Role SummaryAs a Staff Embedded Software Engineer, you will work across our full product line, from robotic ground telescopes to on-orbit compute platforms. You will design and maintain embedded Linux systems, bring up complex peripherals, build rock-solid drivers, and architect software that will run for decades in remote and harsh environments.
This role is deeply hands-on: you will read schematics, work shoulder-to-shoulder with electrical and mechanical teams, debug unusual edge cases, and own Yocto-based platforms down to the metal. You will report to the Embedded Engineering Lead.
Key Responsibilities- Architect, implement, and document embedded Linux systems composed of multiple daemons, services, and hardware interfaces designed for extreme reliability in remote and space environments.
- Own the BSP and driver stack across PCIe, SPI, I2C, UART, MIPI CSI-2, GPIO, and other hardware interfaces.
- Bring up high-speed peripherals (PCIe endpoints, MIPI cameras, high-bandwidth data links) and ensure their long-term robustness.
- Maintain build system health: keep Yocto builds unblocked, reproducible, and hardened through strict CI/CD testing gates.
- Design for resilience: create systems that can run autonomously for years with minimal human intervention.
- Collaborate on automated testing: help the test team build lab infrastructure that enables frictionless writing and execution of hardware-in-the-loop tests.
- Participate in product design reviews to ensure manufacturability, serviceability, and field reliability.
Basic Qualifications- 5+ years in embedded software engineering or systems-level development.
- Strong proficiency in C and modern C++-and good judgment about when not to overuse templates.
- Solid understanding of DC power systems, motor drivers, and common hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, CAN, Ethernet, MIPI, PCIe).
- Experience bringing up high-speed interfaces, especially PCIe and MIPI CSI-2 (D-PHY 1.4+).
- Deep familiarity with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, multimeters, and power debugging tools.
- Ability to read and interpret schematics, understand board-level considerations, and debug at the electrical-software boundary.
- Strong debugging intuition-and the humility to know that debugging is 90% of the job.
- Experience in fast-paced prototyping environments and a bias toward quick iteration.
- Strong product sense: you prioritize manufacturing reliability, robustness, and long-term serviceability.
Bonus Qualifications- Experience with Zephyr RTOS, embedded networking stacks, or sensor fusion.
- Experience with Qualcomm SoCs and their BSP/driver ecosystems.
- Experience with 3 phase motor drivers and tuning parameters park/clark vector control.
- Background in vision processing, image pipelines, or camera-focused algorithms.
- Contributions to open-source embedded or Linux kernel projects.
- Passion for astronomy, physics, and scientific exploration.
What We Offer- Competitive Compensation - A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience.
- Equity Opportunities - Take part in our success with stock options.
- Flexible Work Environment - Enjoy working from our office or in a hybrid work setup with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. We require a minimum of 3 days per week in our office to support collaboration and team culture. (LA Office only)
- Unlimited PTO - Take the time you need with our flexible, trust-based vacation policy, including paid holidays. We encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves.
- Health & Wellness - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees.
- Cutting-Edge Tools - Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work.
- Mission-Driven Culture - Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.
- Inclusive Team - We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued.
Compensation: $180K- $200K salary + competitive equity
