Senior Embedded Software Engineer - Flight Software

E-Space; Saratoga (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

E-Space is seeking a highly skilled FSW/Embedded Software Developer to design, develop, and optimize software for customized embedded devices in a space-focused environment. You will work on bare-metal, RTOS, and real-time Linux targets, aiming for deterministic performance and robust recovery mechanisms.

You will implement space-grade protocols (UART, CAN, SpaceWire, Ethernet), build L2 networks, and contribute to testing, automation, and documentation as part of a global team delivering the

Qualifications

• Experience designing software for aerospace embedded systems.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and scripting (Shell/Bash); Python familiarity.
• Experience with real-time OS and bare-metal/RTOS/LINUX RTOS environments.
• Knowledge of UART, CAN, SPI, I2C, Ethernet; debugging network fabrics.
• Experience with secure firmware updates and reprogramming mechanisms.
• Proficiency with debugging tools like JTAG, GDB, and logic analyzers.

Responsibilities

• Architect and develop real-time embedded software for flight systems.
• Implement space-grade protocols such as UART, CAN, SpaceWire, Ethernet.
• Design L2 networks and fault-tolerant fabrics; deploy TSN features where needed.
• Integrate applications on top of the customized platform software.
• Develop and maintain automated test frameworks (HIL/SIL/PIL) and support validation.
• Document software designs, tests, and configurations for cross-functional teams.

Skills

C/C++

Shell/Bash

Python

Embedded Systems

Multicore platforms

JTAG/GDB

Git

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electronics Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Yocto

CI/CD pipelines

JTAG

GDB

Job description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure, and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place!

At E-Space, we’re focused on bridging Earth and space with the world’s most sustainable low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network. We’re a team of bold thinkers, ambitious leaders and dynamic doers—and we’re disrupting NewSpace by fundamentally changing the design of legacy LEO space systems to deliver entirely new satellite capabilities at a fraction of the cost.

We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed—to saving space, to protecting our planet and to turning connectivity into actionable intelligence

We areseekinga highly skilled and motivatedFSW/Embedded Software Developer to design, develop, and optimize software forcustomized embedded devices,with a strong emphasis onspace-relatedsoftware and algorithms. The role involvesdesigning anddevelopingsoftware forbare-metal,RTOS, and real-time Linuxenvironments, real-time performance, system reliability, and implementing robustrecovery mechanisms. You will also contribute totesting and automation.

What you will be doing:

Core Development

• Embedded Software Development:Architect/Design, write, debug, andmaintainefficientsoftware forreal-timeembedded systems, includingmission criticalFlight Software andcommunication withotherspace-specific software subsystems/modules, such as TTC (CCSDS protocol), Power, Thermal, GNC, FDIR, CFDP.

Communication Protocolsand Specifications

• Communication Protocolsand Specifications: Implementprotocols used inspace-grade software such asUART, CAN,SpaceWire,SPI, I2C,and Ethernet. Experience with Linux bridging, DSA (Distributed Switch Architecture), and L2 protocols such as RSTP/MSTP, HSR, or FRER for redundant network fabrics is highly valued

Networking and Avionics Fabrics

• Networking and Avionics Fabrics:Design and implement L2 Ethernet networks for inter-board communication on spacecraft, including switchbring up, PHY configuration, and topology design. Configure and debug L2 redundancy protocols (RSTP, HSR, FRER) for fault-tolerant fabrics.Implement deterministic networking using TSN features where mission profiles require bounded latency.

ApplicationIntegration

• ApplicationIntegration:Integrateand manageprovided applications on top of the customized platform software.Design and bring up Ethernet-based avionics networks, including PHY/MAC initialization, switch configuration, and L2 redundancy protocols.

OperationalManagement

• OperationalManagement:Design andimplementefficientmemory management, process management,software updates,reprogrammingandpower saving modesfor embeddedsystems.Experiencewith multi-board Ethernet fabrics (mesh, ring, or tree topologies) for inter-subsystem communication is a plus.

Testing and Support

• Test Framework Development: Create andmaintainautomated testing frameworks forembedded systems, includingHIL, SIL, PIL.
• Support: Provide support for debugging ofreal-time and critical faults.
• Debugging and Validation: Use tools like oscilloscopes, logicanalyzers, and protocolanalyzersto test and debug embedded software and hardware interfaces.
• Hardware Interaction: Work closely withglobal softwareteams tocontribute to thenew designsandensure seamless software-hardware integration.
• Documentation: Prepare andmaintaintechnical documentation.

What you bring to this role:

• Hands-on: Proven record of designing and developing significant working software in aerospace applications.
• Programming Languages: Proficiency in C/C++ and scripting languages like Shell or Bash; familiarity with Python.
• Embedded Systems: Experience with embedded and multicore platforms and their toolchains. Experience with Yocto is a big plus.
• Communication Protocols: Knowledge of key hardware and software protocols such as UART, CAN, SPI, I2C. TCP and UDP.
• Upgrades: Experience with secure firmware updates and reprogramming mechanisms.
• Debugging Tools: Proficiency with debugging tools like JTAG, GDB, and serial debuggers.
• Version Control: Expertise with Git or similar version control systems.

Bonus points:

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electronics Engineering, or a related field.
• Familiarity with wireless communication technologies (e.g., Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRa).
• Familiarity with hardware simulation tools and flatsat environments for testing.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automated build/test workflows.

Key Attributes

• Strong analytical and debugging skills.
• Passion for quality and attention to detail in software development and testing.
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional and global teams.
• Commitment to staying updated with the latest in IoT, embedded systems, and testing automation technologies.
• A willingness to undertake further relevant training.
• An understanding and commitment to equal opportunities.
• Time management, self-reliance and willingness to learn.

Additional Requirements

This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.

$130,000 - $180,000 a year