Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Terran Orbital • Irvine, CA

2d

About The Position

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Principal Embedded Software Engineer to lead the architecture, development, and integration of embedded software across multiple satellite programs. The role focuses on delivering robust, reliable, high-performance mission solutions and supporting hardware bring-up on satellite modules. The engineer will work across Linux, RTOS, and bare-metal environments, develop software for specialized payloads, and integrate and test software in simulation, flight-replica, flight-vehicle, and hardware-in-the-loop environments.

The Principal Embedded Software Engineer will serve as a technical lead for multiple programs, collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, mentor junior engineers, and represent Terran Orbital in technical working groups and customer interactions. The position also supports embedded-system security and may require occasional travel, up to 10%, to customer or vendor sites.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 12+ years of experience developing C/C++ applications for embedded, high-performance, or mission-critical systems.
• Experience with bare-metal and/or RTOS-based designs, such as FreeRTOS or internal schedulers.
• Deep understanding of microcontroller architectures, peripheral subsystems, and low-level interface design across multiple MCU families.
• Experience with electronic test equipment and embedded debug tools, such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and hardware debuggers.
• Experience with serial communication protocols including CAN, RS-232/422/485, I2C, SPI, and PCI.
• Highly motivated, self-starting, responsible, thorough, and able to perform duties autonomously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.
• Experience with ARM and Texas Instruments embedded platforms.
• Experience with oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and other test equipment.
• Experience with Linux and GNU tools such as Make, GCC, and GDB.
• Experience with scripting languages such as Bash and Python.
• Familiarity with build pipelines, deployment processes, and on-target testing.
• Familiarity with SOLID software design principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain embedded software and support hardware bring-up on satellite modules.
• Architect, design, develop, and maintain embedded software for satellite systems using Linux, RTOS, and bare-metal environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to define and refine software requirements.
• Serve as the technical lead for multiple satellite programs.
• Create and maintain unit tests using Test-Driven Development methodologies.
• Develop and automate system-level tests.
• Build software for specialized payloads, including imagers, image processors, communication devices, and astronomical science instruments.
• Integrate and test software in simulation, flight-replica, flight-vehicle, and hardware-in-the-loop environments.
• Lead and mentor junior software engineers by providing technical guidance and task direction.
• Represent Terran Orbital in technical working groups and customer interactions.
• Support the security of embedded systems.
• Travel occasionally, up to 10%, to customer or vendor sites for design reviews and collaborative technical work.

Benefits

• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and dependents.
• 401(k) match.
• Flexible Time Off (FTO).
• Covered life insurance.
• Maternity and paternity leave.
• Tuition or education reimbursement.
• Employee referral program.
• Company swag.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal