Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Actuators & Control Systems)Department: Software
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Redondo Beach
Compensation: $180,000 - $260,000 / year
DescriptionAs a
Senior Embedded Software Engineer at Impulse focused on Actuation & Control Systems, you will be responsible for developing embedded software that controls a variety of actuated systems across launch vehicles and spacecraft. These include rocket engine valves, satellite thrusters, thrust vector control actuators, and motor-driven devices such as reaction wheels and gimbals. You will collaborate with propulsion, avionics, and GNC teams to design high-performance, fault-tolerant firmware capable of operating reliably in harsh environments such as launch and space.
Responsibilities- Develop real-time firmware for controlling: Rocket engine valves and thrust vector control actuators (TVCAs); Satellite propulsion systems, including cold gas and electric thrusters; and Motor-driven systems such as reaction wheels, gimbals, and momentum wheels
- Implement closed-loop control for: Position, velocity, torque, and pressure regulation; as well as Feedback via encoders, LVDTs, resolvers, current sensors, and pressure sensors
- Interface with motor drivers and redundant actuator systems using protocols like CAN, SPI, UART, Ethernet, RS-422, and BISS-C.
- Design and implement safety-critical state machines for thrust sequences, valve actuation, pressurization, and safe shutdowns
- Participate in hotfire campaigns, environmental testing, and in-flight diagnostics
- Write unit-tested and reviewable production firmware for use in both testbeds and spacecraft
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 12+ years of embedded C/C++ development experience for electromechanical control systems
- Experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, hardware debuggers, and source-level debuggers to troubleshoot problems at all layers of the stack.
- Experience implementing real-time control loops, motor commutation, and actuator calibration routines
- Proficiency working with servo motors, stepper motors, or brushless DC motors
- Strong understanding of low-level hardware and digital interfaces (I2C, SPI, CAN, UART)
Preferred Skills and Experience- Prior work on rocket engine controller software, including valve sequencing and abort logic
- Experience with satellite attitude control systems (ACS), including reaction wheels, magnetorquers, and small thrusters.
- Familiarity with redundant actuator architectures and fault detection/response algorithms
- Exposure to space environment constraints such as vacuum, temperature extremes, and radiation upsets
Additional Information:Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the
form of stock options, and access to
medical, vision & dental coverage as well as
access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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