Embedded Software Engineering Lead

Cowboy Space Corporation

$175K — $225K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 2+ years of leadership experience in embedded software development.
  • 5+ years of experience in embedded software engineering for aerospace or satellite applications.
  • Proficiency in C, C++, and/or Rust for embedded systems.
  • Experience developing bare-metal embedded software.
  • Familiarity with hardware interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, and LVDS.
  • Strong problem-solving skills in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor the embedded software team in flight-critical systems development.
  • Plan and coordinate firmware releases with task breakdowns and stakeholder communication.
  • Design fault-tolerant architecture for high-performance mission-critical operations.
  • Implement and test embedded software for satellite control and data processing.
  • Collaborate with hardware engineers for software integration with spacecraft avionics.
  • Develop and validate software in testing environments including SITL and HITL.

Benefits

  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan.
  • Generous paid time off and 10 paid holidays per year.
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Relocation assistance if applicable.
  • Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen.
Full Job Description
Embedded Software Engineering Lead

About the role:

The Embedded Software Engineering Lead at Aetherflux will lead the embedded software team in developing and maintaining real-time software for our satellite constellation. This role is responsible for the overall quality, reliability, and fault tolerance of the embedded software infrastructure across satellite control, power beaming operations, and ground receiver systems. You will manage and mentor a team of embedded software engineers to establish development standards, conduct architecture and code reviews, and ensure robust software practices that support Aetherflux's space-based power transmission platform.

Responsibilities:
  • Team Lead: Lead embedded software team developing flight-critical and avionics systems through mentorship, performance management, and career development.
  • Project Management: Plan and coordinate firmware releases, including task breakdowns, sprint management, timeline tracking, and communication to program stakeholders.
  • Flight Software Architecture: Design and lead development of fault-tolerant and high-performance software for mission-critical operations.
  • Real-Time Embedded Software Development: Design, implement, and test embedded software for onboard satellite control, real-time data processing, communication, and laser power transmission.
  • Hardware Integration: Work with hardware engineers to integrate embedded software with spacecraft avionics, sensors, actuators, and communication systems.
  • Testing & Simulation: Work with hardware and test teams to build software-in-the-loop (SITL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) environments for software validation.


Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 2+ years of experience as the lead of an embedded software development team.
  • 5+ years of experience as an embedded software engineer, particularly for aerospace or satellite applications.
  • Proficiency in C, C++, and/or Rust for embedded systems.
  • Experience developing bare-metal embedded software.
  • Experience with hardware interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, and LVDS.
  • Familiarity with embedded debugging tools including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG debuggers.
  • Knowledge of Linux-based embedded systems.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience as the lead of an embedded software development team, particularly for aerospace or satellite applications.
  • Experience with FPGA development and high-speed embedded computing.
  • Experience with software development for space environments.
  • Familiarity with satellite communication protocols and telemetry processing.


Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $175,000 - $225,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
  • Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Paid time off
  • 10 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Paid parental leave
  • Relocation assistance if applicable
  • Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks


ITAR Requirements:
  • Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants 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. Learn more about ITAR here.


Disclaimer:

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Cowboy Space Corporation

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Embedded Software Engineering Lead jobs: