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Apex manufactures satellite buses (commercial spacecraft platforms) at scale, combining software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing. These platforms enable earth observation, communications, and other critical space applications.
As an Embedded Software Engineer on the Flight Software team, you will develop the low-level software that runs on custom avionics hardware powering Apex's satellite buses. You will own software from design through flight, working closely with avionics, GNC (guidance, navigation, and control), propulsion, and hardware engineers.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing low-level software that configures and drives processor peripherals and communication interfaces on avionics
- Writing and debugging device drivers for sensors, actuators, and components across the bus
- Implementing onboard algorithms, including closed-loop control and fault detection/response logic (e.g., handling failed sensors or radiation upsets)
- Writing both quick, iterative code for bench and development testing, and rigorous, reviewed code for manufacturing and flight
- Providing embedded software input into new system and hardware designs
- Supporting spacecraft commissioning during launch and early operations to ensure software systems remain functional during critical phases
You will contribute across the full breadth of development, from architecting new systems and prototyping early ideas to writing mission-critical code. The role requires solving complex problems with a focus on practicality and scalability in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
APEX CONTEXT: Fast-growing aerospace startup that has raised over $500M in funding. Headquarters in Playa Vista with world-class office facilities. Strong emphasis on employee experience, equity participation, comprehensive benefits (100% company-paid medical/dental/vision, 15-20+ days PTO, 8 weeks paid parental leave, 401k with generous matching), and collaborative culture.
REQUIREMENTS:
- U.S. Person status required (ITAR compliance for export-controlled data access)
- Bachelor's degree in CS, EE, or equivalent professional experience
- 3+ years writing C/C++ for embedded systems, ideally on spacecraft, robotics, automotive, or hardware interacting with the physical world
- Experience developing firmware for microcontrollers (bare-metal or RTOS)
- Experience writing and debugging low-level device drivers over interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, and CAN
- Comfort with hardware/software integration, including reading schematics and using tools like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers for hardware bring-up
- Solid understanding of microcontroller and microprocessor architecture (memory, buses, DMA)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 1+ year of flight software experience
- FPGA development experience
- Experience bringing up new avionics or flight hardware from first power-on
- Experience with satellite attitude control systems (ACS), including reaction wheels, magnetorquers, and small thrusters
- Experience driving motors and power electronics or reading feedback sensors (encoders, current monitors)
- Familiarity with satellite systems and protocols (CCSDS, ECSS)
