Lead Embedded Software Architect for Satellite Systems

Gavroche Group; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Company-paid medical, dental, and

401(k) Match

Flexible Time Off (FTO)

Education Reimbursement

Parental Leave

Job summary

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Principal Embedded Software Engineer to lead architecture, development, and integration of embedded software across satellite programs. You will guide cross‑functional teams, implement robust software, and ensure high‑performance mission solutions.

The role requires 12+ years in C/C++ embedded systems, RTOS/bare‑metal experience, and strong leadership. Occasional travel to customer/vendor sites is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• 12+ years of experience developing C/C++ applications for embedded, high‑performance, or mission‑critical systems.
• Experience with bare‑metal and/or RTOS‑based designs (FreeRTOS, internal schedulers, etc.).
• Deep understanding of microcontroller architectures, peripheral subsystems, and low‑level interface design across multiple MCU families.
• Experience with electronic test equipment and embedded debug tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, hardware debuggers, etc.).
• Experience with serial communication protocols (CAN, RS‑232/422/485, I2C, SPI, PCI).
• Highly motivated, self‑starting, responsible, thorough, and able to perform duties autonomously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain embedded software and support hardware bring‑up on satellite modules.
• Architect, design, develop, and maintain embedded software (Linux, RTOS, bare metal) for satellite systems.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams to define and refine software requirements.
• Serve as the technical lead for multiple satellite programs.
• Create and maintain unit tests using Test‑Driven Development methodologies.
• Develop and automate system‑level tests.
• Build software for specialized payloads, including imagers, image processors, communication devices, and astronomical science instruments.
• Integrate and test software in simulation, flight‑replica, flight‑vehicle, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop environments.
• Lead and mentor junior software engineers, providing technical guidance and task direction.
• Represent Terran Orbital in technical working groups and customer interactions.
• Support the security of embedded systems.
• Support occasional travel (up to 10%) to customer or vendor sites for design reviews and collaborative technical work.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded systems

RTOS

Microcontrollers

Debug tools

Serial protocols

Leadership

Written & verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Linux

GCC

GNU Make

GDB

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Job description

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Principal Embedded Software Engineer to lead architecture, development, and integration of embedded software across satellite programs. You will guide cross‑functional teams, implement robust software, and ensure high‑performance mission solutions.

The role requires 12+ years in C/C++ embedded systems, RTOS/bare‑metal experience, and strong leadership. Occasional travel to customer/vendor sites is expected.