Principal Embedded Software Engineer
Terran Orbital Corporation7 days ago
Irvine, CA, USAStaff+
Base Salary
$175k - $230k/yr
Responsibilities
- Architect, develop, maintain, and integrate embedded software for satellite systems across Linux, RTOS, and bare-metal environments.
- Support hardware bring-up and low-level interface development across multiple microcontroller families.
- Serve as the technical lead for multiple satellite programs and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams on software requirements.
- Develop unit tests and automate system-level testing for embedded software.
- Build software for specialized payloads including imagers, image processors, communication devices, and astronomical science instruments.
- Integrate and test software in simulation, flight-replica, flight-vehicle, and hardware-in-the-loop environments.
- Lead and mentor junior software engineers through technical guidance and task direction.
- Represent Terran Orbital in technical working groups and customer interactions.
- Support the security of embedded systems.
- Travel up to 10% to customer or vendor sites for design reviews and technical collaboration.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
- 12+ years of experience developing C/C++ applications for embedded, high-performance, or mission-critical systems.
- Experience with bare-metal and/or RTOS-based designs, including FreeRTOS or internal schedulers.
- Deep understanding of microcontroller architectures, peripheral subsystems, and low-level interface design across multiple MCU families.
- Experience with electronic test equipment and embedded debug tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and hardware debuggers.
- Experience with serial communication protocols including CAN, RS-232/422/485, I2C, SPI, and PCI.
- Experience with ARM and Texas Instruments embedded platforms is preferred.
- Experience with Linux and GNU tools such as Make, GCC, and GDB is preferred.
- Experience with Bash and Python scripting is preferred.
- Familiarity with build pipelines, deployment processes, on-target testing, and SOLID software design principles.
- U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance are required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work autonomously are required.
Benefits
- 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
- 401(k) match.
- Flexible Time Off (FTO).
- Company-covered life insurance.
- Education or tuition reimbursement.
- Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave.
- Employee referral program and company swag.
- Full-time position with occasional travel up to 10%.
About Terran Orbital Corporation
Terran Orbital Corporation designs, manufactures, and operates small satellites and constellations for U.S. and allied aerospace and defense customers, providing end-to-end services spanning design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and in-orbit support. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Irvine, California, the public company (NYSE) focuses on satellite buses, payload integration, and mission operations for government and commercial programs.