Senior Embedded Software Engineer – Crypto

Innoflight

San Diego (CA)

On-site

USD 170,000 - 215,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 3% company match
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision insurance
10 paid holidays and 120 hours PTO

Job summary

A leading Aerospace and Defense company is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer specialized in cryptography to design and develop advanced embedded software solutions for satellite systems. The role requires proficient knowledge in C/C++, a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, and 9 years of relevant experience. The company offers exceptional benefits, a flexible work schedule, and the opportunity to work in a forward-thinking mission-driven environment in San Diego.

Qualifications

  • 9+ years of experience in developing secure cryptographic systems.
  • Proficiency in low-level driver development and embedded systems.
  • Experience in secure networking protocols and communications.

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement embedded software and cryptographic solutions.
  • Develop secure, real-time software in C/C++.
  • Lead technical execution and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Embedded Software Development
Linux Kernel Configuration
C/C++ Programming
Cryptographic Systems Knowledge
RTOS Development

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering

Tools

FPGA Development Tools
Linux Development Environments

Job description

Senior Embedded Software Engineer – Crypto

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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 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.

  • 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
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