Senior Software Engineer, Operating Systems

Responsibilities

• Develop low-level software that configures and drives processor peripherals and communication interfaces on avionics.
• Develop, configure, and maintain embedded Linux platforms and bootloader frameworks using Yocto, Buildroot, WolfBoot, and U-Boot.
• Design, implement, and validate firmware update mechanisms, including bootloader integration, secure firmware deployment, and recovery procedures.
• Design and implement security enhancements across complex software architectures to improve system integrity, resilience, and secure operation.
• Collaborate with mission operations, GNC, and hardware teams to architect, prototype, and deliver mission-critical spacecraft software.

Requirements

• U.S. Person status is required, or the applicant must be able to obtain required export authorizations.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or equivalent professional experience.
• 8+ years of experience writing operating-system code, ideally with Yocto or embedded Linux on spacecraft, robotics, automotive, or other hardware interacting with the physical world.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or Rust.
• Preferred: experience with mission-critical satellite software across prototyping, deployment, troubleshooting, and flight operations.
• Preferred: experience with embedded Linux platforms, bootloader frameworks, avionics bring-up, hardware/software integration, schematic analysis, and hardware debugging with oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.
• Preferred: familiarity with spacecraft attitude-control systems, including reaction wheels, magnetorquers, thrusters, and associated sensors.
• Preferred: experience designing secure systems and firmware update and recovery mechanisms.

Benefits

• Equity in Apex through stock options.
• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, plus $100,000 life insurance at no cost.
• Paid time off starting at 15 vacation days and growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with a 100% match on the first 3% and a 50% match on the next 2%.
• Eight weeks of paid parental leave and childcare reimbursement of up to $350 per day for work-related travel.
• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks.
• Office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and family gatherings.
• Tools and equipment for a personalized desk setup.
• Work is based at the Playa Vista office with in-person collaboration and flexibility to integrate work and life.