Contractor - Embedded Software Engineer (willing to consider all levels)

Where dreams and reality collide and the output is, out of this world. At Redwire Space, we are a team of dreamers and doers. Where the impossible becomes possible, and every day is an opportunity to learn and get one step closer to knowing the unknown. Join us on our mission to expand humanity's presence in space.

Summary

Redwire Space Missions, LLC in San Jose, CA is seeking a Contractor - Embedded Software Engineer (willing to consider all levels) for an initial period of 6 months, with the possibility of extension to join our team. In this position you will be expected to work predominantly on-site. You will work collaboratively with our team to develop and innovative satellite solutions. You will be responsible for hardware/software development during all phases of the development cycle, including requirements, design, implementation, test, integration, and documentation in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain embedded software for spacecraft avionics, RF communications, and command & telemetry subsystems.
• Implement and integrate software supporting RF transceivers, modems, and encryption hardware for secure data links.
• Develop command and telemetry processing software including packet routing, protocol
  handling, and validation.
• Create and test device drivers and APIs for RF and command & telemetry hardware including crypto interfaces and key management.
• Perform end-to-end testing of spacecraft command and telemetry pathways from ground to flight hardware.
• Develop hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and system-level simulations to validate encrypted communications performance.
• Participate in integration and test campaigns including testbed bring-up, anomaly resolution, and verification.
• Collaborate across RF, software, and systems teams to define interfaces, data formats, and timing requirements.
• Generate and maintain documentation for software requirements, design, test procedures, and verification.
• Contribute to flight readiness, ground system demonstrations, and functional validation of RF and command & telemetry subsystems systems.

Ideal Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience developing embedded software for aerospace, defense, or mission-critical systems.
• Proficiency in C and C++ for embedded systems.
• Knowledge of RF and command & telemetry subsystems.
• Familiarity with serial and packet-based interfaces such as RS-422, MIL-STD-1553, CAN, SpaceWire, or Ethernet.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills for integrated systems.
• Must have the ability to obtain a security clearance.
• Some limited travel required.

Desired Skills

• Master's degree in computer engineering, computer science, or a related discipline.
• Experience with flight software development or integration for spacecraft communications systems.
• Experience with Python or MATLAB for scripting or analysis.
• Experience with software version control and issue tracking (Git, Bitbucket, JIRA, Confluence).
• Experience developing on real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, RTEMS, or FreeRTOS.
• Knowledge of encryption key management systems and secure key handling protocols.
• Experience with command and telemetry ground systems or mission operations software development.
• Familiarity with RF link analysis, modulation schemes, and bit error rate testing methods.
• Hands-on experience performing software integration and system-level verification in lab environments.
• Experience with encryption devices (e.g., KG-series or Type 1).
• Experience with CCSDS Space Link Extension (SLE) or equivalent ground communication systems.
• Knowledge of autonomy, FDIR, and fault management features related to communications subsystems.
• Experience developing or using digital twin or HIL environments for C&T; system validation.
• Experience leading small software teams or supporting integrated product teams (IPTs

Pay Range

$64.00 - $105.00/hr. (agency candidates may be higher)

How We Determine What We Pay (Compensation Philosophy)

Redwire determines pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data, for our locations throughout the US. We will evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index, in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company.

For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant's level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. Additionally, we consider the external market rate, the amount we have budgeted internally, and internal equity within the company for the same position. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.

Redwire is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Redwire 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.

All offers of employment at Redwire are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check and your ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the US. Note that some positions will also require ship or ability to obtain a security clearance due to requirements of a classified program.

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