Principal Embedded Software Architect – Satellite Systems

Terran Orbital Corporation; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) match

Flexible time off

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Terran Orbital, a leading satellite manufacturer, seeks a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to lead architecture and integration of embedded software across satellite programs. You will guide Linux/RTOS systems, mentor engineers, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to meet mission requirements.

Ideal candidates have 12+ years in C/C++ for embedded systems, strong MCU/Peripheral expertise, and the ability to obtain DoD clearance. Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science; Master’s preferred.
• 12+ years of C/C++ embedded software experience for high‑performance or mission‑critical systems.
• Experience with bare‑metal and RTOS designs (FreeRTOS or internal schedulers).
• Deep understanding of MCU architectures, peripheral subsystems, and low‑level interfaces.
• Experience with electronic test equipment and embedded debugging tools.
• Experience with serial protocols CAN, RS-232/422/485, I2C, SPI, PCI.
• Strong communication, self‑starter, and ability to work autonomously.
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain embedded software and support hardware bring‑up on satellite modules.
• Architect, design, and maintain embedded software (Linux, RTOS, bare metal) for satellite systems.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional 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 payloads, including imagers, image processors, and comm devices.
• Lead and mentor junior software engineers with technical direction.
• Represent Terran Orbital in technical working groups and customer interactions.
• Support the security of embedded systems.
• Travel up to 10% to customer or vendor sites for reviews and collaboration.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded software

RTOS

Bare-metal

MCU architecture

Serial protocols

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

GNU tools

Python scripting

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's in EE/CE/CS

Master's preferred

Tools

ARM platforms

Job description

Terran Orbital, a leading satellite manufacturer, seeks a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to lead architecture and integration of embedded software across satellite programs. You will guide Linux/RTOS systems, mentor engineers, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to meet mission requirements.

Ideal candidates have 12+ years in C/C++ for embedded systems, strong MCU/Peripheral expertise, and the ability to obtain DoD clearance. Occasional travel may be required.