Firmware Engineer for Space Applications
Space Robotics Workers (SRW) is focused on developing key technologies for robotics for space and Low‐Earth Orbit Destinations. The company offers in‐orbit services such as assembly, maintenance, manufacturing, and debris removal, with a goal to facilitate space exploration and innovation.
We're looking for a Firmware Developer Engineer to develop and implement embedded systems software for Space Applications. You'll be one of our first employees, working directly with our founding team to build the foundational software that controls actuators, sensors, power systems, and data interfaces operating in the extreme environment of space.
You'll design, implement, and test firmware for flight‐ready hardware systems including motors, solenoids, valves, proximity sensors, force/torque sensors, vision systems, and FPGA-based control architectures. Your code will enable robotics, autonomous docking operations, real‐time control loops, fault detection, and safe operations of mechanical and electrical systems in orbit.
As an early employee, you'll help establish our firmware development practices, testing methodologies, and integration workflows while working on technology that will be tested in space and deployed across the growing orbital economy.
Responsibilities
Design, develop, and test embedded firmware for electromechanical systems including actuators (motors, solenoids, valves), sensors (proximity, force/torque, thermal, position), and control electronics
Implement low‐level device drivers, interrupt handlers, and real‐time control algorithms for space‐qualified hardware
Develop firmware for microcontrollers and embedded processors managing power distribution, motor control, sensor data acquisition, and communication interfaces
Write efficient, deterministic code for resource‐constrained embedded systems with strict timing requirements
Interface with CAN bus, SpaceWire, I2C, SPI, UART, and other industrial/aerospace communication protocols
Implement fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) routines for autonomous operation in space
Design, implement, and verify FPGA‐based control systems for high‐speed sensor processing, motor control, and data acquisition
Develop VHDL/Verilog code for real‐time signal processing, sensor fusion, and deterministic control loops
Integrate FPGAs with microcontrollers and embedded processors to create hybrid control architectures
Implement custom IP cores for specialized functions (e.g., precise timing, encoder processing, communication protocol implementations)
Perform hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) testing and verification of FPGA designs
Optimize FPGA resource utilization (logic, memory, DSP blocks) for space‐qualified hardware
Debug firmware issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG debuggers, and simulation tools
Develop comprehensive test plans for verification and validation
Perform unit testing, integration testing, and system‐level testing of embedded software
Conduct hardware‐in‐the‐loop testing with actuators, sensors, and mechanical assemblies
Participate in environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, radiation) to validate firmware performance
Participate in design reviews, technical discussions, and system architecture decisions
Create detailed software specifications, design documents, and interface control documents (ICDs)
Support configuration management and traceability for space‐qualified systems
Qualifications
3+ years of professional experience in firmware development in the space or robotics industry
Proven experience developing embedded systems software for electromechanical components (motors, actuators, sensors, valves, etc.)
Strong proficiency in Python for scripting, testing, data analysis, and rapid prototyping
Hands‐on experience with Arduino or similar microcontroller development platforms
Deep understanding of low‐level embedded programming methodologies including bare‐metal programming, RTOS (Real‐Time Operating Systems), interrupt handling, DMA, and memory management
FPGA design and integration experience with VHDL or Verilog for control systems, signal processing, or sensor interfaces
Strong understanding of digital electronics, including ADCs, DACs, PWM, encoders, and communication protocols (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, etc.)
Experience with embedded C/C++ for microcontrollers and embedded processors
Familiarity with debugging tools including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG/SWD debuggers, and multimeters
Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent technical field
Strongly Preferred
Flight software development experience for space systems (satellites, launch vehicles, landers, or space robotics)
Aerospace software standards knowledge such as NASA or ECSS software engineering standards
Space‐qualified hardware experience with radiation‐tolerant processors, FPGAs, or components
Real‐Time Operating Systems (RTOS) experience such as FreeRTOS, VxWorks, or RTEMS
Motor control experience including brushless DC motors, stepper motors, servo systems, or linear actuators
Sensor integration experience with IMUs, force/torque sensors, proximity sensors, encoders, or vision systems
Communication protocols for space or industrial applications (SpaceWire, MIL‐STD‐1553, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, ROS, Industrail ROS/ROS 2.0)
Familiarity with control theory including PID control, state‐space controllers, or model‐based control
Simulation and modeling tools such as MATLAB/Simulink for control system design
Experience with hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) testing and test automation frameworks
Knowledge of power electronics and power management systems
Version control and CI/CD experience with Git, GitLab/GitHub, and automated testing pipelines
Python libraries experience such as NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib for data analysis and visualization
Personal Attributes
Hands‐on problem solver: Comfortable working directly with hardware, debugging in the lab, and troubleshooting complex issues
Startup mentality: Comfortable with ambiguity, fast pace, and wearing multiple hats in an early‐stage environment
Collaborative: Works effectively across disciplines (mechanical, electrical, software) and with external partners
Mission‐driven: Passionate about advancing space exploration and building sustainable space infrastructure
Strong communicator: Can document technical work clearly and explain firmware behavior to diverse audiences
Continuous learner: Stays current with embedded systems technologies and aerospace industry best practices
Seniority level
Mid‐Senior level
Employment type
Full‐time
Job function
Engineering and Information Technology
Industries
Space Research and Technology
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