Embedded Software Engineer

PetsApp; Wien; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Daily company-sponsored lunch

Public transportation ticket

Flexible working hours

Competitive compensation package

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

GATE Space in Vienna, Austria, is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to design and implement close-to-hardware firmware in C/C++, integrate FPGA-based solutions, and build robust HIL environments and CI/CD pipelines. You will collaborate closely with hardware and electrical teams during prototype bring-up and help validate system performance.

We offer a full-time role in a fast-paced space tech environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, or related field, or equivalent/self-taught.
• At least four years in areas listed in the must-haves.
• Experience programming C/C++ close to hardware.
• Hands-on microcontroller experience.
• Bring-up and debugging embedded hardware.
• Experience with Python for tooling/automation.
• Proven ability to design automated test setups and HIL systems.
• Experience setting up CI/CD for embedded systems.
• Experience debugging SPI, I2C, CAN, UART.
• Optional: FPGA (VHDL/Verilog) and toolchains.
• Optional: RTOS (FreeRTOS).
• Optional: Beckhoff/TwinCAT/EtherCAT.
• Optional: Safety-critical domain experience.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain close-to-hardware software/firmware in C/C++.
• Develop, interface, and verify FPGA-based solutions.
• Architect and build Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments.
• Establish and maintain CI/CD pipelines for embedded builds.
• Write Python scripts for test automation and data handling.
• Work with electrical engineering during hardware bring-up.
• Own software architecture and microcontroller selection for custom PCBs.

Skills

Close-to-hardware C/C++

Microcontrollers

Embedded bring-up & debugging

Python tooling

HIL test systems

CI/CD for embedded

Low-level protocols SPI/I2C/CAN/UART

FPGA development (VHDL/Verilog)

Real-time OS (FreeRTOS)

TwinCAT/EtherCATBeckhoff

Aerospace/medical/auto safety-critical

Problem-solving & analytical skills

Excellent communication

Fast-paced, adaptive

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/EE/Embedded Systems/Mechatronics

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic Analyzers

TwinCAT

EtherCAT

Job description

About us:

At GATE Space, we develop green, chemical in-space propulsion solutions for the NewSpace economy. Drawing on years of experience developing rocket engines, our team is chasing the dream of a thriving economy in space and tackling space engineering problems with a rapid prototyping philosophy. We focus on the development of two products: The GATE Jetpack – a plug-and-play mobility solution for satellite missions – and the GATE Thruster – the world’s first chemical propulsion system capable of highly responsive deep throttling and differential thrust stabilization.

At GATE Space, we are committed to workforce diversity, equality and inclusion. We want to build a diverse team and welcome and value all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

About your role:

As an Embedded Software Engineer at GATE Space, you will be responsible for embedded software architecture, implementation, and automated testing. You’ll play a key role in developing close-to-hardware firmware in C/C++ and integrating FPGA-based solutions, while architecting robust Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments and CI/CD pipelines to validate system performance. This hands-on role requires you to work closely with the electrical engineering team during hardware bring-up and offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge propulsion development in a fast-paced environment, supporting the entire development lifecycle.

Your primary tasks:

• Embedded Development: Design, implement, and maintain close-to-hardware software and firmware in C and C++.

• FPGA Integration: Develop, interface, and verify FPGA-based solutions, bridging the gap between programmable hardware logic and low-level software.

• Test & Infrastructure: Architect and build robust test setups, specifically designing and operating Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments to validate firmware performance and safety.

• Automation Pipeline: Establish and maintain CI/CD pipelines to automate embedded software builds, testing, and deployment directly to hardware targets.

• Scripting & Tooling: Write robust Python scripts for test automation, data analysis, and hardware interfacing.

• Hardware Bring-Up: Work hands-on with the electrical engineering team during prototype bring-up, debugging complex hardware/software interactions using oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.

• System Architecture: Take ownership of software trade-offs, microcontroller selection, and the software architecture of custom PCB designs.

Your Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent / self-taught.

• Industry experience of at least four (4) years in as many of the following areas:

  • Extensive experience programming in C and C++ close to the hardware.

  • Hands-on experience with microcontrollers.

  • Hands-on experience with bring-up and debugging of embedded hardware

  • Experience writing Python for tooling, automation, or data handling.

  • Proven ability to design and build automated test setups and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) systems.

  • Experience setting up and managing CI/CD workflows for embedded systems.

  • Experience debugging low-level communication protocols (e.g., SPI, I2C, CAN, UART).

• [Optional but desired] Hands-on experience with FPGA development (VHDL/Verilog) and toolchains.

• [Optional but desired] Hands-on experience with real-time operating systems (FreeRTOS, etc.).

• [Optional but desired] Experience with Beckhoff or similar automation systems (TwinCAT, EtherCAT).

• [Optional but desired] Work experience in aerospace, medical, automotive, or other safety-critical applications.

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities, especially when troubleshooting at the hardware-software boundary.

• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical trade-offs to cross-functional teams.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to evolving priorities.

About your employment

We are looking for a full-time employee, starting as soon as possible.This role is in-person in Vienna, Austria with occasional travel to customers all across Europe & the US as well as conferences and industry events globally.

What we offer

• Minimum annual gross salary of EUR 55,000. A higher salary can be offered depending on qualifications, experience, and professional background.

• A front-row seat in the development and implementation of innovative space missions and technologies.

• The opportunity to help shape a rapidly growing European space company.

• Competitive compensation package depending on qualifications and experience.

• Variable compensation opportunities as part of performance and reward programs.

• Daily company-sponsored lunch.

• Public transportation ticket.

• Flexible working hours.

• Direct collaboration with leading industrial, scientific, and institutional partners.

• A highly motivated and ambitious international team working to redefine in-space mobility.