Embedded Software Engineer Verified today
About Observable Space
Observable Space builds precision optics platforms for Earth and in-space observation. The company combines opto-mechanical hardware, embedded compute, cloud orchestration, and APIs into products at scale. Systems include advanced ground stations, on-orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, and distributed compute platforms. Customers include NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, RTX, the US Space Force, and leading research institutions.
The Role
As an Embedded Software Engineer, you will work alongside the embedded team across the full product line, from robotic ground telescopes to on-orbit compute platforms. This is a hands-on role from day one: you will read schematics with senior engineers, gain exposure to electrical and mechanical teams, perform real hardware debugging, and grow your understanding of edge computing. You will report to the Embedded Engineering Lead.
Responsibilities
- Support development, testing, and debugging of embedded Linux systems and low-level firmware, including daemons, drivers, bootloaders, and control loops, under senior guidance.
- Assist in developing and maintaining drivers across PCIe, SPI, I2C, UART, MIPI CSI-2, and GPIO interfaces.
- Help bring up peripherals (cameras, sensors, communication links) at both software and hardware levels, from firmware and embedded Linux integration to prototype assembly, soldering, wiring, and initial power-on checks.
- Help own component test characterization campaigns, from test rig setup through data collection.
- Participate in longevity testing campaigns and analyze test data to identify issues early.
- Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and team discussions to build product and reliability instincts.
Basic Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in embedded software engineering, systems-level development, or related internship/academic background.
- Proficiency in C/C++.
- Solid understanding of DC power systems, motor drivers, and common hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, CAN, Ethernet, MIPI, PCIe).
- Ability to read and interpret schematics, understand board-level considerations, and debug at the electrical-software boundary.
- Familiarity with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, multimeters, and power debugging tools.
- Strong debugging intuition and understanding that debugging is a major part of the job.
- Experience in fast-paced prototyping environments and a bias toward quick iteration.
- Strong product sense: prioritizing manufacturing reliability, robustness, and long-term serviceability.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Zephyr RTOS, embedded networking stacks, or sensor fusion.
- Experience with Qualcomm SoCs and their BSP/driver ecosystems.
- Experience with 3 phase motor drivers and tuning parameters park/clark vector control.
- Background in vision processing, image pipelines, or camera-focused algorithms.
- Contributions to open-source embedded or Linux kernel projects.
- Experience with software for harsh or space environments.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary aligned with industry standards and your experience.
- Stock options.
- Hybrid work environment with minimum 3 days per week in LA office.
- Unlimited PTO (exempt only) including paid holidays.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, 100% employer-paid.
- Access to latest hardware and software tools.
- Mission-driven culture focused on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.