Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer

Kapta Space; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Kapta Space is seeking a Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer to lead the full lifecycle of firmware development for a radar sensor used in spaceborne SAR applications. The role involves collaboration with radar, hardware, FPGA, and mechanical teams to build reliable firmware for the payload.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in embedded firmware, strong C/C++, and experience with board support packages, bootloaders, and satellite-grade MCUs. Knowledge of Git/CI and a startup mindset is preferred.

Qualifications

• BS or MS degree in engineering, computer science, or related field.
• 8+ years of embedded firmware development experience (ideally radar).
• Knowledge of Board Support Package, OS, Bootloader, and MCUs used in satellite systems.
• Experience with Git, CI, code review practices, and version control; able to operate in a lean startup.
• Experience with C/C++ programming.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, and implement embedded firmware for Radar Sensor.
• Collaborate with radar algorithm, hardware, FPGA, and mechanical engineers on embedded firmware for the payload.
• Assist in hardware-aware optimization of algorithms for embedded processors and edge compute.
• Evaluate compute, memory, power requirements; generate trade-studies for decisions.
• Create test plans and methods to validate software on hardware platforms.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded firmware

Git

CI

Code reviews

Education

BS or MS in engineering or CS

Tools

SPI

UART

GPIO

I2C

Ethernet

Job description

Kapta Space, a VC-funded early-stage startup in Seattle, WA, is breaking new ground in Geospatial Intelligence. Our technology centers around a proven, scalable electronically-steered radar for sophisticated spaceborne applications such as earth observation using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) techniques, as well as enabling advanced defense missions such as target tracking on the ground and in the air.

Kapta Space is seeking a Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer to lead the complete lifecycle development, including development, testing, and support of the radar operation, data collection, storage and processing.

Kapta Space is seeking a Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer with experience in mission-critical software development that have the drive and experience to complete projects independently and on time.

Role

• Assist multi-disciplinary team in creating software requirements
• Architect, design, and implement embedded firmware for our Radar Sensor
• Work collaboratively with radar algorithm, hardware, FPGA and mechanical engineers to build reliable, embedded firmware for the payload
• Assist in Hardware-aware optimizations of algorithms targeting Embedded Processors, Edge Compute, and ground-based servers
• Evaluate implementation/maintenance, complexity and resource requirements (compute, memory, power). Produce trade-studies to support decision making
• Generate test plans and methods to test software on hardware platforms so that they meet end-user needs/expectations.
• Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring additional teammates to our rapidly growing team

Required Qualifications

• BS or MS degree in engineering, computer science, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in embedded firmware development (ideally radar)
• Good understanding of one or more of the following: Board Support Package, Operating Systems, Bootloader, Microcontrollers deployed in satellite systems
• Comfortable with Git, CI, Code Reviews, and Version Control and organized enough to be productive in a lean startup environment
• Experience with C/C++

Bonus if candidates have experience and skills in the following areas

• Experience with multi-threaded system concepts including tasks, priorities, and deadlocks
• Embedded firmware debugging experience including clock level issues, interrupts, and hardware interfaces
• Experience with embedded designs with multiple processors and peripheral interfaces (SPI, UART, GPIO, I2C, Ethernet)
• Experience implementing efficient, low latency data movement between FPGAs, processors, storage devices, and networking interfaces
• Working knowledge of networking stacks (Ethernet, TCP/IP)
• Ability to read schematic diagrams
• Ability to gain and hold a TS security clearance

The estimated salary range for this role reflects base pay only and is influenced by a variety of factors. Actual offers may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's experience, education or training, specialized expertise, and the needs of the business. In addition to base pay, full-time roles include competitive equity grants that reward innovation, impact, and long-term growth. Our total compensation philosophy is designed to recognize excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and shared success.

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Kapta Employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful U.S. permanent residents (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Commerce as applicable.

Kapta Space is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation, strengthens our team, and broadens our capabilities. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. All final hiring decisions are made by humans.