problems, this is a great opportunity to make a tangible impact.
What You’ll Be Doing
Design and develop mission-critical software for satellites, ground systems, and mission operations
Own the full software lifecycle: architecture ? development ? testing ? deployment ? in-orbit support
Work across the stack, including:
Embedded systems / microcontrollers
Low-level drivers & BSPs
Applications & data systems
Collaborate closely with hardware, systems, and test teams
Lead design reviews and present to customers and senior leadership
Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical direction
Support integration, validation, and performance optimization
Evaluate and integrate third-party / open-source software
What We’re Looking For
BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or similar
7–9+ years of software development experience
Strong experience in C / C++
Proven background in embedded systems and hardware interaction
Experience building complex, multi-threaded applications
Familiarity with:
Software configuration & version control tools
Debugging and troubleshooting real-world systems
Strong communication skills (you’ll be customer-facing at times)
Nice to Have
Aerospace or space systems experience
Flight software or mission systems experience
Familiarity with:
NASA cFS or similar frameworks
COSMOS or mission ops tools
Experience with:
ARM processors / microcontrollers
SDK development
Ability to read schematics and datasheets
Compensation & Benefits
$142,000 – $189,500 base salary
Equity (stock options)
Comprehensive benefits:
Medical, dental, vision
HSA / FSA
Life & disability
Retirement plans
Eligibility Requirement
Due to export control regulations, applicants must be:
U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or otherwise authorized to work on U.S. government-regulated programs
If you’re passionate about pushing the limits of embedded software and want your work to have a direct impact on next-generation space systems, this could be for you.
We’re working with a pioneering space technology company developing AI-enabled autonomy software for spacecraft. They’re building technology that allows satellites to sense, think, and act independently in orbit, and are now expanding their engineering team in London.
What You’ll Be Doing
Designing and developing embedded software for advanced space systems.
Writing real-time code for Linux-based RTOS environments.
Prototyping and testing software on hardware to validate system performance.
Building scalable, modular systems that support autonomous in-orbit operations.
Collaborating with hardware and AI teams to integrate real-world functionality.
What You’ll Bring
Strong background in C++ and Python development.
Experience working with embedded Linux or real-time operating systems (RTOS).
Solid understanding of microcontrollers, device drivers, and hardware integration.
Comfortable debugging, testing, and optimising performance on embedded targets.
A self-starter with a collaborative mindset, able to thrive in fast-moving environments.
Nice to Have
Familiarity with communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet).
Knowledge of containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes).
Experience with BSP generation, real-time kernel configuration, or SoC platforms (e.g. NVIDIA).
Background in the space, robotics, or autonomy industries.
Folsom, CA (Hybrid) Defense & National Security Full-Time $75,000 – $110,000
An innovative defense and national security engineering organisation is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to support the development of advanced airborne ISR and mission-critical systems.
This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer who is excited to work on complex, real-world systems in a highly collaborative, small-team environment.
The Opportunity
You’ll contribute to the design, development, and testing of embedded and Linux-based software supporting advanced intelligence and defense technologies.
The role offers exposure across the full software lifecycle, working alongside systems engineers, technical leads, and programme managers on high-impact projects.
Key Responsibilities
Support software analysis, design, development, and testing
Collaborate across software and systems engineering teams
Evaluate and integrate commercial and open-source technologies
Contribute to architectural prototyping and system improvements
Assist in preparing technical briefings and documentation
Participate in customer and technical review meetings
Requirements
1–2 years of commercial experience in Engineering or Computer Science
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
Experience with C, C++, or similar systems programming languages (Linux environment)
Comfortable working with command-line interfaces
Experience with shell and/or Python scripting
Understanding of network fundamentals (IP addressing, subnetting, protocols)
Basic knowledge of object-oriented design, distributed systems, and embedded concepts
Strong communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team
Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship required)
Preferred
Active DoD Top Secret SCI clearance
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