Firmware EngineerResponsibilities:- Own firmware development for spacecraft subsystems from concept through on-orbit operations
- Design, develop, and debug embedded firmware for microcontrollers, FPGAs, and custom hardware platforms
- Implement low-level drivers, communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN), and real-time control systems
- Develop firmware for power management, avionics interfaces, sensors, and actuator control
- Build robust, fault-tolerant systems with attention to reliability, determinism, and performance under constrained environments
- Support board bring-up, hardware integration, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing
- Develop automated test frameworks and validation tools for embedded systems
- Collaborate closely with electrical, avionics, and software teams to define system architecture and interfaces
- Investigate anomalies, perform root cause analysis, and implement fixes across hardware/software boundaries
- Contribute to system-level design, including fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) strategies
Basic Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
- 3+ years of experience in firmware or embedded software development
- Strong programming skills in C/C++ for embedded systems
- Experience working with microcontrollers and/or FPGAs
- Familiarity with real-time systems and embedded debugging tools (JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers)
- Experience with hardware/software integration and board bring-up
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience developing firmware for aerospace, automotive, robotics, or other high-reliability systems
- Familiarity with RTOS (e.g., FreeRTOS, VxWorks) and real-time scheduling concepts
- Experience with communication stacks and networking protocols in embedded systems
- Understanding of fault-tolerant design, redundancy, and high-reliability system architecture
- Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and system validation
- Familiarity with Python or scripting for test automation and tooling
- Familiarity with Rust, RTL, and knowledge of various database types
- Experience working in fast-paced, high-ownership environments with rapid iteration cycles
- Exposure to radiation-tolerant design considerations for space systems
Compensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is
$130,000 - $185,000 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.
DisclaimerThis 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.
