Embedded Controls Engineer, Spacecraft

Katalyst Space Technologies•Broomfield, CO

2d•$100,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Katalyst builds robotic spacecraft for dynamic space operations, aiming to make maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration routine. The company focuses on developing foundational capabilities for sustained, responsive operations to enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in a contested domain. The role involves designing, implementing, and validating embedded control software for spacecraft subsystems, developing real-time control algorithms and flight software, and supporting hardware/software integration and testing. The engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams and own system performance through testing, verification, and mission execution.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical discipline.
4+ years of experience developing embedded software and control systems for aerospace, robotics, autonomous systems, industrial automation, automotive, defense, or other high-reliability applications.
Strong experience developing embedded software in C/C++ for real-time or resource-constrained systems.
Experience implementing and tuning control systems using classical and/or modern control techniques.
Familiarity with embedded communication protocols such as CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, or Ethernet.
Ability to independently debug complex hardware-software interactions using laboratory test equipment and structured engineering processes.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or higher in Controls, Aerospace, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Experience developing guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems, robotics controls, or spacecraft flight software.
Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), embedded Linux, or safety-critical software development practices.
Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), and automated test frameworks.
Previous work on aerospace, defense, autonomous systems, robotics, or other high-reliability embedded systems.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and validate embedded control software for spacecraft subsystems including propulsion, robotics, avionics, and vehicle actuation systems.
Develop real-time control algorithms and flight software that interface directly with sensors, actuators, and spacecraft hardware.
Support the bring-up, integration, testing, and troubleshooting of embedded hardware and software across laboratory, test, and flight environments.
Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, robotics, and flight software engineers to mature systems from concept through flight operations.
Own system performance through testing, verification, and mission execution, ensuring reliable operation in demanding environments.