Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Actuators & Control Systems)
Impulse Space6 months ago
Redondo Beach, CA, USAStaff+
Responsibilities
- Develop real-time firmware for rocket engine valves, thrust vector control actuators, satellite propulsion systems, reaction wheels, gimbals, and other motor-driven systems.
- Implement closed-loop position, velocity, torque, and pressure control using encoder, LVDT, resolver, current, and pressure feedback.
- Interface with motor drivers and redundant actuator systems using CAN, SPI, UART, Ethernet, RS-422, and BISS-C.
- Design safety-critical state machines for thrust sequences, valve actuation, pressurization, and safe shutdowns.
- Participate in hotfire campaigns, environmental testing, and in-flight diagnostics.
- Write unit-tested, reviewable production firmware for testbeds and spacecraft.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 12+ years of embedded C/C++ development experience for electromechanical control systems.
- Experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, hardware debuggers, and source-level debuggers to troubleshoot across the stack.
- Experience implementing real-time control loops, motor commutation, and actuator calibration routines.
- Proficiency with servo motors, stepper motors, or brushless DC motors.
- Strong understanding of low-level hardware and digital interfaces including I2C, SPI, CAN, and UART.
- Preferred experience with rocket engine controller software, valve sequencing, and abort logic.
- Preferred experience with satellite attitude control systems, reaction wheels, magnetorquers, and small thrusters.
- Familiarity with redundant actuator architectures and fault detection and response algorithms.
- Exposure to vacuum, temperature extremes, radiation upsets, and other space-environment constraints.
- Must satisfy applicable U.S. Government space technology export-control eligibility requirements.
Benefits
- Full-time hires may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options.
- Access to medical, vision, and dental coverage.
- Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
- Employment is subject to ITAR-related eligibility requirements, including U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence, protected-individual status, or eligibility to obtain required authorizations.