Principal Embedded Software Engineer

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

Who We Are:  

Space Kinetic is a cleared , venture-backed startup focused on addressing urgent national security priorities. Our goal is to deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, which enables the rapid deployment of low-cost payloads through space without firing a thruster. Space Kinetic is currently assembling its TRL-5 prototype. Our goal is to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain & catalyzing the emerging space economy.  

What You’ll Do:
The Principal Embedded Software Engineer will be required to work in a fast-paced prototyping environment with an aggressive schedule toward flight and should have experience and a general understanding of spaceflight payloads. In this position, you will be responsible for low-level and high-level software in SpaceKinetic’s products through all phases of the development process. As a Principal, you will be responsible for software designs from concept through production, including product roadmaps, block diagrams, detailed design and coding, analysis, test and qualification. The ideal candidate will have development experience at nearly every level of the software stack, including microcontrollers, low-level drivers, board support packages (BSP), end-use applications, and user interfaces. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have experience in software testing and high-reliability qualifications, as well as software engineering and software project management practices. Key duties include:

• Design and implement software for embedded devices and systems, from requirements to production and commercial deployment.


• Design, develop, code, test, debug and document system software.


• Review code and system designs.


• Analyze code for efficiency, stability and scalability.


• Integrate and validate new product designs.


• Support software quality assurance and optimize I/O performance.


• Develop reliable, simple, and performant embedded applications.


• Develop prototypes and manage experiments to prove out key design concepts.


• Assess third party and open-source software.  

What It Takes:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master of Science (MS) degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering.


• Minimum of 11 years of industry experience in software development.


• Experience in hands-on development and troubleshooting of embedded hardware. API design for interfacing with FPGAs.


• Extensive programming experience in C and an object-oriented programming language, preferably C++.


• Experience in embedded systems design with preemptive, multitasking real-time operating systems (experience with real-time Linux is desirable).


• Familiarity with software configuration management tools, defect tracking tools, and peer review.


• Excellent knowledge of real-time system coding techniques, IP protocols, interfaces, and hardware subsystems.


• Excellent understanding of multi-threaded applications and resource management.


• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder).


• Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Ability to maintain or obtain a Government Security Clearance is required.

What We’d Love:

• Experience with products for aerospace applications.


• Developed, debugged, and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects.


• Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals.


• Ability to work both autonomously and in a team.


• Strong attitude to achieve results within time and cost constraints.

*Our vision is unique, and so is the team we’re building. If you’re driven to succeed in this role, even if your background doesn’t fully align with every qualification, we want your application.

Where You’ll Be:  

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  The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year).  

What We Offer:  

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  Equity-Based Compensation



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  Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar



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  Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage



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  Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure



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  Health and Wellness Stipend



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  Commuter Benefits

ITAR Requirements:   
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR  here  

Equal Employment Opportunity:  
Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.  

The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.  

Pay Range

$150,000 - $190,000 USD