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Observable Space is a vertically integrated space technology company building precision optics platforms and embedded systems for Earth observation and in-space applications. The company serves NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, RTX, the US Space Force, and leading research institutions, combining precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded compute, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs.
As an Embedded Software Engineer, you will work alongside the embedded team across the full product line, from robotic ground telescopes to on-orbit compute platforms. This is a hands-on role from day one, involving development and debugging of embedded Linux systems and low-level firmware, driver development, hardware peripheral bring-up, and bench work including soldering, test rig assembly, and prototype development.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting development, testing, and debugging of embedded Linux systems and low-level firmware (daemons, drivers, bootloaders, control loops) under senior engineer guidance
- Assisting in driver development across PCIe, SPI, I2C, UART, MIPI CSI-2, and GPIO interfaces
- Bringing up peripherals (cameras, sensors, communication links) at both software and hardware levels, including firmware integration, embedded Linux work, and hands-on prototype assembly
- Owning component test characterization campaigns, from test rig setup through data analysis
- Participating in longevity testing and analyzing results to identify issues early
- Contributing to design reviews, code reviews, and team discussions to build product and reliability expertise
You will report to the Embedded Engineering Lead and work in a fast-paced prototyping environment with emphasis on manufacturing reliability and long-term serviceability.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 3+ years of embedded software engineering, systems-level development, or related internship/academic background
- Proficiency in C/C++
- Solid understanding of DC power systems, motor drivers, and common hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, CAN, Ethernet, MIPI, PCIe)
- Ability to read and interpret schematics, understand board-level considerations, and debug at the electrical-software boundary
- Familiarity with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, multimeters, and power debugging tools
- Strong debugging intuition and bias toward quick iteration
- Experience in fast-paced prototyping environments
- Strong product sense prioritizing manufacturing reliability and robustness
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with Zephyr RTOS, embedded networking stacks, or sensor fusion
- Experience with Qualcomm SoCs and their BSP/driver ecosystems
- Experience with 3-phase motor drivers and vector control tuning
- Background in vision processing, image pipelines, or camera-focused algorithms
- Open-source embedded or Linux kernel contributions
- Experience with software for harsh or space environments
