Senior Embedded Software Engineer - Flight Software

Company: espace
Location: Saratoga, CA
Type: full_time
Posted: Aug 19, 2026
Views: 3

✨ AI Summary

E-Space, a company building a sustainable LEO satellite network to make space connectivity accessible, is hiring a Senior Embedded Software Engineer for Flight Software in Saratoga, CA. The role involves designing and developing mission-critical software for bare-metal, RTOS, and real-time Linux environments, with a focus on space protocols (CCSDS, CFDP), Ethernet avionics fabrics (RSTP, HSR, FRER, TSN), and robust recovery mechanisms. Requires proven experience in aerospace embedded software, proficiency in C/C++ and scripting, and knowledge of protocols like UART, CAN, SPI, I2C, plus debugging tools (JTAG, GDB). Bonus points for Yocto, CI/CD, and flatsat testing; the role expects a fast-paced, high-impact environment with occasional extended hours.

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure, and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place!
At E-Space, we’re focused on bridging Earth and space with the world’s most sustainable low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network. We’re a team of bold thinkers, ambitious leaders and dynamic doers—and we’re disrupting NewSpace by fundamentally changing the design of legacy LEO space systems to deliver entirely new satellite capabilities at a fraction of the cost.
We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed—to saving space, to protecting our planet and to turning connectivity into actionable intelligence
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated FSW/Embedded Software Developer to design, develop, and optimize software for customized embedded devices, with a strong emphasis on space-related software and algorithms. The role involves designing and developing software for bare-metal, RTOS, and real-time Linux environments, real-time performance, system reliability, and implementing robust recovery mechanisms. You will also contribute to testing and automation.

What you will be doing:

Core Development

  • Embedded Software Development: Architect/Design, write, debug, and maintain efficient software for real-time embedded systems, including mission critical Flight Software and communication with other space-specific software subsystems/modules, such as TTC (CCSDS protocol), Power, Thermal, GNC, FDIR, CFDP.

  • Communication Protocols and Specifications: Implement protocols used in space-grade software such as UART, CAN, SpaceWire, SPI, I2C, and Ethernet. Experience with Linux bridging, DSA (Distributed Switch Architecture), and L2 protocols such as RSTP/MSTP, HSR, or FRER for redundant network fabrics is highly valued

  • Networking and Avionics Fabrics: Design and implement L2 Ethernet networks for inter-board communication on spacecraft, including switch bring up, PHY configuration, and topology design. Configure and debug L2 redundancy protocols (RSTP, HSR, FRER) for fault-tolerant fabrics. Implement deterministic networking using TSN features where mission profiles require bounded latency.

  • Application Integration: Integrate and manage provided applications on top of the customized platform software. Design and bring up Ethernet-based avionics networks, including PHY/MAC initialization, switch configuration, and L2 redundancy protocols.

  • Operational Management: Design and implement efficient memory management, process management, software updates, reprogramming and power saving modes for embedded systems. Experience with multi-board Ethernet fabrics (mesh, ring, or tree topologies) for inter-subsystem communication is a plus.

Testing and Support

  • Test Framework Development: Create and maintain automated testing frameworks for embedded systems, including HIL, SIL, PIL.

  • Support: Provide support for debugging of real-time and critical faults.

  • Debugging and Validation: Use tools like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers to test and debug embedded software and hardware interfaces.

Collaboration and Documentation

  • Hardware Interaction: Work closely with global software teams to contribute to the new designs and ensure seamless software-hardware integration.

  • Documentation: Prepare and maintain technical documentation.

What you bring to this role:

  • Hands-on: Proven record of designing and developing significant working software in aerospace applications.
  • Programming Languages: Proficiency in C/C++ and scripting languages like Shell or Bash; familiarity with Python.
  • Embedded Systems: Experience with embedded and multicore platforms and their toolchains. Experience with Yocto is a big plus.
  • Communication Protocols: Knowledge of key hardware and software protocols such as UART, CAN, SPI, I2C. TCP and UDP.
  • Upgrades: Experience with secure firmware updates and reprogramming mechanisms.
  • Debugging Tools: Proficiency with debugging tools like JTAG, GDB, and serial debuggers.
  • Version Control: Expertise with Git or similar version control systems.



    • Bonus points:

  • Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electronics Engineering, or a related field.
  • Familiarity with wireless communication technologies (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRa).
  • Familiarity with hardware simulation tools and flatsat environments for testing.
  • Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automated build/test workflows.

    • Key Attributes

  • Strong analytical and debugging skills.
  • Passion for quality and attention to detail in software development and testing.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional and global teams.
  • Commitment to staying updated with the latest in IoT, embedded systems, and testing automation technologies.
  • A willingness to undertake further relevant training.
  • An understanding and commitment to equal opportunities.
  • Time management, self-reliance and willingness to learn.

    • Additional Requirements

    This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.
    Apply Now ♡ Save Job

    About the Company

    Name: espace

    No detailed information available about this company.

    View Company Profile

    More jobs at espace