Embedded Software Engineer (Aerospace)

Job Summary

Responsibilities

Requirements

Qualifications

Skills

Benefits

Pay

Schedule

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. is seeking an experienced Software Engineer to develop flight and mission-critical embedded software on real-time, resource-constrained hardware platforms. The role centers on deterministic, real-time firmware with strict reliability, safety, and verification requirements.

Responsibilities

• Implement firmware in C/C++ for MCU-based control systems
• Perform board bring-up and hardware–software integration
• Use JTAG/SWD, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers; correlate with physical behavior
• Support SITL and HITL product validation
• Collaborate in all phases: Requirements, Design, Build, Test, Delivery
• Help to create novel solutions to complex technical problems
• Write high-performance real-time device drivers/applications
• Aid in the creation of internal tools and pipelines
• Explore new techniques, technologies, and approaches to problems

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field
• Demonstrated clear communication & writing skills
• 3+ years of C, C++, and Python experience
• Experienced with standard build tools (CMake, GCC, Clang, etc.)
• Familiarity with common buses (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN)
• Familiarity with version control using Git

Qualifications

• Knowledge of PX4 and ArduPilot flight stacks
• Development experience with ARM-based microprocessors
• RTOS or bare-metal real-time design experience
• Comfort in a Linux development environment
• Experience writing testable code and unit tests
• Python for test automation and data analysis
• Experience with low-latency video streaming
• Experience with common computer vision techniques and libraries
• Develop and incorporate AI / Machine Learning into ESA product line

Skills

• Effective operation both independently and within cross-functional teams spanning hardware, systems, and test
• Disciplined engineering practices
• Strong fundamentals in communication protocols
• Genuine interest in the interaction between software and physical systems

Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families. Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.
• Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
• Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
• Retail Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
• Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
• Casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
• Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!

Pay

Hiring Range: $100-170k Salary/Exempt

Schedule

This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA