Senior Embedded Software Engineer Innoflight · United States $170k – $190k USD

Rustify; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit-sharing bonus

Cash performance bonus

401(k) with 3% match

Paid holidays

PTO

Job summary

Innoflight in San Diego seeks a Senior Embedded Software Engineer – Rust to design cyber secure embedded software for satellite avionics and payload data processing. You will work with Systems, Hardware, and FPGA teams to deliver secure, rugged Low-SWaP solutions for aerospace applications, while mentoring junior engineers.

Requirements include 9+ years in secure embedded systems, Rust and C/C++, real-time constraints, and the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field.
• 9+ years of experience in secure embedded systems development.
• Proficiency in Rust and C/C++ for embedded driver development.
• Advanced proficiency in memory-managed languages like Rust/Go for security.
• Experience with RTOS and real-time constraints.
• Ability to interpret schematics for driver development.
• Strong networking/communication protocol knowledge.
• Familiarity with cryptographic principles for embedded systems.
• Experience with software integration, debugging, and system validation.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement cyber secure embedded software for multi-core processors integrated with FPGA systems (Xilinx, Microsemi, Microchip, Vorago) using C/C++ and Rust.
• Develop embedded solutions on ARM Cortex and RISC-V architectures.
• Lead Embedded Linux solutions and integrate with RTOS as needed.
• Implement RFC-compliant networking/security protocols (IP, TLS, IPsec).
• Integrate SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO, PCI/PCIe, Ethernet, SpaceWire interfaces.
• Apply cryptographic principles (AES, RSA, ECDSA, ECDH, Secure Boot, Root of Trust).
• Lead software development, code reviews, and architecture decisions.
• Translate complex requirements into robust software designs.
• Support integration, debugging, and validation on custom hardware.
• Track features/releases and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

C/C++

Rust

Embedded systems

RTOS

Embedded Linux

ARM/RISC-V

Networking (IP/TLS/IPsec)

Cryptography (AES/RSA/ECDSA)

Secure Boot/Root of Trust

Mentoring/Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science

Tools

Xilinx

Microsemi

Microchip

Vorago

RTOS

Embedded Linux

Job description

Bookmark it and share with a Rust friend

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.

About the Role

As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer – RUST, you’ll lead the design and development of cyber secure embedded software for satellite avionics and payload data processing systems. You’ll implement real-time monitoring, Linux board support packages, and low-level interfaces for sensors, communication buses, radios, and COMSEC devices. You’ll work closely with Systems, Hardware, and FPGA teams to deliver secure, rugged, and reliable Low-SWaP solutions for aerospace applications. In addition, you’ll provide mentorship and SME-level guidance to support the growth and success of the engineering team.

• Design and Implement Secure Software: Develop cyber secure embedded software for multi-core processors integrated with FPGA systems (Xilinx, Microsemi, Microchip, Vorago) using C/C++ and RUST.
• Develop Multi-Core Solutions: Design and implement embedded solutions for multi-processor and memory-managed systems on ARM Cortex and RISC-V architectures.
• Embedded Linux and RTOS Expertise: Lead the development of Embedded Linux solutions, managing inter-process and multi-core communications, and integrate with other RTOS implementations as needed.
• Implement Networking and Security Protocols: Build RFC-compliant high-speed networking and security protocols (IP, TLS, IPsec) for embedded systems.
• Integrate Hardware Interfaces: Work with SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO, PCI, PCIe, Ethernet, and SpaceWire interconnect standards to ensure seamless system operation.
• Apply Cryptographic Principles: Design and implement secure software using AES, RSA, ECDSA, ECDH, Secure Boot, Root of Trust, Zero Trust, signed applications, and other secure system techniques.
• Lead Software Development: Drive development and testing of reusable, high-quality software modules while ensuring Secure System best practices are followed at the architecture, design, and code levels.
• Translate Requirements: Convert complex customer and system-level requirements into robust, scalable software designs.
• Support Integration and Debugging: Collaborate on system integration, debugging, and validation of software on custom hardware platforms.
• Track Features and Releases: Maintain software configuration, defect tracking, and release management throughout the product lifecycle.
• Mentor and Guide Team: Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to junior engineers through design reviews, code walkthroughs, and collaborative problem-solving.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• 9 or more years of experience developing secure embedded systems and software.
• Proficiency in RUST and C/C++ for embedded systems and low-level driver development.
• Advanced proficiency in memory-managed embedded languages such as Rust, Go, or similar for secure systems.
• Experience with RTOS-based development and real‑time system constraints.
• Ability to interpret schematics and hardware documentation for driver and software development.
• Proficient in networking and communication protocols, including secure communication standards.
• Familiarity with cryptographic principles and their application in embedded systems.
• Experience with software integration, debugging, and system‑level validation.
• Excellent problem‑solving, documentation, and technical communication skills.
• Proven ability to mentor and support junior engineers in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Compensation and Benefits:

The starting base salary for this position ranges from $170,000 to $190,000 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)
• 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.