Embedded Software Engineer

LEAP; Broomfield (CO); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity program

401(k) plan

Professional development stipend

PTO & holidays

Hybrid work model

Health benefits

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

LEAP is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain flight-critical firmware powering launch vehicles. You will implement drivers for sensors and buses, contribute to flight software state machines, and support integration with avionics and contractor teams.

Applicants should have 4+ years in embedded firmware, C/C++, and experience with RTOS or bare-metal development, plus familiarity with SPI/I2C/CAN/UART/Ethernet and hardware interfaces.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years of embedded firmware or embedded systems development.
• Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems.
• Experience with microcontrollers, microprocessors, and/or FPGAs.
• Familiarity with RTOS concepts or bare-metal development.
• Experience interfacing with hardware and reading schematics.
• Understanding of SPI, I2C, CAN, UART, Ethernet.
• Experience debugging embedded systems at the hardware/software boundary.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain embedded firmware for flight and ground systems.
• Implement drivers and interfaces for sensors, actuators, and communication buses (SPI, I2C, CAN, UART, Ethernet).
• Contribute to flight software, including state machines, control logic, and health monitoring.
• Support firmware integration with avionics hardware and subsystems; review deliverables from contractors.
• Debug hardware/software issues using lab equipment and support system-level testing (HIL, environmental, bench).
• Produce well-structured firmware modules, driver implementations, and control logic for flight systems.
• Deliver design docs, interface specs, test procedures, verification reports, debugging analyses.

Skills

C/C++

RTOS concepts

Hardware interfacing

Embedded debugging

MCU/FPGA

Schematic reading

Embedded systems

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SPI

I2C

CAN

UART

Ethernet

Job description

As our Embedded Software Engineer, you will develop and maintain the flight-critical firmware that powers our launch vehicles. Working closely with avionics, propulsion, and GNC teams, you will translate system requirements into robust, testable firmware for flight computers, sensor interfaces, telemetry systems, and vehicle control electronics. You will also support coordination with our contract software development partners to ensure consistent quality and integration. Your work will directly impact vehicle reliability, performance, and mission success.

Own Core Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, test, and maintain embedded firmware for flight and ground systems. Implement drivers and interfaces for sensors, actuators, and communication buses (SPI, I2C, CAN, UART, Ethernet).
• Contribute to flight software including state machines, control logic, and health monitoring systems.
• Support firmware integration with avionics hardware and vehicle subsystems while assisting with technical oversight and review of deliverables from contract software development teams.
• Debug hardware/software issues using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers, and support system-level testing including bench testing, HIL testing, environmental testing, and vehicle integration.
• Produce well-structured embedded firmware modules, driver implementations, and control logic suitable for flight systems.
• Deliver design documentation, interface specifications, test procedures, verification reports, and debugging analyses.
• Contribute to system integration documentation and maintain clear records of firmware architecture, testing outcomes, and software revisions.
• Support improvements to development workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and coding standards to ensure reliable and repeatable software releases.

Impacts and Outcomes

• Deliver reliable flight software that supports safe and successful vehicle operation during testing and launch campaigns
• Translate system and subsystem requirements into validated firmware implementations for avionics and vehicle control electronics
• Ensure high-quality integration between embedded software, avionics hardware, and vehicle subsystems
• Establish strong software development practices including documentation, verification, and CI/CD processes
• Identify and mitigate risks related to firmware reliability, hardware/software interaction, and integration readiness
• Maintain clear ownership of embedded software functionality across the development and testing lifecycle
• Contribute to system-level testing activities including HIL, environmental testing, static fire testing, and flight readiness preparations
• Support company milestones by enabling reliable avionics and control systems for launch vehicle development

What You Bring to the Team

• B.S. in electrical engineering, computer science or related field
• 4+ years of experience in embedded firmware or embedded systems development
• Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems
• Experience working with microcontrollers, microprocessors and/or FPGAs
• Familiarity with RTOS concepts or bare-metal development
• Experience interfacing with hardware and reading schematics
• Understanding of common embedded communication protocols (SPI, I2C, CAN, UART, Ethernet)
• Experience debugging embedded systems at the hardware/software boundary
• Ability to learn new tools, systems, and domains as needed

Bonus Points

• Experience in high-growth, startup, or technically complex environments
• Familiarity with flight software architectures or safety-critical systems
• Experience with bootloaders or firmware update systems
• Exposure to HITL/SITL testing frameworks

Compensation

Salary Range: $125,000.00 - $135,000.00

In addition, LEAP provides a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, which includes:

• Equity Program: Equity plan participation is available to all employees following an initial 90-day employment period and is performance-based. Equity allocations are determined on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. Managers may make recommendations based on individual and team performance. All equity grants are subject to executive review and approval in accordance with the Company’s equity plan.
• Retirement Planning: Save for the future with a 401(k) plan that includes competitive company matching.
• Growth Opportunities: Take advantage of a professional development stipend to advance your skills and expertise.
• Flexible Time Off: Enjoy PTO as needed and holiday breaks to help you balance work and life, including two week long company winter breaks and paid leave to support a family member, bond with a new child, or manage your own health needs
• Remote Work Flexibility: Our team operates on a hybrid model. We expect you to work with your team for specific details on work location.
• Health Benefits: LEAP provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage at minimal to no cost for employees. Coverage for dependents and HSA are also available.
• Insurance Coverage: We cover basic life and long-term disability insurance, with options to add extra coverage to ensure peace of mind for you and your family.

LEAP is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace in Colorado. Our team brings together exceptionally talented and diverse individuals who are pushing the boundaries of space access and logistics. We welcome all qualified applicants and provide equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. This includes individuals with a criminal history, in compliance with applicable regulations. We actively encourage applications from minorities, women, Veterans, and people with disabilities. At LEAP, we strive to create a supportive and welcoming environment throughout the hiring process. If you’re excited about making a real-world impact inspace technology, we want to hear from you!