Embedded Controls Engineer, Spacecraft

Katalyst Space Technologies

$100K — $160K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
  • 4+ years of experience in embedded software and control systems for aerospace, robotics, or high-reliability applications.
  • Proficiency in developing embedded software using C/C++ for real-time or resource-constrained systems.
  • Experience in implementing and tuning classical and modern control systems.
  • Familiarity with embedded communication protocols such as CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, or Ethernet.
  • Strong debugging skills for complex hardware-software interactions.

Responsibilities

  • Design and validate embedded control software for spacecraft subsystems.
  • Develop real-time control algorithms and flight software to interact with spacecraft hardware.
  • Support the integration, testing, and troubleshooting of hardware and software.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to progress systems from concept to flight operations.
  • Ensure system reliability through rigorous testing and verification in various environments.

Benefits

  • Long-term incentives including Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan.
  • Relocation bonus to assist with moving expenses.
  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off to enhance work-life balance.
Full Job Description
What You'll Do
  • Design, implement, and validate embedded control software for spacecraft subsystems including propulsion, robotics, avionics, and vehicle actuation systems.
  • Develop real-time control algorithms and flight software that interface directly with sensors, actuators, and spacecraft hardware.
  • Support the bring-up, integration, testing, and troubleshooting of embedded hardware and software across laboratory, test, and flight environments.
  • Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, robotics, and flight software engineers to mature systems from concept through flight operations.
  • Own system performance through testing, verification, and mission execution, ensuring reliable operation in demanding environments.


What We're Looking For

Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical discipline.
  • 4+ years of experience developing embedded software and control systems for aerospace, robotics, autonomous systems, industrial automation, automotive, defense, or other high-reliability applications.
  • Strong experience developing embedded software in C/C++ for real-time or resource-constrained systems.
  • Experience implementing and tuning control systems using classical and/or modern control techniques.
  • Familiarity with embedded communication protocols such as CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, or Ethernet.
  • Ability to independently debug complex hardware-software interactions using laboratory test equipment and structured engineering processes.


Your Ideal Background

Preferred
  • Master's degree or higher in Controls, Aerospace, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience developing guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems, robotics controls, or spacecraft flight software.
  • Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), embedded Linux, or safety-critical software development practices.
  • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), and automated test frameworks.
  • Previous work on aerospace, defense, autonomous systems, robotics, or other high-reliability embedded systems.


Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $100,000 - $160,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

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