Embedded Software Engineer (Aerospace)

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO 120 hours

Life insurance

HSA

401(k) with company match

Nine paid holidays

On-site amenities

Job summary

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to develop flight and mission-critical embedded software on real-time, resource-constrained hardware platforms. The role focuses on deterministic firmware with strict reliability, safety, and verification requirements.

Responsibilities include low-level driver development, system integration, and end-to-end ownership across the software lifecycle, from requirements through validation and release, working with

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of C, C++, and Python experience.
• Experienced with build tools: CMake, GCC, Clang.
• Familiarity with common buses (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN).
• Familiarity with version control using Git.

Responsibilities

• Develop firmware in C/C++ for MCU-based control systems.
• Board bring-up and hardware–software integration.
• Use JTAG/SWD, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers to correlate with physical behavior.
• Support SITL and HITL product validation.
• Collaborate in all phases: Requirements, Design, Build, Test, Delivery.
• Write high-performance real-time device drivers/apps.
• Assist in creation of internal tools and pipelines.
• Explore new techniques and approaches to problems.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE or related field

Tools

CMake

GCC/Clang

SPI/I2C/UART/CAN

Git

JTAG/SWD

Linux

RTOS

ARM microprocessors

Job description

Embedded Software Engineer (Aerospace)

Job Summary:

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. is seeking an experienced Software Engineer to develop flight and mission‑critical embedded software on real‑time, resource‑constrained hardware platforms. The role centers on deterministic, real‑time firmware with strict reliability, safety, and verification requirements. Responsibilities include low‑level driver development, system integration, and end‑to‑end ownership across the software development lifecycle, from requirements through validation and release. The position requires effective operation both independently and within cross‑functional teams spanning hardware, systems, and test, along with disciplined engineering practices, strong fundamentals in communication protocols, and a genuine interest in the interaction between software and physical systems.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Implement firmware in C/C++ for MCU‑based control systems
• Perform board bring‑up and hardware–software integration
• Using JTAG/SWD, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers; correlate w/ physical behavior
• Support SITL and HITL product validation
• Collaborate in all phases: Requirements, Design, Build, Test, Delivery
• Help to create novel solutions to complex technical problems
• Write high‑performance real‑time device drivers/applications
• Assist in the creation of internal tools and pipelines
• Exploration of new techniques, technologies, and approaches to problems

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field
• Demonstrated clear communication & writing skills
• 3+ years of C, C++, and Python experience
• Experienced with standard build tools (CMake, GCC, Clang, etc.)
• Familiarity with common buses (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN)
• Familiarity with version control using Git

Desired Qualifications and Skills:

• Knowledge of PX4 and ArduPilot flight stacks
• Development experience with ARM‑based microprocessors
• RTOS or bare‑metal real‑time design experience
• Comfort in a Linux development environment
• Experience writing testable code and unit tests
• Python for test automation and data analysis
• Experience with low‑latency video streaming
• Experience with common computer vision techniques and libraries
• Develop and incorporate AI / Machine Learning into ESA product line

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks:

• Health & Wellness:Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.

• Paid Time Off:Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hoursaccruedplus anadditional40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.

• Life Insurance:$25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with theoptiontopurchaseadditionalcoverage for employees and their families.

• Supplemental Coverage:Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.

• Health Savings Account (HSA):Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.

• Retirement Savings:401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.

• Paid Holidays:Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.

• Work Environment:A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.

• Ideal Location:Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!

Company Overview:

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost‑effective solutions to the industry. We specialize incutting‑edgesystem design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on‑time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities whilemaintainingthe highest standards of engineering services.

AtESAero, wedon’tjust build products, we engineer solutions that propel

the aerospace industry forward.

**This position is fully on‑site atESAeroin San Luis Obispo, CA**

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ESAerois an equal opportunity employer.
E-Verify participationrequiredfor employment.
Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Must be able to pass background checkand drugtest.
Hiring Range: $100-170kSalary/Exempt