Senior Embedded Software Engineer – Crypto

Innoflight; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defense innovator in San Diego is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer specializing in cryptographic systems. This role involves designing secure embedded software, integrating hardware interfaces, and leading technical execution within a mission-driven team. Competitive compensation and rich benefits are offered to support professional development and work-life balance.

Benefits

401(k) with 3% company match

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO

Tuition reimbursement and continuous learning opportunities

Flexible work-life balance with a 9/80 work schedule

Qualifications

• 9+ years of experience in secure cryptographic systems development.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and embedded languages like Rust and Go.
• Strong understanding of Linux and RTOS environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced cryptographic embedded software solutions.
• Develop secure software systems for embedded Linux and RTOS environments.
• Lead integration and debugging of software with hardware platforms.

Skills

Embedded Software Development

C/C++

Linux

RTOS

Secure Systems Development

System Integration

Cryptographic Protocols

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Job description

Senior Embedded Software Engineer – Crypto

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

GROW WITH US AND STAY 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.

GROW WITH US AND STAY 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 – Crypto, you will design, develop, and integrate advanced cryptographic embedded software solutions for satellite avionics and payload data processing systems. These solutions will include real-time system monitoring, Linux board support packages, and low-level interfaces for sensors, communication buses, radios, and COMSEC equipment. You will work closely with Systems, Hardware, and FPGA teams to deliver secure, rugged, and reliable Low-SWaP products. Your deep technical expertise and leadership will also support team-wide mentorship and guide secure software development best practices.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Design Embedded Crypto Solutions: Design and implement embedded software and cryptographic solutions for multi-core processors integrated with FPGAs (e.g., Xilinx, Microsemi, Microchip, Vorago).
• Develop Secure Software Systems: Develop and maintain secure, real-time software in C/C++ and memory-managed languages for ARM Cortex and RISC-V architectures running embedded Linux and RTOS environments.
• Integrate Hardware Interfaces & Protocols: Configure and support interconnects such as SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO, PCIe, Ethernet, and SpaceWire, while implementing secure networking protocols (e.g., IPsec, TLS) and cryptographic algorithms (e.g., AES, RSA, ECDSA).
• Customize Linux Environments: Configure and customize Linux kernels, system settings, and bootloaders (U-Boot, GRUB), ensuring system performance and security for aerospace-grade deployments.
• Translate Requirements into Architecture: Analyze complex customer and system requirements and translate them into robust, scalable, and secure embedded software designs and architectures.
• Support Integration & Debugging: Lead efforts in integrating software with hardware platforms and conduct system-level debugging and validation to ensure functionality, reliability, and security.
• Lead Technical Execution: Mentor and guide junior engineers through code walkthroughs, design reviews, and technical oversight, while contributing to reusable embedded software modules and secure software pipelines.
• Ensure Compliance & Best Practices: Interpret and implement government and industry standards for cryptography and cybersecurity, and participate in continuous improvement efforts across workflows and development practices.
  
  
  

YOU’RE AWESOME AT:

• Embedded Software & Secure Systems Development: Proficient in C/C++ and memory-managed languages (e.g., Rust, Go) for developing robust, low-level embedded software with a focus on secure cryptographic systems.
• Linux & RTOS Expertise: Experienced in embedded Linux environments, including kernel configuration and bootloader customization, as well as real-time OS development under stringent performance and reliability requirements.
• System Integration & Communication Protocols: Skilled in implementing and debugging secure networking protocols (e.g., IPsec, TLS) and integrating with hardware using SPI, I2C, UART, PCIe, SpaceWire, and other interconnect standards.
• Technical Leadership & Collaboration: Proven ability to mentor junior engineers, lead design/code reviews, and collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, FPGA, and systems teams to deliver high-assurance, production-ready solutions.
  
  
  

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (Electrical or Computer Engineering, Computer Science).
• 9 or more years of experience developing secure cryptographic systems and software.
• Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems and low-level driver development.
• Advanced proficiency in memory-managed embedded languages (e.g., Rust, Go) for secure systems.
• Deep experience with embedded Linux systems, kernel configuration, and bootloaders.
• Strong understanding of RTOS-based development and real-time constraints.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting schematics and hardware documentation for driver development.
• Proficient in 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 environment.
• Active U.S. Security Clearance required.
  
  
  

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

The starting base salary for this position ranges from $170,000 to $215,000 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. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t check every box.

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.

REFERRALS:

We love a good referral! If you know someone that would be a great fit for this position, please share!

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.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Innoflight by 2x

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