Embedded Software Engineer

Embedded Software EngineerAstro Digital designs, builds, and operates a diverse range of small satellite systems supporting space-based turnkey missions for several business applications, including earth observation, communications, in-orbit demonstrations, risk reduction, science, and exploration. Astro Digital is headquartered in Littleton, Colorado with roughly 100 employees and infrastructure around the globe.We move fast, deliver on time, and continuously improve systems in orbit and on the ground. We value engineers who take ownership, think in systems, and iterate toward robust solutions.Position SummaryWe are seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to develop low-level software that directly interfaces with hardware across spacecraft subsystems and supporting electronics.This role is well-suited for an engineer with solid foundational experience who can operate independently on day-to-day tasks, while continuing to grow in system design and large-scale integration efforts with guidance from senior engineers.Candidate will be expected to deliver working software quickly, contribute to hardware bring-up and debugging, and build a deeper understanding of how individual components interact within larger systems. This role is primarily on-site at our Littleton, Colorado headquarters or at our facility in San Jose, California, with limited remote work flexibility.Primary Duties & ResponsibilitiesDevelop and maintain embedded software for spacecraft subsystems, including sensors, actuators, power systems, and communication interfacesWrite and debug low-level drivers and board support codeInterface directly with hardware (SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO, DMA)Support hardware bring-up and debugging using lab equipment and standard toolsDeliver working implementations quickly and iterate to improve reliability, performance, and maintainabilityDebug embedded systems using tools such as GDB, JTAG, and SWDCollaborate with cross-functional teams to define and refine system interfacesParticipate in integration, HIL testing, and system validationContribute to Python-based test, automation, and data analysis workflowsMinimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in EE, CE, CS, or related field5 years of embedded software experienceProficiency in C and modern C++Experience developing firmware in bare-metal or minimally abstracted environmentsStrong understanding of:Interrupt-driven designMemory-mapped I/O and peripheral configurationTiming and resource constraintsExperience writing low-level drivers and interfacing with hardware peripherals (SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO, DMA)Ability to work from datasheets/reference manuals to configure and debug hardwareExperience debugging embedded systems using:Software tools (e.g., GDB, JTAG/SWD)Lab equipment (oscilloscope, logic analyzer, multimeter)Familiarity with RTOS concepts (threads, scheduling, synchronization)Exposure to embedded Linux development environmentsExperience with Git-based workflowsAbility to execute well-scoped tasks independently and deliver reliable resultsPreferred QualificationsExperience developing firmware for resource-constrained microcontrollers in bare-metal environmentsComfort working at low levels of abstraction, including direct register manipulation and hardware bring-upExperience with RTOS frameworks (e.g., Zephyr, FreeRTOS) and associated design trade-offsExperience working across abstraction layers (bare-metal, RTOS, embedded Linux)Familiarity with embedded Linux tools and workflows (e.g., cross-compilation, build systems)Experience bringing up new hardware, including initialization and early-stage debuggingExperience optimizing firmware for memory, timing, or power constraintsFamiliarity with ARM-based platforms (Cortex-M, Cortex-A) or similarExperience with integration, HIL testing, or cross-subsystem debuggingExposure to CI/CD or automated testing workflowsWhat We ValueOwnership of day-to-day work: Candidate reliably executes assigned tasks and follows issues through to resolutionGrowth mindset: Candidate actively develops technical depth and takes on increasing responsibility over timeSystem-oriented thinking: Candidate seeks to understand how components interact within a larger system, including trade-offs and dependenciesCuriosity and critical thinking: Candidate asks "why" when appropriate—challenging assumptions, clarifying requirements, and improving designsBias toward action: Candidate delivers working solutions quickly and iterates based on testing and feedbackCollaboration: Candidate works effectively across disciplines and incorporates feedback from more experienced engineersPay TransparencyAstro Digital employees are provided with a comprehensive benefits package that includes company stock options, healthcare, 401k retirement plan, and PTO. The range of possible compensation for this role is $130k–$175k annually, depending on experience and alignment.Physical DemandsThis position may require lifting up to 20 lbs and occasional standing, bending, and working with lab equipment.Export StatementThis position requires access to export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, and services. U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 22 CFR §120.15 and 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) is required.