Embedded Software Engineer Verified today

About the Role

You will work on Apex's Flight Software team writing embedded software that runs on custom avionics hardware in our satellite buses. You will collaborate closely with avionics, GNC, propulsion, and hardware engineers to design and deliver software for spacecraft systems, owning that software from design phase through flight. You will contribute across the full development lifecycle, from architecting new systems to writing mission-critical code.

Responsibilities

• Develop low-level software that configures and drives processor peripherals and communication interfaces on avionics
• Write and debug device drivers for sensors, actuators, and components across the bus
• Implement onboard algorithms, including closed-loop control and fault detection logic for failed sensors or radiation upsets
• Write iterative code for bench and development testing, plus rigorous production and flight code
• Provide embedded software input into new system and hardware designs
• Support spacecraft commissioning during launch and early operations

Requirements

• U.S. Person status required (ITAR export control compliance)
• Bachelor's degree in CS, EE, or equivalent professional experience
• 3+ years writing C/C++ for embedded systems, ideally on spacecraft, robotics, automotive, or physical-world hardware
• Experience developing firmware for microcontrollers, bare-metal or RTOS
• Experience writing and debugging low-level device drivers over SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, and CAN
• Comfort with hardware/software integration, reading schematics, and using oscilloscopes and logic analyzers
• Solid understanding of microcontroller and microprocessor architecture, memory, buses, and DMA

Preferred

• 1+ year flight software experience
• FPGA development experience
• Experience bringing up new avionics or flight hardware from first power-on
• Experience with satellite attitude control systems (ACS), reaction wheels, magnetorquers, and thrusters
• Experience driving motors and power electronics or reading feedback sensors such as encoders and current monitors
• Familiarity with satellite systems and protocols such as CCSDS and ECSS

What We Offer

• Equity in Apex
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and dependents, plus $100k life insurance
• Comprehensive PTO: 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) plan with 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
• 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks
• Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and family gatherings
• Equipment and desk setup to support your productivity
• In-person collaboration at Playa Vista office with flexibility to integrate work and life

ITAR Requirements

Applicants must either (1) qualify as a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee), or (2) be able to obtain required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, Commerce, or applicable U.S. government agency.