Lead Embedded Systems Software Engineer
E-Space
Apply to this jobWe are looking for a Lead Embedded Software Engineer to own the full path from product requirements to working, tested firmware. You will translate product-level goals into system software architecture, write production code, and lead a team of embedded engineers to ship reliable, high-performance software.
This is a player-coach role. You write code every day while also guiding the team, reviewing designs, and setting technical direction. You run debuggers and whiteboards with equal ease.
What you will do:
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Translate product requirements into clear system-level software architecture.
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Define software interfaces, data flows, and module boundaries across the stack.
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Make and own key technical decisions. Document them clearly for the team.
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Identify risks early and drive solutions before they become blockers.
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Own firmware delivery from product requirements through production release, ensuring quality, schedule, and cross-functional alignment.
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Write, review, and maintain production firmware in C/C++ (and Rust where applicable).
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Develop drivers, middleware, and application logic for sensor-rich embedded platforms.
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Work with Zephyr RTOS across multiple MCU families (STM32, Nordic nRF, ESP32).
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Debug firmware using JTAG, SWD, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
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Integrate and validate sensors including IMUs, accelerometers, and gyroscopes.
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Implement and optimize networking stacks - BLE, Thread, and Wi-Fi.
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Design and maintain backend communication protocols for edge-to-cloud data transfer.
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Write automated unit and integration tests before or alongside feature code.
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Build and maintain HIL (hardware-in-the-loop) & SIL (software-in-the-loop) frameworks.
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Set team standards for test coverage, static analysis, and CI/CD pipelines.
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Perform code reviews with a focus on correctness, safety, and long-term maintainability.
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Lead a small team of embedded engineers. Set clear goals. Mitigate day-to-day risks.
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Mentor engineers through design reviews, pair programming, and direct feedback.
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Collaborate with hardware, systems, and product teams to align on requirements.
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Contribute to hiring - interview candidates and help define the team's technical bar.
Architecture and Technical Leadership
Hands-on Development
Test and Quality
Team Leadership
What we are looking for:
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5+ years of embedded software development experience in production systems.
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Strong C/C++ skills in resource-constrained environments (bare-metal and RTOS).
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Hands-on experience with Zephyr RTOS, including West build system and CMake.
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Deep knowledge of at least one MCU family: STM32, Nordic nRF, or ESP32.
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Experience integrating and characterizing inertial sensors (IMU, accelerometer, etc.).
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Solid understanding of wireless protocols - BLE, Thread, & WiFi - including their stacks.
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Experience designing and implementing backend communications (MQTT, CoAP, HTTP/REST, or similar).
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Strong skills in writing automated tests for embedded code: unit tests, mocking, HIL/SIL.
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Proficiency with hardware debug tooling: JTAG, SWD, logic analyzers, and o-scopes.
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Solid Git workflows: branching strategy, code review process, and CI/CD integration.
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Demonstrated ability to lead a technical team while remaining a hands-on contributor.
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Clear communicator. Able to explain complex technical decisions to stakeholders.
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Experience with Rust in embedded contexts.
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Familiarity with TinyML or edge ML frameworks (TFLite Micro, Edge Impulse, ONNX Runtime).
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Background in aerospace, satellite, or other safety-critical systems.
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Experience with model optimization techniques such as quantization and pruning.
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Contributions to open-source embedded or RTOS projects.
Required
Nice to Have
How We Work
• On-site, collaborative environment. We build physical hardware - presence matters.
• Small teams with high autonomy. You own your area end-to-end.
• Fast iteration cycles. We prototype, test, and revise quickly.
• Direct feedback culture. We expect candor and respect in equal measure.
Compensation (from employer):
150000–225000 USD per year
Summary
Lead firmware development for space-based IoT systems, guide team, ensure quality and performance.
Job title
Lead Embedded Systems Software Engineer
Experience level
5+ years
Minimum experience
5+ years exp
Industry
space technology
Location requirements
Saratoga, CA; on-site work required.
Salary
$150k–$225k
Management role
Yes
Required skills
Preferred skills
Specializations
Structured locations inferred from the posting.
Saratoga, CA, USA