Staff Embedded Software Engineer
Staff Embedded Software Engineer
Full-Time • Los Angeles, CA (hybrid work)
About Observable Space
Observable Space builds the end-to-end hardware and software infrastructure needed to operate in space. From advanced ground stations, on orbit sensor suites, to distributed compute platforms, we deliver the foundational systems enabling continuous, real-time observation of the cosmos.
We combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded computing, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products that serve commercial operators, scientific institutions, government agencies, and astronomy enthusiasts alike.
Observable Space is backed by top-tier institutional investors including Upfront Ventures, Oceans Ventures, Venrex, Marlinspike Partners, and Embedded Ventures.
We are expanding our embedded engineering team and seeking a Staff Embedded Software Engineer who can help architect, implement, and scale the systems powering our next-generation ground and space telescopes.
Role Overview
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
The opportunity to work on cutting-edge hardware and software that will operate on Earth and beyond.
A collaborative, engineering-driven culture that values curiosity, precision, and continuous learning.
Meaningful ownership over systems that directly shape the future of space operations.
Compensation
200,000-300,000 Total compensation annually including cash and equity.
Observable Space is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.