Senior Embedded Software Engineer – Cyber

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 3% company match

Medical, dental, vision, HSA & life

120 hours PTO + 10 holidays

Ancillary benefits

Job summary

Innoflight in San Diego seeks a Senior Embedded Software Engineer – Cyber to design, develop, and integrate cyber-secure embedded software for satellite avionics and payload data processing. You will collaborate with Systems, Hardware, and FPGA teams to deliver secure, rugged, Low-SWaP aerospace products and mentor junior engineers.

The role emphasizes leadership, hands-on development, and adherence to government security standards in a fast-growing aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 9+ years of embedded software development experience.
• Advanced proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems.
• Deep experience with embedded Linux, kernel configuration, and bootloaders.
• Strong understanding of RTOS and real-time constraints.
• Experience interpreting schematics and hardware documentation for driver development.
• Familiarity with cryptographic principles and embedded security applications.
• Active U.S. Security Clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop embedded software for multi-core processors integrated with FPGAs (e.g., Xilinx, Microsemi, Microchip, Vorago).
• Develop software for ARM Cortex and RISC-V architectures using C/C++.
• Configure Linux and RTOS systems; customize bootloaders and RTOS settings.
• Implement RFC-compliant networking and security protocols (IP, TLS, IPsec).
• Integrate hardware interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO, PCI/PCIe, Ethernet, SpaceWire.
• Provide SME-level guidance and mentorship to development and testing teams.
• Lead software development and testing of reusable, high-quality embedded modules.
• Translate complex requirements into robust software designs.

Skills

Embedded software development

C/C++ for embedded

Linux and RTOS configuration

Secure networking protocols

Hardware integration

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Xilinx

Microchip

Microsemi

Vorago

PCIe

SpaceWire

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 – Cyber, you will design, develop, and integrate advanced cyber secure embedded software solutions for satellite avionics and payload data processing systems. You will collaborate closely with Systems, Hardware, and FPGA engineers to deliver highly secure, rugged, reliable, and Low-Size, Weight, and Power (Low-SWaP) aerospace products. You will also provide technical mentorship and Subject Matter Expert (SME) level guidance to development and test teams.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Design and Develop Embedded Software: Design and implement embedded software for multi-core processors integrated with FPGAs (e.g., Xilinx, Microsemi, Microchip, Vorago).
• Develop for Processor Architectures: Create software for ARM Cortex and RISC-V processor architectures using C/C++.
• Configure Linux and RTOS Systems: Customize Linux kernel, system settings, bootloaders (U-Boot, GRUB), and implement real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Implement Secure Networking Protocols: Develop RFC-compliant networking and security protocols such as IP, TLS, and IPsec.
• Integrate Hardware Interfaces: Work with interconnect standards including SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO, PCI, PCIe, Ethernet, and SpaceWire.
• Apply Cryptographic Systems: Utilize AES, RSA, ECDSA, and ECDH to develop secure software solutions.
• Lead Software Development and Testing: Oversee the development and testing of reusable, high-quality embedded software modules.
• Ensure Secure System Best Practices: Establish best practices in Architecture, Design, and Code to maintain system security.
• Translate Complex Requirements: Convert system and customer requirements into robust software designs.
• Interpret Government Security Standards: Apply government security standards relevant to Innoflight product design and development.
• Support Software-Hardware Integration: Assist with integration and debugging on hardware platforms.
• Manage Software Configuration: Track features, defects, and releases via formal configuration and release processes.
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the enhancement of development practices and team workflows.
• Mentor Junior Engineers: Provide mentorship through design reviews, code walkthroughs, and technical guidance.

YOU’RE AWESOME AT:

• Embedded Software Development: Expert in C/C++ for embedded systems and low-level driver development.
• Linux and RTOS Configuration: Skilled in embedded Linux kernel, bootloader customization, and real-time OS development.
• Secure Communication & Hardware Integration: Experienced with secure networking protocols and hardware interfaces like SPI, PCIe, and Ethernet.
• Technical Leadership: Proven ability to mentor junior engineers and lead software development teams effectively.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 9+ years of experience developing embedded software.
• Advanced proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems.
• Deep experience with embedded Linux systems, kernel configuration, and bootloaders.
• Strong understanding of RTOS and real-time constraints.
• Experience interpreting schematics and hardware documentation for driver development.
• Proficient in networking and communications protocols with secure communication standards.
• Familiarity with cryptographic principles and embedded security applications.
• Experience in 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 communication skills.
• Proven mentoring and collaborative skills.
• 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.

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.