Principal Embedded Software Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Company-paid medical, dental, vision

401(k) match

Flexible Time Off

Education reimbursement

Parental leave

Job summary

Terran Orbital is seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to lead architecture and integration of embedded software across satellite programs. You will work under the Embedded Software & FPGA Manager, shaping high‑performance mission solutions.

You will mentor engineers, develop tests, and ensure robust software for space systems, with occasional travel and DoD‑level compliance expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science; Master’s preferred.
• 12+ years of experience developing C/C++ applications for embedded, high‑performance, or mission‑critical systems.
• Experience with bare‑metal and RTOS‑based designs (FreeRTOS, internal schedulers).
• Deep understanding of MCU architectures, peripherals, and low‑level interfaces across multiple MCU families.
• Experience with embedded test equipment and debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
• Experience with serial protocols (CAN, RS‑232/422/485, I2C, SPI, PCI).
• Strong written and verbal communication; U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain DoD clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain embedded software for satellite modules.
• Architect and integrate software across programs.
• Lead technical efforts and mentor junior engineers.
• Create unit tests and system-level tests; participate in design reviews.
• Support security of embedded systems and customer interactions.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

RTOS

Bare‑metal design

Microcontroller architecture

Embedded debugging

Serial protocols (CAN, RS-232/422/485,

I2C/SPI/PCI

Leadership

Clearance‑ready / DoD compliance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

FreeRTOS

GCC/Make

GDB

Oscilloscopes / logic analyzers

Linux

Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Principal Embedded Software Engineer to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Embedded Software & FPGA Manager, the Principal Embedded Software Engineer will lead the architecture, development, and integration of embedded software across multiple satellite programs, ensuring robust, reliable, and high‑performance mission solutions.

Key Duties and 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.
• 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.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Experience with ARM and Texas Instruments embedded platforms.
• Experience with oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and other test equipment.
• Experience with Linux and GNU tools such as Make, GCC, and GDB.
• Experience with scripting languages such as Bash and Python.
• Familiarity with build pipelines, deployment processes, and on‑target testing.
• Familiarity with SOLID software design principles.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case‑by‑case and may vary based on the job‑related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range

$175,000 - $230,000 USD

Full‑time positions only:

• 100% Company‑paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Education Reimbursement

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end‑to‑end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on‑orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail] .

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.