Principal Embedded Engineer - Space Systems

About the role

Hubble Network is building a global Bluetooth® network dedicated to machine-to-machine connectivity—the first modem-less and gateway-less, direct-to-satellite network from off-the-shelf Bluetooth® Low Energy chips. We are seeking an experienced Principal Embedded Engineer to architect and implement software for our satellite systems. This hands-on role involves close collaboration with hardware, RF, and operations teams to develop high-reliability embedded software that powers our constellation. You will act as a technical leader, translating system-level requirements into robust, efficient embedded solutions for the harsh space environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to work across the full embedded stack, from low-level device drivers to application-level software managing satellite operations, while contributing to the architecture of our next-generation satellite platform.

This is a full-time position based in Seattle, WA.

Responsibilities

• Write high-quality, maintainable code in both Python and C for satellite command scripts and performance-critical embedded applications.
• Design, implement, and maintain embedded Linux systems for satellite payloads, including kernel configuration, driver development, and system optimization for resource-constrained space hardware.
• Develop and debug device drivers for common interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet) and peripherals including ADCs, DACs, DDR memory controllers, and custom hardware.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of satellite flight software, including command & data handling, telemetry systems, and autonomous operations.
• Lead board bring-up activities for new hardware, working closely with electrical engineers to validate designs, debug interfaces, and commission new systems.
• Design software with awareness of space-specific challenges including radiation effects (SEUs, latch-up), thermal constraints, and power budgets.

How We Work

• Hands-On Engineering: We value engineers who can move seamlessly between architecture, implementation, and debugging. You'll work with real hardware daily.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Interface with RF engineers, digital design engineers, mechanical engineers, and operations staff to ensure software meets system-level needs.
• Tools: Use modern development tools including AI, Git, Jira, and Confluence. Experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG debuggers is essential.

Qualifications

• 8+ Years of Experience: Proven track record of delivering embedded systems for production hardware, preferably in Aerospace, Defense, or other high-reliability domains. Experience acting as a technical leader and trusted mentor, fostering engineering excellence through hands-on collaboration and coaching.
• Expert-Level C Programming: Deep understanding of C for embedded systems, including memory management, real-time constraints, and optimization techniques.
• Expert-Level Python: Strong Python skills for scripting, automation, test frameworks, and ground system integration.
• Embedded Linux Proficiency: Solid experience with embedded Linux (kernel configuration, device drivers, build root/Yocto, or similar).
• Hardware Interface Experience: Demonstrated ability to work with SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, and other common protocols. Experience with ADCs, DACs, and memory interfaces (DDR).
• Hardware Debug Skills: Comfortable using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG debuggers to troubleshoot hardware and software issues.
• Space Systems (Optional): Experience designing for the space environment, including radiation hardening techniques, thermal management, and understanding of single-event effects.
• FPGA Integration (Optional): Experience interfacing with or developing alongside FPGAs, including familiarity with common communication interfaces (AXI, PCIe, custom parallel buses), register-mapped peripheral access from embedded Linux or bare-metal environments, and collaborative bring-up with digital design engineers.

An Ideal Candidate Has

• A sense of urgency: Lead projects from concept to reality, rapidly and effectively.
• High learning agility: Love to learn; have a grounded approach to recognizing weaknesses and take the initiative to sharpen engineering foundations to better collaborate with teammates from different backgrounds.
• System-level design and analysis: Understand the requirements flow-down process and be able to quickly iterate on evolving requirements.
• Excellent communication skills: Effectively convey ideas and communicate technical topics with engineering, build staff, and operations; run self-directed design reviews and participate in reviews of parallel systems.
• Anticipation of needs: Identify problems, think creatively, and rapidly produce reliable and cost-effective solutions to meet the ever-growing and changing needs of an early-stage company.

Why Join Hubble?

• Technical Challenge: Work on embedded systems that operate in one of the most demanding environments—space.
• Impact: Your software will enable the connectivity of billions of Bluetooth devices from orbit.
• Growth: Work alongside experienced engineers who have built complex systems at scale, including satellite constellations and massive IoT networks.
• Next-Generation Platform: Help define the software architecture for Hubble's future satellite generations.

Pay

$200,000.00 - $250,000.00/year (final compensation is determined by experience level, technical depth, and interview performance).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, & HSA options.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Commuter benefits (if working from HQ).
• Learning & Development Allowance.
• Health & Wellness Stipend.
• Sabbatical Program: Recharge and explore new ideas.
• Cutting-Edge Space Tech: Work on state-of-the-art satellite systems.

Hubble is required by the U.S. Government to comply with space technology export regulations, including ITAR. All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident ("green card holder") as defined by ITAR (22 CFR 120.15).