Embedded Software Engineer II

Rocket Lab; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space technology company in Toronto seeks an experienced Embedded Software Engineer II to support the development of flight software for satellite components. You will work on firmware development, debugging, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Candidates should have a degree in a relevant field and proficiency in C/C++, along with at least 2 years of embedded software experience. This role offers a unique opportunity to see your work impact space exploration.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of demonstrated applicable experience in embedded software development.
• 2+ years of experience with firmware development for ARM or RISC-V microcontrollers.
• Strong understanding of data structures, algorithms and design patterns.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain firmware for satellite components.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code in C/C++.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex software problems.

Skills

C language

C++ language

Embedded software development

Firmware development

Hardware debugging

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering

Tools

GNU Make

CMake

Job description

Overview

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Space Systems at Rocket Lab builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives.

Position

EMBEDDED SOFTWARE ENGINEER II

As an Embedded Software Engineer based at Rocket Lab’s site in Toronto, you will have the opportunity to play a key role in supporting the development of flight software for our Satellite Components. You’ll spend your days participating in all aspects of software design and development, from requirements definition through coding and testing. And when we say test, we mean your software will be on orbit within weeks and months, not years. Thanks to having our own rockets and launch sites, we have frequent opportunities to test and operate our software on orbit. To be successful in this role, you must want to see your software make a big impact on the way we explore space and use it as a platform for discovery and innovation. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Design, develop, and maintain firmware for satellite components.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code in C/C++.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and solve complex software problems.
• Participate in review of source code changes and ensure all changes meet company coding standards.
• Troubleshoot and debug issues reported by customers.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive unit tests to run within a Continuous Integration framework.

Qualifications

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
• Proficiency in C and C++ languages.
• 2+ years of demonstrated applicable experience in embedded software development.
• 2+ years of experience with firmware development for ARM or RISC-V microcontrollers and their architecture.
• Familiarity with low-level hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, etc.).
• Strong understanding of data structures, algorithms and design patterns common to embedded systems development.
• Strong software and hardware debugging skills and experience with unit testing frameworks and debugging tools.
• Experience with CLI software build tools such as GNU Make and CMake.

Nice to Have

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Comfortable with using lab equipment including power supply, oscilloscope and load box.
• Experience with Microchip's SoC FPGAs and tools such as Libero and SmartHLS.
• Experience with image processing techniques and algorithms.
• Experience with radiation-hardened designs and environmental testing.
• Experience with real-time operating systems or embedded Linux.
• Experience with Python and Rust languages.

Additional Requirements

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise

What to Expect

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

EEO and Legal

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact the indicated resource. FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY: Background checks and nationality requirements apply.