Staff Embedded Software Engineer - Middleware | Lunar Outpost

Our client, Lunar Outpost, is an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, dedicated to creating a permanent presence in space while driving positive impacts on Earth. Join their team as a Staff Embedded Software Engineer - Middleware and contribute to their mission in a dynamic startup environment.

About the role

As a subject matter expert, you will lead Linux kernel development for advanced space robotic applications, ensuring the system meets stringent safety and reliability requirements for crewed and autonomous space operations. You will mentor engineers on best practices and drive kernel configuration and deployment on robotics-based avionics platforms.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority for kernel configuration and deployment on robotics-based avionics platforms
• Design, implement, integrate, and maintain kernel-based software for space avionics
• Perform board bring-up for new avionics hardware, including processor initialization, bootloader configuration, and peripheral driver development
• Implement task scheduling, memory partitioning, and time partitioning in alignment with mission safety standards
• Develop and integrate device drivers for rover avionics subsystems
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, and robotics teams to define and implement fault-tolerant operating system configurations
• Support hardware/software integration using engineering models, simulators, and hardware-in-the-loop testbeds
• Document OS configuration, integration steps, and operational procedures to flight-certifiable standards

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer or electrical engineering or related field
• 5+ years in embedded software or avionics systems for space or mission-critical robotics applications
• 3+ years in Linux kernel setup, configuration, and BSP customization
• Hands-on board bring-up experience for avionics or robotics hardware
• Strong proficiency in C for embedded system development
• Experience with real-time debugging, timing analysis, and performance optimization
• Experience working with SPI, RS485/422, ADCs, Spacewire
• Experience with deterministic networking, symmetric multiprocessors (SMP), and safety-critical software architecture
• Self-motivated, focused, and driven to meet critical deadlines
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• U.S. Person

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior work with crewed vehicle avionics architecture or planetary robotics
• Time-sensitive Networking (TSN) protocol configuration and validation for deterministic ethernet
• Experience working with NASA core flight system (cFS)
• Familiarity with space mission development phases and associated documentation and standards
• Experience with VxWorks 7 DKMs and RTPs
• Experience with OCI containerization

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer
• Paid time off: Three (3) weeks per year of vacation
• Retirement plan: Up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions
• Paid holidays: 11 company-recognized holidays
• Parental leave
• Educational reimbursement opportunities to support continued learning and career development