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Impulse is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to develop real-time firmware for actuated systems across launch vehicles and spacecraft. You will own the embedded software stack controlling rocket engine valves, satellite thrusters, thrust vector control actuators, reaction wheels, gimbals, and other motor-driven devices. This is a hands-on role requiring deep expertise in electromechanical control systems operating in extreme environments.
Key responsibilities include:
• Develop real-time firmware in C/C++ for controlling rocket engine valves, thrust vector control actuators (TVCAs), satellite propulsion systems (cold gas and electric thrusters), and motor-driven systems (reaction wheels, gimbals, momentum wheels)
• Implement closed-loop control algorithms for position, velocity, torque, and pressure regulation using feedback from encoders, LVDTs, resolvers, current sensors, and pressure sensors
• Interface with motor drivers and redundant actuator systems using CAN, SPI, UART, Ethernet, RS-422, and BISS-C protocols
• Design and implement safety-critical state machines for thrust sequences, valve actuation, pressurization, and safe shutdowns
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, and guidance/navigation/control (GNC) teams to deliver high-performance, fault-tolerant firmware
• Participate in hotfire campaigns, environmental testing, and in-flight diagnostics
• Write unit-tested, production-grade firmware for testbeds and spacecraft
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; 5+ years of embedded C/C++ development for electromechanical control systems; proficiency with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, hardware debuggers, and source-level debuggers; experience implementing real-time control loops, motor commutation, and actuator calibration; hands-on experience with servo motors, stepper motors, or brushless DC motors; strong understanding of low-level hardware and digital interfaces (I2C, SPI, CAN, UART).
