Senior Staff Embedded Software Engineer - SATCOM

CesiumAstro; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 184,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health, dental, vision benefits

HSA/FSA and retirement plans

Job summary

CesiumAstro is seeking a highly skilled Senior Staff Embedded Software Engineer to join our software team. You will drive low-level and high-level software across Linux-based SBCs and high-reliability microcontroller systems, contributing to the Skylark line of AESA antennas for aerospace platforms.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years of hands-on embedded software development, strong C/C++, real-time Linux, and FPGA interfaces, plus experience in BSP, IP protocols, and multi-threaded systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master of Science in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
• Minimum of 12 years in software development.
• Hands-on embedded hardware experience; API design for FPGA interfaces.
• Extensive C/C++ programming; experience with real-time systems.
• Familiarity with software configuration management and defect tracking tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement embedded software from concept to production.
• Review code and system designs; assess efficiency, stability, scalability.
• Interface with hardware design engineers; integrate new product designs.
• Support software QA and in-orbit customer support.
• Present design materials to customers and executives; participate in proposals.

Skills

C/C++ programming

RTOS experience

Real-time Linux

Multithreaded programming

API design

Education

BS in Computer Science / Electrical Engineering / Computer Engineering

MS in Computer Science / Electrical Engineering / Computer Engineering

Tools

Git

FPGA interfacing knowledge

Job description

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro , we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

The Skylark product line is focused on the rapid design, build, and test of cutting‑edge active phased array antennas (AESA) for terrestrial and airborne applications. Current programs span high‑power, large‑scale ground terminals for missile defense to commercial airline and helicopter connectivity solutions.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Staff Embedded Software Engineer to join our software team. In this position, you will be responsible for low‑level and high‑level software in Cesium’s products through all phases of the development process. Key projects will include Linux‑based single‑board computers and high‑reliability microcontroller systems. Cesium’s goal is to create an out‑of‑the‑box hardware and software experience which enhances our customers’ ability to rapidly integrate our products into their systems.

As a Cesium software team member, you will be responsible for software designs from concept through production, including product roadmaps, block diagrams, detailed design and coding, analysis, test, qualification, and in‑orbit support. The ideal candidate will have development experience at nearly every level of the software stack, including microcontrollers, low‑level drivers, board support packages (BSP), end‑use applications, and user interfaces. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have experience in software testing and high‑reliability qualification, as well as software engineering and software project management practices.

The successful candidate will present engineering design review materials to our customers and executive team, as well as participate in proposal‑writing efforts. As such, excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Design and implement software for embedded devices and systems, from requirements to production and commercial deployment.
• Design, develop, code, test, debug and document system software.
• Review code and system designs.
• Analyze code for efficiency, stability and scalability.
• Integrate and validate new product designs.
• Support software quality assurance and optimize I/O performance.
• Provide post‑production/in‑orbit customer support.
• Interface with hardware design and development engineers.
• Assess third party and open source software.

Job Requirements And Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master of Science (MS) degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
• Minimum of 12 years of industry experience in software development.
• Experience in hands‑on development and troubleshooting of embedded hardware. API design for interfacing with FPGAs.
• Extensive programming experience in C and an object oriented programming language, preferably C++.
• Experience in embedded systems design with preemptive, multitasking real‑time operating systems (experience with real‑time Linux is desirable).
• Familiarity with software configuration management tools, defect tracking tools, and peer review.
• Excellent knowledge of real‑time system coding techniques, IP protocols, interfaces, and hardware subsystems.
• Excellent understanding of multi‑threaded applications and resource management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with products for aerospace applications.
• Adequate knowledge of reading electronics schematics and component data sheets.
• Experience with ARM processors and fully‑featured microcontrollers.
• Experience in design and development of a Software Development Kit (SDK).

$184,000 - $225,000 a year

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full‑time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.