Embedded Software Engineer III

Innoflight; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical, dental, vision, HSA & life

Paid holidays + PTO

Additional insurance options

Job summary

Innoflight in San Diego seeks an Embedded Software Engineer III to craft real-time software for satellite avionics and payload processing. You’ll implement embedded C/C++ on multi-core processors, prepare Linux boards, and work with sensors, buses, radios, and COMSEC equipment.

Collaborating with hardware/FPGA engineers, you’ll deliver rugged, low-SWaP products and drive end-to-end development from requirements to testing, with a focus on secure communications and mission-critical reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 5+ years of professional embedded software development in C/C++ for Linux/RTOS.
• Experience with multi-core processors and interfacing standards (SPI, I2C, UART, PCIe, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Develop embedded C/C++ software for ARM Cortex and RISC-V based multi-core processors.
• Configure Linux kernels and bootloaders (U-Boot, GRUB) for flight applications.
• Develop networking and cryptographic functionality (IP, TLS, IPsec, AES, RSA, ECDSA).
• Translate requirements into robust software, perform design, documentation, integration, validation, and testing.
• Collaborate with hardware/FPGA teams and support system integration and issue debugging.
• Track features, bugs, and builds using standard version control and release tools.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Linux RTOS

ARM Cortex / RISC-V

Cryptography / COMSEC

Networking protocols

Git / Jira

OpenCL / CUDA

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Xilinx

Microchip

Vorago

U-Boot

GRUB

SpaceWire

Ethernet

Job description

GROW WITH US AND STAY EXTRAORDINARY

Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We’re not just reaching for the stars—we’re engineering them. Let’s innovate the infinite, together.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

The Embedded Software Engineer III plays a key role in developing software solutions for satellite avionics and payload data processing systems. This position involves creating real-time system monitoring and power management software, preparing Linux board support packages for customer flight applications, and working with a variety of embedded systems, sensors, communication buses, radios, and communications security (COMSEC) equipment. Close collaboration with hardware and FPGA engineers is essential to deliver rugged, reliable, and integrated Low-Size, Weight, and Power (Low-SWaP) products to aerospace customers.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Develop Embedded Software Systems: Design and implement embedded C/C++ software for multi-core processors and FPGA-integrated systems (Xilinx, Microchip, Vorago), targeting ARM Cortex and RISC-V architectures.
• Build and Customize Linux Platforms: Configure Linux systems including kernel and bootloader (U-Boot, GRUB) modifications to support flight applications and mission requirements.
• Implement Secure Communications: Develop networking and cryptographic functionality (e.g., IP, TLS, IPsec, AES, RSA, ECDSA) and interface with buses and protocols like SPI, I2C, UART, PCIe, SpaceWire, and Ethernet.
• Drive End-to-End Development: Translate customer and system-level requirements into robust software solutions, participating in design, documentation, integration, validation, and testing.
• Collaborate and Present: Work closely with cross-functional teams, support system integration, debug software/hardware issues, and present technical updates to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage Development Lifecycle: Track features, bugs, and build processes using industry-standard tools for version control and release management.

YOU’RE AWESOME AT

• Embedded Software Development: Expertise in embedded software design and implementation, particularly within aerospace applications.
• Complex Document Analysis: Ability to read, interpret, and analyze complex technical documents and specifications.
• Cybersecurity and Encryption: Familiarity with writing embedded C code that incorporates cybersecurity and encryption measures to ensure secure communications.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 5 or more years of professional experience developing embedded software in C/C++ for Linux and/or RTOS-based systems.
• Deep knowledge of embedded platforms, multi-core processors, and interfacing standards (SPI, I2C, UART, PCIe, etc.).
• Experience configuring bootloaders (U-Boot, GRUB) and customizing Linux kernels for application-specific needs.
• Proficient with networking protocols (IP, TLS, IPsec) and cryptographic systems (AES, RSA, ECDSA, ECDH).
• Familiarity with version control and task tracking systems (e.g., Git, Jira) and modern software development workflows.
• Strong technical communication skills and ability to present designs and progress to both engineers and stakeholders.
• Experience with OpenCL, CUDA, or other parallel-processing frameworks is a plus.
• Prior work with aerospace or defense systems and knowledge of COMSEC requirements highly desirable.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The starting base salary for this position ranges from $125,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, Innoflight offers a well-rounded compensation package that includes a Profit-Sharing Bonus and a Cash Performance Bonus to reward both individual and company performance. Additional benefits include:

• 401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
• 10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO (starting in year one)
• Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal and pet insurance.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE

• Flexible Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off—whether you use it to recharge, work on a passion project, or spend time with family, the choice is yours.
• Continuous Learning & Development: We’re serious about professional development. From tuition reimbursement to internal "Ask Me Anything" sessions and weekly "Lunch & Learns," we make learning a core part of the job.
• Mission-Driven Culture: We aren’t just building tech—we’re enabling the next era of space exploration. Our Culture Ambassadors help lead initiatives around inclusion, positivity, recognition, and transparency. Here, your voice is heard, your work is respected, and your individuality is celebrated.

BE YOU, WITH US

At Innoflight, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone belongs. We recognize that great talent comes in many forms, and you don’t need to meet every requirement to bring value to our team. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t check every box.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Potential new employees must successfully complete a background check which includes criminal search, education certification and employment verification prior to hire. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S as you must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

A NOTE TO STAFFING AGENCIES

Innoflight does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, recruiters, or any third-party sources. Any such submissions will be considered property of Innoflight, and no fees will be paid in the event a candidate is hired from an unsolicited referral.

To California residents applying for this job, please read Innoflight’s CCPA Notice: https://www.innoflight.com/careers/california-consumer-privacy-act-notice-for-job-applicants.