Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Actuators & Control Systems)

About the role

As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer focused on Actuation & Control Systems, you will develop embedded software that controls a variety of actuated systems across launch vehicles and spacecraft, including rocket engine valves, satellite thrusters, thrust vector control actuators, and motor-driven devices such as reaction wheels and gimbals. You will collaborate with propulsion, avionics, and GNC teams to design high-performance, fault-tolerant firmware capable of operating reliably in harsh environments such as launch and space.

Responsibilities

• Develop real-time firmware for controlling:
  • Rocket engine valves and thrust vector control actuators (TVCAs)
  • Satellite propulsion systems, including cold gas and electric thrusters
  • Motor-driven systems such as reaction wheels, gimbals, and momentum wheels
• Implement closed-loop control for:
  • Position, velocity, torque, and pressure regulation
  • Feedback via encoders, LVDTs, resolvers, current sensors, and pressure sensors
• Interface with motor drivers and redundant actuator systems using protocols like CAN, SPI, UART, Ethernet, RS-422, and BISS-C
• Design and implement safety-critical state machines for thrust sequences, valve actuation, pressurization, and safe shutdowns
• Participate in hotfire campaigns, environmental testing, and in-flight diagnostics
• Write unit-tested and reviewable production firmware for use in both testbeds and spacecraft

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• 12+ years of embedded C/C++ development experience for electromechanical control systems
• Experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, hardware debuggers, and source-level debuggers to troubleshoot problems at all layers of the stack
• Experience implementing real-time control loops, motor commutation, and actuator calibration routines
• Proficiency working with servo motors, stepper motors, or brushless DC motors
• Strong understanding of low-level hardware and digital interfaces (I2C, SPI, CAN, UART)
• U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or eligibility to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations (ITAR compliance)

Preferred Skills

• Prior work on rocket engine controller software, including valve sequencing and abort logic
• Experience with satellite attitude control systems (ACS), including reaction wheels, magnetorquers, and small thrusters
• Familiarity with redundant actuator architectures and fault detection/response algorithms
• Exposure to space environment constraints such as vacuum, temperature extremes, and radiation upsets

Pay

$200,000 - $300,000 / year

Benefits

• Long-term incentives in the form of stock options
• Medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan