Firmware Engineer for Space Applications

Firmware Engineer for Space ApplicationsSpace Robotics Workers (SRW) is focused on developing key technologies for robotics for space and Low‑Earth Orbit Destinations. The company offers in‑orbit services such as assembly, maintenance, manufacturing, and debris removal, with a goal to facilitate space exploration and innovation.We’re looking for a Firmware Developer Engineer to develop and implement embedded systems software for Space Applications. You’ll be one of our first employees, working directly with our founding team to build the foundational software that controls actuators, sensors, power systems, and data interfaces operating in the extreme environment of space.You’ll design, implement, and test firmware for flight‑ready hardware systems including motors, solenoids, valves, proximity sensors, force/torque sensors, vision systems, and FPGA-based control architectures. Your code will enable robotics, autonomous docking operations, real‑time control loops, fault detection, and safe operations of mechanical and electrical systems in orbit.As an early employee, you’ll help establish our firmware development practices, testing methodologies, and integration workflows while working on technology that will be tested in space and deployed across the growing orbital economy.ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and test embedded firmware for electromechanical systems including actuators (motors, solenoids, valves), sensors (proximity, force/torque, thermal, position), and control electronicsImplement low‑level device drivers, interrupt handlers, and real‑time control algorithms for space‑qualified hardwareDevelop firmware for microcontrollers and embedded processors managing power distribution, motor control, sensor data acquisition, and communication interfacesWrite efficient, deterministic code for resource‑constrained embedded systems with strict timing requirementsInterface with CAN bus, SpaceWire, I2C, SPI, UART, and other industrial/aerospace communication protocolsImplement fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) routines for autonomous operation in spaceDesign, implement, and verify FPGA‑based control systems for high‑speed sensor processing, motor control, and data acquisitionDevelop VHDL/Verilog code for real‑time signal processing, sensor fusion, and deterministic control loopsIntegrate FPGAs with microcontrollers and embedded processors to create hybrid control architecturesImplement custom IP cores for specialized functions (e.g., precise timing, encoder processing, communication protocol implementations)Perform hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) testing and verification of FPGA designsOptimize FPGA resource utilization (logic, memory, DSP blocks) for space‑qualified hardwareDebug firmware issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG debuggers, and simulation toolsDevelop comprehensive test plans for verification and validationPerform unit testing, integration testing, and system‑level testing of embedded softwareConduct hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing with actuators, sensors, and mechanical assembliesParticipate in environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, radiation) to validate firmware performanceParticipate in design reviews, technical discussions, and system architecture decisionsCreate detailed software specifications, design documents, and interface control documents (ICDs)Support configuration management and traceability for space‑qualified systemsQualifications3+ years of professional experience in firmware development in the space or robotics industryProven experience developing embedded systems software for electromechanical components (motors, actuators, sensors, valves, etc.)Strong proficiency in Python for scripting, testing, data analysis, and rapid prototypingHands‑on experience with Arduino or similar microcontroller development platformsDeep understanding of low‑level embedded programming methodologies including bare‑metal programming, RTOS (Real‑Time Operating Systems), interrupt handling, DMA, and memory managementFPGA design and integration experience with VHDL or Verilog for control systems, signal processing, or sensor interfacesStrong understanding of digital electronics , including ADCs, DACs, PWM, encoders, and communication protocols (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, etc.)Experience with embedded C/C++ for microcontrollers and embedded processorsFamiliarity with debugging tools including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG/SWD debuggers, and multimetersBachelor’s degree in computer engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent technical fieldStrongly PreferredFlight software development experience for space systems (satellites, launch vehicles, landers, or space robotics)Aerospace software standards knowledge such as NASA or ECSS software engineering standardsSpace‑qualified hardware experience with radiation‑tolerant processors, FPGAs, or componentsReal‑Time Operating Systems (RTOS) experience such as FreeRTOS, VxWorks, or RTEMSMotor control experience including brushless DC motors, stepper motors, servo systems, or linear actuatorsSensor integration experience with IMUs, force/torque sensors, proximity sensors, encoders, or vision systemsCommunication protocols for space or industrial applications (SpaceWire, MIL‑STD‑1553, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, ROS, Industrail ROS/ROS 2.0)Familiarity with control theory including PID control, state‑space controllers, or model‑based controlSimulation and modeling tools such as MATLAB/Simulink for control system designExperience with hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) testing and test automation frameworksKnowledge of power electronics and power management systemsVersion control and CI/CD experience with Git, GitLab/GitHub, and automated testing pipelinesPython libraries experience such as NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib for data analysis and visualizationPersonal AttributesHands‑on problem solver: Comfortable working directly with hardware, debugging in the lab, and troubleshooting complex issuesStartup mentality: Comfortable with ambiguity, fast pace, and wearing multiple hats in an early‑stage environmentCollaborative: Works effectively across disciplines (mechanical, electrical, software) and with external partnersMission‑driven: Passionate about advancing space exploration and building sustainable space infrastructureStrong communicator: Can document technical work clearly and explain firmware behavior to diverse audiencesContinuous learner: Stays current with embedded systems technologies and aerospace industry best practicesSeniority levelMid‑Senior levelEmployment typeFull‑timeJob functionEngineering and Information TechnologyIndustriesSpace Research and Technology#J-18808-Ljbffr