Software Architect - Embedded Systems

Software Architect – Embedded Systems

Irvine, CA

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you're not just part of the system – you're a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation's defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you're driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you'll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let's redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Software Architect – Embedded Systems to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Sr. Director, Platforms & Mission Engineering the Software Architect – Embedded Systems will lead the design and integration of modern multicore software architectures for advanced aerospace and defense platforms. This role requires deep expertise in cybersecurity, virtualization, hypervisor frameworks, and embedded multicore SoC architectures, with a proven ability to architect secure, high-performance solutions for mission-critical systems. As a technical subject matter expert, you will define technology roadmaps, lead analysis of alternatives, and oversee the integration of secure software frameworks into embedded platforms. You will collaborate across avionics, RF communications, navigation, and computing domains to deliver resilient, scalable, and secure architectures for next-generation missions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Define and implement multicore software architecture roadmaps aligned with mission requirements.
• Lead Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) for virtualization, hypervisor, and secure computing frameworks.
• Establish technical standards and architectures supporting interoperability across embedded platforms.
• Architect secure, high-performance software frameworks for multicore SoCs in aerospace and defense applications.
• Direct multidisciplinary engineering teams in software design, integration, and qualification.
• Champion innovative approaches to increase performance, resilience, and cyber protection.
• Oversee execution of software architecture projects from concept through deployment.
• Establish and maintain technical performance metrics, schedules, and budgets.
• Collaborate with hardware, avionics, and mission operations teams to ensure seamless integration.
• Mentor and lead engineering teams, fostering technical excellence and innovation.
• Partner with vehicle engineering, mission architecture, and external stakeholders to deliver effective solutions.
• Represent the company in industry forums, standards bodies, and with government partners.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in embedded software architecture and systems engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in: Modern multicore software architectures
• Cybersecurity frameworks and secure computing
• Virtualization and hypervisor design
• Embedded multicore SoC integration
• Proven track record architecting complex "systems of systems" for mission-critical applications.
• Eligible for U.S. DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and secure partitioning frameworks.
• Knowledge of trusted computing, encryption, and cyber-resilient architectures.
• Background in FPGA/ASIC integration with multicore software frameworks.
• Experience working with NASA, DoD, or other government partners on secure embedded systems.
• Track record of innovation demonstrated through patents, publications, or successful technology transitions.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range

$200,000 - $250,000 USD

Full-time positions only:

Benefits

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Education Reimbursement
• Competitive Paid Parental Leave

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

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Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.