Embedded Software Designer

Rocket Lab; United States; Remote; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kepler Communications, aiming to enhance space access, seeks an Embedded Software Designer to develop high-quality software for spacecraft. This role involves designing reliable onboard software and mentoring junior engineers, requiring strong C/C++ skills, a degree in Computer Science, and 5+ years of experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of embedded software development experience.
• Proficient in C/C++ with experience in embedded topics.
• Excellent communication and ability to use git.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop onboard software for satellites.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Work with teams on system architecture and identify software shortcomings.

Skills

Software design and development

C/C++ programming

Algorithms

Testing and debugging

Embedded operating systems

Communication skills

Git usage

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Tools

OpenEmbedded/Yocto

FreeRTOS

Embedded Linux

Job description

Kepler is on an audacious mission to deliver Internet connectivity to space, creating the infrastructure to support the rapidly increasing data needs of the space economy. With 23 satellites launched to date and our optical constellation on the horizon, our ambition is to improve access to space-generated data, whether in LEO, MEO, GEO, or beyond! Kepler is hard at work innovating and continuing to grow and expand our most important asset – the Team!

We're on the hunt for a top-tier Embedded Software Designer. Your focus will be on software development and maintenance required for both space and ground-based assets for a growing fleet of spacecraft. You'll be relied upon for input and decisions that will directly impact design and operation.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop reliable, high-quality software related to:
• On board software for our next generation of satellites
• Embedded Linux for both space and ground systems
• Firmware and driversIoT modules
• Writing thorough tests and documentation
• Participating in software design review and code review processes
• Work with electrical, digital design, and operations teams to identify required features and solidify the system architecture
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers
• Identify shortcomings in existing software components and direct future development efforts

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• 5+ years of embedded software development experience
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent
• Strong software design and development skills, including algorithms, testing and debugging
• Proficiency in C/C++, especially in embedded topics such as interrupt handlers, concurrency, memory mapped peripherals, and hardware interfaces (SPI, I2C, CAN)
• Experience with embedded operating systems and build systems, including OpenEmbedded/Yocto and FreeRTOS
• Embedded Linux experience including writing kernel modules, device trees, and drivers
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to effectively use git

Bonus Points:

• Master's degree
• Python development experience
• Experience developing software for aerospace applications
• Experience developing multi-stage bootloaders
• Strong knowledge of computer networking and modern networking protocols
• Experience with RTL (Verilog and/or VHDL) and embedded SoCs
• Hardware debugging experience (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, etc.)
• Experience with ARM assembly

Kepler Communications is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from: Women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, visible minorities, people who identify as LGBTQ+ and others who may contribute to diversification in our workplace.

As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, Kepler will, upon the request of the applicant, provide accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure equal access to applicants with disabilities. Please contact our People & Culture team, through our Career Page to make your accommodation needs known and we will consult with you to ensure suitable accommodation is provided.