About the Role

As an Embedded Software Engineer on Apex's Flight Software team, you will write the software that runs on the custom avionics hardware powering our satellite buses. You will work closely with avionics, GNC, propulsion, and hardware engineers to design and deliver the software for the components that make up the spacecraft, owning that software from the design phase all the way through flight. You will contribute across the full breadth of development, from architecting new systems and prototyping early ideas to writing the mission critical code that ultimately flies.

We are looking for motivated engineers who are eager to solve complex problems with a focus on practicality and scalability, and who thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop the low level software that configures and drives the processor peripherals and communication interfaces on our avionics.

• Write and debug the device drivers for the sensors, actuators, and components across the bus.

• Implement onboard algorithms, including closed loop control and the logic that detects and responds to faults such as failed sensors or radiation upsets.

• Write quick, iterative code to support bench and development testing, along with the rigorous, reviewed, and tested code that ships to manufacturing and flight.

• Provide embedded software input into new system and hardware designs.

• Support commissioning of spacecraft during launch and early operations, ensuring software systems remain functional during critical operations.

Requirements

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.

• Bachelor's degree in CS, EE or equivalent, or equivalent professional experience.

• 3+ years writing C/C++ for embedded systems, ideally on spacecraft, robotics, automotive, or other hardware that interacts with the physical world.

• Experience developing firmware for microcontrollers, either bare-metal or on an RTOS.

• Experience writing and debugging low level device drivers over interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, and CAN.

• Comfort with hardware/software integration, including reading schematics and using tools like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers to bring up new hardware.

• A solid understanding of microcontroller and microprocessor architecture, including memory, buses, and DMA.

Preferred requirements

• 1+ year of flight software experience

• FPGA development experience.

• Experience bringing up new avionics or flight hardware from first power-on.

• Experience with satellite attitude control systems (ACS), including reaction wheels, magnetorquers, and small thrusters.

• Experience driving motors and power electronics or reading feedback sensors such as encoders and current monitors.

• Familiarity with satellite systems and protocols, such as CCSDS and ECSS.

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What We Offer For Full-time Employees:

• Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create