Embedded Software Engineer

Apex Space, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Healthcare

PTO

401(k)

Parental leave

Lunch

Office perks

Job summary

Apex Space, Inc. seeks an Embedded Software Engineer on the Flight Software team to design and deliver software for our spacecraft avionics. You will own software from design through flight, collaborating with avionics, GNC, propulsion and hardware engineers.

Requirements include 3+ years of C/C++ in embedded systems, firmware for microcontrollers, writing low-level drivers over SPI/I2C/UART/Ethernet/CAN, and hardware-software integration. U.S. Person status is required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years writing C/C++ for embedded systems, ideally on spacecraft, robotics, automotive, or other hardware that interacts with the physical world.
• Experience developing firmware for microcontrollers, either bare-metal or on an RTOS.
• Experience writing and debugging low level device drivers over interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, and CAN.
• Comfort with hardware/software integration, including reading schematics and using tools like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers to bring up new hardware.
• Solid understanding of microcontroller and microprocessor architecture, including memory, buses, and DMA.

Responsibilities

• Develop the low level software that configures and drives the processor peripherals and communication interfaces on our avionics.
• Write and debug the device drivers for the sensors, actuators, and components across the bus.
• Implement onboard algorithms, including closed loop control and the logic that detects and responds to faults such as failed sensors or radiation upsets.
• Write quick, iterative code to support bench and development testing, along with the rigorous, reviewed, and tested code that ships to manufacturing and flight.
• Provide embedded software input into new system and hardware designs.
• Support commissioning of spacecraft during launch and early operations, ensuring software systems remain functional during critical operations.

Skills

C/C++ for embedded systems

Firmware development

Device drivers (SPI/I2C/UART/Ethernet)

Hardware/software integration

Microcontroller architecture

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS, EE or equivalent

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Job description

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.

For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.

We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.

About the Role

As an Embedded Software Engineer on Apex's Flight Software team, you will write the software that runs on the custom avionics hardware powering our satellite buses. You will work closely with avionics, GNC, propulsion, and hardware engineers to design and deliver the software for the components that make up the spacecraft, owning that software from the design phase all the way through flight. You will contribute across the full breadth of development, from architecting new systems and prototyping early ideas to writing the mission critical code that ultimately flies.

We are looking for motivated engineers who are eager to solve complex problems with a focus on practicality and scalability, and who thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop the low level software that configures and drives the processor peripherals and communication interfaces on our avionics.
• Write and debug the device drivers for the sensors, actuators, and components across the bus.
• Implement onboard algorithms, including closed loop control and the logic that detects and responds to faults such as failed sensors or radiation upsets.
• Write quick, iterative code to support bench and development testing, along with the rigorous, reviewed, and tested code that ships to manufacturing and flight.
• Provide embedded software input into new system and hardware designs.
• Support commissioning of spacecraft during launch and early operations, ensuring software systems remain functional during critical operations.

Requirements

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
• Bachelor's degree in CS, EE or equivalent, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years writing C/C++ for embedded systems, ideally on spacecraft, robotics, automotive, or other hardware that interacts with the physical world.
• Experience developing firmware for microcontrollers, either bare-metal or on an RTOS.
• Experience writing and debugging low level device drivers over interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, and CAN.
• Comfort with hardware/software integration, including reading schematics and using tools like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers to bring up new hardware.
• A solid understanding of microcontroller and microprocessor architecture, including memory, buses, and DMA.

Preferred requirements

• 1+ year of flight software experience
• FPGA development experience.
• Experience bringing up new avionics or flight hardware from first power-on.
• Experience with satellite attitude control systems (ACS), including reaction wheels, magnetorquers, and small thrusters.
• Experience driving motors and power electronics or reading feedback sensors such as encoders and current monitors.
• Familiarity with satellite systems and protocols, such as CCSDS and ECSS.

#LI-AB1

Why Join Apex?

Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

What We Offer For Full-time Employees:

• Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create
• Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
• Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
• Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
• 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day
• Vibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family
• Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self
• World-class Playa Vista office with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life
• Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference

Additional Information:

Compensation ranges are set by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. A candidate's specific level and base pay are determined case by case and may vary with job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity. Beyond base salary, full-time hires are also eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options, along with medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan.

ITAR Requirements

Apex's work is governed by U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To be eligible for this role, applicants must either (1) qualify as a U.S. Person, meaning a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee admitted under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or an individual granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or (2) be able to obtain the required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, or another applicable U.S. government agency. You can learn more about ITAR here.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.