Staff Embedded Software Engineer

From telescopes to software architecture, Observable Space provides the foundational elements every organization needs to operate in space. Observable Space is unlocking continuous, real-time observations of space with the industry’s first line of vertically integrated hardware and software products. The company is a leader in advanced telescope design and manufacturing in the US. Every product is part of a robust developer platform for space data applications. Observable Space’s full line of products serves all sectors of the space industry including commercial, science, education, and government customers, as well as astronomy enthusiasts discovering the cosmos.

Observable Space is backed by top institutional investors–Upfront Ventures, Oceans Ventures, Venrex, Marlinspike Partners, and Embedded Ventures.

Role Summary

As a Staff Embedded Software Engineer, you will work across our full product line, from robotic ground telescopes to on-orbit compute platforms. You will design and maintain embedded Linux systems, bring up complex peripherals, build rock-solid drivers, and architect software that will run for decades in remote and harsh environments.

This role is deeply hands-on: you will read schematics, work shoulder-to-shoulder with electrical and mechanical teams, debug unusual edge cases, and own Yocto-based platforms down to the metal. You will report to the Embedded Engineering Lead.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect, implement, and document embedded Linux systems composed of multiple daemons, services, and hardware interfaces designed for extreme reliability in remote and space environments.

• Own the BSP and driver stack across PCIe, SPI, I2C, UART, MIPI CSI-2, GPIO, and other hardware interfaces.

• Bring up high-speed peripherals (PCIe endpoints, MIPI cameras, high-bandwidth data links) and ensure their long-term robustness.

• Maintain build system health: keep Yocto builds unblocked, reproducible, and hardened through strict CI/CD testing gates.

• Design for resilience: create systems that can run autonomously for years with minimal human intervention.

• Collaborate on automated testing: help the test team build lab infrastructure that enables frictionless writing and execution of hardware-in-the-loop tests.

• Participate in product design reviews to ensure manufacturability, serviceability, and field reliability.

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years in embedded software engineering or systems-level development.

• Strong proficiency in C and modern C++—and good judgment about when not to overuse templates.

• Solid understanding of DC power systems, motor drivers, and common hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, CAN, Ethernet, MIPI, PCIe).

• Experience bringing up high-speed interfaces, especially PCIe and MIPI CSI-2 (D-PHY 1.4+).

• Deep familiarity with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, multimeters, and power debugging tools.

• Ability to read and interpret schematics, understand board-level considerations, and debug at the electrical–software boundary.

• Strong debugging intuition—and the humility to know that debugging is 90% of the job.

• Experience in fast-paced prototyping environments and a bias toward quick iteration.

• Strong product sense: you prioritize manufacturing reliability, robustness, and long-term serviceability.

Bonus 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.

• Passion for astronomy, physics, and scientific exploration.

What We Offer

• Competitive Compensation – A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience.

• Equity Opportunities – Take part in our success with stock options.

• Flexible Work Environment – Enjoy working from our office or in a hybrid work setup with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. We require a minimum of 3 days per week in our office to support collaboration and team culture. (LA Office only)

• Unlimited PTO – Take the time you need with our flexible, trust-based vacation policy, including paid holidays. We encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves.

• Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees.

• Cutting-Edge Tools – Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work.

• Mission-Driven Culture – Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.

• Inclusive Team – We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued.

Observable Space is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Compensation: $180K- $200K salary + competitive equity