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 designed for the harsh space environment.

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

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: Move seamlessly between architecture, implementation, and debugging. 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 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.
• 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.

Skills

• A sense of urgency: Lead projects from concept to reality, rapidly and effectively.
• High learning agility: Love to learn; recognize weaknesses and take initiative to sharpen engineering foundations.
• System-level design and analysis: Understand requirements flow-down and iterate quickly on evolving requirements.
• Excellent communication: Effectively convey ideas and technical topics to engineering, build staff, and operations; run self-directed design reviews.
• Anticipation of needs: Identify problems, think creatively, and produce reliable, cost-effective solutions for 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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits, including HSA options.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Commuter benefits (if working from HQ).
• Learning & development allowance.
• Health & wellness stipend.
• Sabbatical program to recharge and explore new ideas.
• Work on cutting-edge space technology.

Pay

$200,000 – $250,000/year (final compensation determined by experience level, technical depth, and interview performance).

Requirements

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).