Embedded Software Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity Program

401(k) Retirement Planning

Professional development stipend

Flexible Time Off

Remote work hybrid model

Health benefits

Insurance coverage

Job summary

LEAP is hiring an Embedded Software Engineer to craft flight-critical firmware for launch vehicles and ground systems. You will translate system requirements into robust, testable code and collaborate with avionics, propulsion, and GNC teams while coordinating with contract partners.

Responsibilities include designing and testing embedded modules, integrating with hardware, writing documentation, and contributing to CI/CD practices to ensure reliable releases.

Qualifications

• BS degree 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 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.

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 (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers) and support system-level testing (bench, HIL, environmental, vehicle integration).
• Produce well-structured embedded firmware modules, driver implementations, and control logic for flight systems.
• Deliver design documentation, interface specifications, test procedures, verification reports, and debugging analyses.
• Contribute to system integration documentation and maintain records of firmware architecture, testing outcomes, and software revisions.
• Support improvements to development workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and coding standards for reliable software releases.

Skills

Embedded firmware

C/C++

Microcontrollers/MCUs

RTOS / bare-metal

Hardware debugging

SPI I2C CAN UART Ethernet

Schematic reading

System integration

Learning new tools

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

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.

About LEAP

LEAP is transforming space logistics with rapid-response, mass producible launch solutions designed to eliminate bottlenecks in space access. Leveraging proprietary propulsion technology and modern manufacturing techniques, LEAP delivers scalable and cost-effective, launch solutions for national security, commercial payload deployment, and global point-to-point logistics applications.

Description

Own Core Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, test, andmaintainembedded 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 whileassistingwith 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 andmaintainclear 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
• Identifyand 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, computerscienceor related field
• 4+years of experiencein embedded firmware or embedded systems development
• Proficiencyin C/C++ for embedded systems
• Experience working with microcontrollers,microprocessorsand/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

The estimated salary range for this role reflects various compensation factors. The final offer depends on factors such as work experience, education, training, key skills, and business needs.

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

• Equity Program: Equity plan participation is available to all employees followingan initial90-day employment period and is performance-based. Equity allocations aredeterminedon 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 approvalin accordance withthe 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 andexpertise.
• Flexible Time Off:Enjoy PTO as needed and holiday breaks to help you balance work and life, including twoweek longcompany 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 teamoperateson a hybrid model. We expect you to work with your team for specific details onworklocation.
• Health Benefits:LEAP provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage atminimal to nocost for employees.Coveragefor 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 anequal-opportunityemployer 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. Ifyou’reexcited about making a real-world impactinspace technology, we want to hear from you!