Lead Embedded Software Engineer, Satellite Systems

Terran Orbital Corporation; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

401(k) match

Flexible PTO

Education reimbursement

Parental leave

Job summary

Terran Orbital is seeking a Staff Embedded Software Engineer to join our team in Irvine, CA. You will lead embedded software for satellite modules, collaborate across engineering, and drive high‑reliability systems from concept to deployment.

The role reports to the Embedded Software & FPGA Manager and requires 8+ years in C/C++, RTOS/bare‑metal design, and strong leadership capabilities. Occasional travel up to 10% may be required.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in C/C++ for embedded, high‑performance, or mission‑critical systems.
• Experience with bare‑metal or RTOS‑based designs (FreeRTOS, embedded Linux, etc.).
• Experience with embedded test equipment and debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
• Deep understanding of MCU architectures, peripherals, and low‑level interfaces across MCU families.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of junior software engineers.
• Develop and maintain embedded software for satellite modules.
• Define and refine software requirements with cross‑functional teams.
• Architect, design, and maintain reliable, fault‑tolerant embedded software.
• Serve as technical lead for multiple satellite programs.
• Create and maintain unit tests using TDD methodologies.
• Develop and automate system‑level tests.
• Build software for payloads including imagers and communicators.
• Represent Terran Orbital in technical working groups and customer interactions.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded systems

RTOS design

Microcontrollers

Serial protocols

Debug tools

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer/Electrical Engineering or CS

Tools

ARM Cortex

TI embedded

Job description

Terran Orbital is seeking a Staff Embedded Software Engineer to join our team in Irvine, CA. You will lead embedded software for satellite modules, collaborate across engineering, and drive high‑reliability systems from concept to deployment.

The role reports to the Embedded Software & FPGA Manager and requires 8+ years in C/C++, RTOS/bare‑metal design, and strong leadership capabilities. Occasional travel up to 10% may be required.