Senior Software Engineer

Frontdoor Defense; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Kymeta is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to own end-to-end development of embedded pointing and tracking software for satellite communications. You will design, implement, and optimize control loops and algorithms that estimate platform pose and steer RF energy toward moving satellites with high precision.

The role requires strong C/C++ skills, a solid mathematics background, and experience with embedded Linux or RTOS.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in embedded software development using C/C++.
• Experience with embedded Linux and real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Strong mathematical foundation: linear algebra, coordinates, quaternion math.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize control loops, satellite acquisition, pointing, and tracking algorithms.
• Process sensor data to estimate position, orientation, and motion using sensor fusion and estimation techniques.
• Implement EKFs and IMU data handling in embedded software.
• Develop embedded C/C++ software for constrained Linux/RTOS environments.
• Coordinate hardware interfaces and data pipelines with hardware/RF teams.
• Develop and enhance simulation tools to model system behavior and verify algorithms.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Real-time software

Embedded Linux/RTOS

Sensor fusion

EKFs

Mathematics

MATLAB

Python

Quaternion math

Algorithm optimization

Education

B.S. in EE / CS / Applied Math

M.S. preferred

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Senior Software Engineer

Own end-to-end development of embedded pointing and tracking software for satellite communications

Location: Redmond, Washington

Compensation: $140,000 - 190,000 USD / year

About The Role

Senior Software Engineer, Pointing & Tracking

Kymeta delivers intelligent, resilient communications and RF solutions for mission-critical operations around the world. Our software-defined, electronically steered platforms combine advanced antenna technology, multi-orbit and multi-network connectivity, and edge capabilities to help customers stay connected and informed in dynamic and demanding environments.

Kymeta serves national security, government, and commercial markets across land, aerospace, and maritime applications. We are advancing the future of mobile connectivity through innovative technology.

Kymeta is seeking a Senior Software Engineer with strong experience in embedded systems development, real-time software engineering, and pointing and tracking algorithms.

This role sits at the intersection of applied mathematics and embedded software, developing algorithms that process data from multiple sensors to estimate platform position and orientation and electronically steer RF energy toward moving satellites with high precision. You will contribute to the design, development, and optimization of control loops, satellite acquisition, pointing, and tracking algorithms for Kymeta's electronically steered antenna systems.

The ideal candidate will have deep experience in C/C++, a strong mathematical foundation, and a solid understanding of embedded Linux or RTOS environments. You will contribute across the full software lifecycle, from algorithm development and simulation through implementation, integration, testing, and field deployment, working closely with hardware, RF, and systems engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, and optimize control loops, satellite acquisition, pointing, and tracking algorithms.
• Process sensor data to estimate platform position, orientation, and motion using sensor fusion and mathematical estimation techniques.
• Implement algorithms using quaternion mathematics, Extended Kalman Filters (EKFs), and inertial measurement unit (IMU) data.
• Develop and maintain embedded software in C/C++ for constrained Linux and real-time operating system environments.
• Implement system-level orchestration, from low-level hardware interfaces and sensor data pipelines to adaptive control logic.
• Develop and enhance simulation tools to model system behavior and verify algorithm performance.
• Use MATLAB and Python to support mathematical modeling, simulation, data analysis, and algorithm validation.
• Integrate and validate software across hardware, RF, systems, and other software components.
• Develop and implement unit-level testing, integration testing, and system-level validation strategies.
• Troubleshoot complex software and system issues, analyze performance data, and drive improvements in pointing accuracy, tracking stability, and system reliability.
• Contribute to the integration of AI/ML technologies and hardware acceleration where applicable.
• Drive software development from design through deployment, ensuring alignment with system requirements and maintaining reliability, testability, and long-term maintainability.

Required Skills

• Strong experience in embedded software development using C/C++.
• Experience developing software for embedded Linux and/or real-time operating system (RTOS) environments.
• Strong mathematical foundation, including linear algebra, coordinate transformations, and quaternion mathematics.
• Experience developing mathematical algorithms for estimation, sensor fusion, navigation, pointing, tracking, or control systems.
• Hands-on experience with Extended Kalman Filters (EKFs) and inertial measurement units (IMUs).
• Experience designing or implementing control loops, acquisition algorithms, or tracking systems.
• Proficiency in MATLAB and Python for simulation, modeling, and algorithm validation.
• Experience implementing, testing, and debugging software in real-time or performance-critical environments.
• Strong understanding of software testing, verification, and validation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across hardware, RF, systems, and software engineering teams.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Strong background in satellite communications, wireless technologies, or related domains.
• Experience developing pointing, tracking, or satellite acquisition algorithms for mobile antenna systems.
• Track record of implementing complex mathematical models in embedded or real-time systems.
• Experience with vehicle localization, inertial navigation, robotics, or guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems.
• Practical experience integrating cloud platforms, IoT frameworks, or AI/ML technologies with edge devices.
• Experience with signal processing and control systems theory.
• Experience with drone flight controllers or other systems requiring precise orientation estimation and motion control.
• Active Secret Clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Education

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or equivalent knowledge and experience. M.S. preferred.

Compensation

Kymeta is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. In the spirit of pay transparency, we have determined the salary range for this position to be $140,000–$190,000. This is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would be atypical, in order to allow for future and continued salary growth. Compensation packages are based on a variety of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and geography. The total compensation package for this position includes an annual target bonus of 10%, stock options, and benefits listed below. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer.

Benefits

We offer a competitive benefits package which includes:

Medical Plans: A choice between two competitive options

• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts

Vision & Dental

Life/AD&D

Employee Assistance Program

401k

Paid Time Off

• Exempt employees: Flexible PTO and 12 paid holidays per year
• Nonexempt employees: 15 vacation days, 7 sick days and 12 paid holidays per year

Kymeta is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.