Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Lunar Outpost; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Paid time off

401(k) match

Holidays

Parental leave

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Lunar Outpost, a leader in space robotics, seeks a Staff Embedded Software Engineer to develop real-time software for robotic systems and flight applications. You will implement on RTOS platforms, integrate device drivers, and work with hardware teams to ensure robust, safe space operations.

Join a mission-driven startup environment with opportunities to contribute to Pegasus LTV deployment and NASA-related programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer or electrical engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in embedded software or avionics systems for space or mission-critical robotics applications.
• Experience with at least one RTOS-based system (e.g., VxWorks, FreeRTOS, RTEMS, or similar).
• Understanding of real-time systems concepts (task scheduling, interrupts, memory constraints).
• Experience with software integration and testing on hardware platforms.
• Proficiency in C for embedded systems.
• Familiarity with spacecraft data handling, telemetry/command processing, and networking.
• Self-motivated, focused, and driven to meet critical deadlines.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• U.S. Person

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded and flight software for real-time systems.
• Implement software on RTOS-based platforms (e.g., VxWorks, RTEMS, or similar).
• Support development of flight software applications, including command/telemetry handling and system control logic.
• Develop and integrate device drivers and hardware abstraction layers.
• Collaborate with hardware and systems engineers to integrate software with embedded platforms.
• Assist with system integration, testing, and validation, including simulation and hardware-in-the-loop environments.
• Debug and troubleshoot issues related to performance, timing, and system interaction.
• Contribute to documentation, including design descriptions and test procedures.

Skills

Embedded software

RTOS experience

C programming

Real-time systems

Space/avionics familiarity

System integration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer or electrical engineering

Tools

VxWorks

FreeRTOS

RTEMS

NASA cFS

Job description

Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanity's presence in space? Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a permanent presence in space, while also driving positive impacts here on Earth. Currently, we are seeking a Staff Embedded Software Engineer to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment. The main responsibilities of the Staff Embedded Software Engineer is to develop software for robotic systems, ensuring the system meets stringent real-time, safety and reliability requirements for crewed and autonomous space operations.

Take the #NextLeap with Lunar Outpost and work on the Pegasus LTV, which will carry NASA astronauts farther than they've ever been before on the lunar surface!

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded and flight software for real-time systems
• Implement software on RTOS-based platforms (e.g., VxWorks, RTEMS, or similar)
• Support development of flight software applications, including command/telemetry handling and system control logic
• Develop and integrate device drivers and hardware abstraction layers
• Collaborate with hardware and systems engineers to integrate software with embedded platforms
• Assist with system integration, testing, and validation, including simulation and hardware-in-the-loop environments
• Debug and troubleshoot issues related to performance, timing, and system interaction
• Contribute to documentation, including design descriptions and test procedures

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer or electrical engineering or related field
• 5+ years in embedded software or avionics systems for space or mission-critical robotics applications
• Experience with at least one RTOS-based system (e.g., VxWorks, FreeRTOS, RTEMS, or similar)
• Understanding of real-time systems concepts (task scheduling, interrupts, memory constraints)
• Experience with software integration and testing on hardware platforms
• Proficiency in C for embedded systems
• Familiarity with spacecraft data handling, telemetry/command processing, and networking
• Self-motivated, focused, and driven to meet critical deadlines
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• U.S. Person

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with device driver development or board support packages (BSPs)
• Experience with flight software frameworks such as NASA cFS or similar architectures
• Experience with robotics platforms for planetary exploration, surface mobility, or space station operations
• Experience working with simulation tools or hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Knowledge of fault-tolerant or safety-critical software design principles
• Experience with GNC software integration in robotic or spacecraft systems
• Prior work with crewed vehicle avionics architecture or planetary robotics
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and task planning

Compensation & Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer
• Paid time off: Three (3) weeks per year of vacation
• Retirement plan: Up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions
• Paid holidays: 11 company-recognized holidays
• Parental leave
• Educational reimbursement opportunities to support company objectives, continued learning, and career development

Lunar Outpost Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Lunar Outpost Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employees, including executives and human resources personnel, are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism and treat others with dignity and respect in accordance with this policy.