Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Innoflight LLC; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 158,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 3% match

Medical, dental, vision, HSA & life

PTO 120 hours + 10 holidays

Ancillary benefits

Job summary

Innoflight LLC in San Diego seeks aSenior Embedded Software Engineer to design and develop embedded software powering satellite avionics and payload processing. You will work at the software/hardware/FPGA intersection to create rugged, Low-SWaP solutions, from drivers to secure communications, while mentoring junior engineers.

The role emphasizes real-time, multi-core software development, Linux kernel customization, and integration with hardware teams on aerospace platforms. A U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 9+ years of experience developing embedded software.
• Advanced proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems and low-level driver development.
• Deep experience with embedded Linux, kernel configuration, and system bootloaders.
• Strong understanding of RTOS development and real-time system constraints.
• Ability to interpret schematics and hardware documentation for embedded software and driver development.
• Proficiency with networking and communications protocols, including secure communication standards.
• Familiarity with cryptographic principles and their application in embedded systems.
• Experience with software integration, debugging, and system-level validation.
• OpenCL/CUDA familiarity is a plus.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Designs Embedded Software: Develops embedded software for multi-core processors integrated with FPGAs for satellite avionics and payload processing.
• Develops Low-Level Software: Designs and implements C/C++ software, device drivers, and system-level applications for ARM Cortex and RISC-V.
• Builds Embedded Linux Systems: Configures Linux kernels, system settings, and bootloaders like U-Boot and GRUB.
• Implements Real-Time Solutions: Develops RTOS-based software meeting real-time and mission-critical requirements.
• Integrates Communications Interfaces: Supports SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO, PCI/PCIe, Ethernet, and SpaceWire.
• Secures Embedded Systems: Applies IP/TLS/IPsec and cryptographic technologies to protect communications.
• Leads Software Development: Oversees development, integration, and testing of reusable embedded software modules.
• Translates System Requirements: Converts complex requirements into robust software architectures.
• Integrates Hardware & Software: Works with Hardware/FPGA teams to integrate and validate on target hardware.
• Manages Software Releases: Tracks features, defects, and releases with configuration management.
• Drives Continuous Improvement: Contributes to standards, workflows, and quality improvements.
• Mentors Engineering Talent: Provides mentorship through reviews and guidance.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Real-time OS

Embedded Linux

System integration

Secure communications

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

ARM Cortex

RISC-V

U-Boot

GRUB

Ethernet

SpaceWire

AES/RSA/ECDSA/ECDH crypto

Job description

GROW WITH US ANDSTAY EXTRAORDINARY: Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We’re not just reaching for the stars—we’re engineering them. Let’s innovate the infinite, together.

A DAY IN THE LIFE: As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you will design and develop advanced embedded software solutions that power satellite avionics and payload data processing systems. You'll work at the intersection of software, hardware, and FPGA engineering to create rugged, reliable, and Low-Size, Weight, and Power (Low-SWaP) products for demanding aerospace applications. From low-level drivers and real-time operating systems to secure communications and multi-core processing, you'll solve complex technical challenges while mentoring junior engineers and helping advance software development practices across the team.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Designs Embedded Software: Develops advanced embedded software for multi-core processors integrated with FPGAs, supporting satellite avionics, payload processing, system monitoring, and power management applications.
• Develops Low-Level Software: Designs and implements C/C++ software, device drivers, and system-level applications for ARM Cortex and RISC-V processor architectures.
• Builds Embedded Linux Systems: Configures and customizes Linux kernels, system settings, and bootloaders such as U-Boot and GRUB to support specialized aerospace hardware platforms.
• Implements Real-Time Solutions: Develops software for RTOS-based systems while addressing real-time constraints, performance requirements, and mission-critical system behaviors.
• Integrates Communications Interfaces: Develops and integrates software supporting SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO, PCI, PCIe, Ethernet, and SpaceWire interfaces across complex embedded platforms.
• Secures Embedded Systems: Implements networking and security protocols including IP, TLS, and IPsec while applying cryptographic technologies such as AES, RSA, ECDSA, and ECDH to protect mission-critical communications.
• Leads Software Development: Leads the development, integration, and testing of reusable, high-quality embedded software modules that can support multiple products and programs.
• Translates System Requirements: Converts complex system and customer requirements into robust software architectures and designs that meet technical, performance, and reliability objectives.
• Integrates Hardware & Software: Works closely with Hardware and FPGA Engineering teams to integrate, debug, and validate software on target hardware platforms.
• Manages Software Releases: Tracks features, defects, and releases through formal software configuration management and release processes to maintain product traceability and quality.
• Drives Continuous Improvement: Contributes to development standards, engineering best practices, and team workflows that improve software quality, efficiency, and maintainability.
• Mentors Engineering Talent: Provides technical mentorship to junior engineers through design reviews, code walkthroughs, troubleshooting support, and day-to-day technical guidance.

YOU’RE AWESOME AT

• Embedded Software Development: Advanced C/C++ development with extensive experience designing low-level software, device drivers, and embedded applications for complex aerospace systems.
• Embedded Linux & RTOS: Deep technical expertise with embedded Linux, kernel configuration, bootloaders, and real-time operating systems.
• Systems Integration: Skilled at bridging software and hardware disciplines, interpreting schematics, debugging embedded platforms, and validating system-level performance.
• Secure Communications: Strong understanding of networking, communications protocols, and cryptographic technologies used to build secure embedded systems.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 9 or more years of experience developing embedded software.
• Advanced proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems and low-level driver development.
• Deep experience with embedded Linux systems, kernel configuration, and system bootloaders.
• Strong understanding of RTOS development and real-time system constraints.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret schematics and hardware documentation for embedded software and driver development.
• Proficiency with networking and communications protocols, including secure communication standards.
• Familiarity with cryptographic principles and their application in embedded systems.
• Experience with software integration, debugging, and system-level validation.
• Familiarity with parallel-processing frameworks such as OpenCL or CUDA is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, documentation, and technical communication skills.
• Proven ability to mentor and support junior engineers in a collaborative engineering environment.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The starting base salary for this position ranges from $158,000 to $210,000 per year, depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, Innoflight offers a well-rounded compensation package that includes a Profit-Sharing Bonus and a Cash Performance Bonus to reward both individual and company performance. Additional benefits include:

• 401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
• 10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO (starting in year one)
• Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal and pet insurance.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE

• Flexible Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off—whether you use it to recharge, work on a passion project, or spend time with family, the choice is yours.
• Continuous Learning & Development: We’re serious about professional development. From tuition reimbursement to internal "Ask Me Anything" sessions and weekly “Lunch & Learns,” we make learning a core part of the job.
• Mission-Driven Culture: We aren’t just building tech—we’re enabling the next era of space exploration. Our Culture Ambassadors help lead initiatives around inclusion, positivity, recognition, and transparency. Here, your voice is heard, your work is respected, and your individuality is celebrated.

BE YOU, WITH US

At Innoflight, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone belongs. We recognize that great talent comes in many forms, and you don’t need to meet every requirement to bring value to our team.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Potential new employees must successfully complete a background check which includes criminal search, education certification and employment verification prior to hire. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S as you must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

A NOTE TO STAFFING AGENCIES

Innoflight does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, recruiters, or any third-party sources. Any such submissions will be considered property of Innoflight, and no fees will be paid in the event a candidate is hired from an unsolicited referral. To California residents applying for this job, please read Innoflight’s CCPA Notice: https://www.innoflight.com/careers/california-consumer-privacy-act-notice-for-job-applicants.

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