Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Terran Orbital Corporation; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

401(k) match

Flexible PTO

Education reimbursement

Parental leave

Job summary

Terran Orbital is seeking a Staff Embedded Software Engineer to join our team in Irvine, CA. You will lead embedded software for satellite modules, collaborate across engineering, and drive high‑reliability systems from concept to deployment.

The role reports to the Embedded Software & FPGA Manager and requires 8+ years in C/C++, RTOS/bare‑metal design, and strong leadership capabilities. Occasional travel up to 10% may be required.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in C/C++ for embedded, high‑performance, or mission‑critical systems.
• Experience with bare‑metal or RTOS‑based designs (FreeRTOS, embedded Linux, etc.).
• Experience with embedded test equipment and debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
• Deep understanding of MCU architectures, peripherals, and low‑level interfaces across MCU families.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of junior software engineers.
• Develop and maintain embedded software for satellite modules.
• Define and refine software requirements with cross‑functional teams.
• Architect, design, and maintain reliable, fault‑tolerant embedded software.
• Serve as technical lead for multiple satellite programs.
• Create and maintain unit tests using TDD methodologies.
• Develop and automate system‑level tests.
• Build software for payloads including imagers and communicators.
• Represent Terran Orbital in technical working groups and customer interactions.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded systems

RTOS design

Microcontrollers

Serial protocols

Debug tools

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer/Electrical Engineering or CS

Tools

ARM Cortex

TI embedded

Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state‑of‑the‑art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Staff Embedded Software Engineer to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Embedded Software & FPGA Manager, the Staff Embedded Software Engineer will play a key role in developing high‑reliability software for satellite systems and payloads.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of junior software engineers, providing guidance and tasking.
• Develop and maintain embedded software for satellite modules.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams to define and refine software requirements.
• Architect, design, develop, and maintain reliable, fault‑tolerant embedded software.
• Serve as the technical lead for multiple satellite programs.
• Create and maintain unit tests using Test Driven Development methodologies.
• Develop and automate system‑level tests.
• Build software for specialized payloads, including imagers, image processors, communication devices, and astronomical science instruments.
• Represent Terran Orbital in technical working groups and customer interactions.
• Support occasional travel (up to 10%) to customer or vendor sites for design reviews and collaborative technical work.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• 8+ years of experience developing C/C++ applications for embedded, high‑performance, or mission‑critical systems.
• Experience with bare‑metal and/or RTOS‑based designs (FreeRTOS, internal schedulers, embedded Linux, etc.).
• Experience with electronic test equipment and embedded debug tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, hardware debuggers).
• Deep understanding of microcontroller architectures, peripheral subsystems, and low‑level interface design across multiple MCU families.
• Experience with serial communication protocols (CAN, RS‑232/422/485, I2C, SPI, PCI).
• Highly motivated, self‑starting, responsible, thorough, and able to perform duties autonomously without supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• U.S. Person or lawful permanent resident to comply with U.S. government space technology export regulations.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience with ARM and Texas Instruments embedded platforms.
• Experience using test equipment such as oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers.
• Familiarity with Linux and GNU toolchains (make, GCC, GDB).
• Experience with scripting languages such as Bash and Python.
• Knowledge of build pipelines, deployment processes, and on‑target testing.
• Familiarity with SOLID software design principles.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case‑by‑case and may vary based on the job‑related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range

$160,000 - $190,000 USD

Full‑time positions only:

• 100% Company‑paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Education Reimbursement

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end‑to‑end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on‑orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail] .

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.