Junior Embedded Software Engineer Verified today
About Observable Space
Observable Space builds precision optics platforms for Earth and space observation. Our systems are trusted by NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, Raytheon, and the US DoD. We combine opto-mechanical hardware, embedded computing, cloud orchestration, and APIs into products for ground stations, on-orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, and distributed compute platforms.
The Role
As a Junior Embedded Software Engineer, you will work alongside our embedded team across our full product line, from robotic ground telescopes to on-orbit compute platforms. You will help build and maintain embedded Linux systems and low-level firmware, bring up hardware peripherals, write and debug drivers, and pitch in on bench work: soldering, test rigs, and prototype assembly.
This role is hands-on from day one. You will read schematics alongside senior engineers, get exposure to electrical and mechanical teams, debug real hardware, and grow your understanding of edge compute. You will report to the Embedded Engineering Lead with close mentorship from senior and staff engineers.
Key Responsibilities
- Support development, testing, and debugging of embedded Linux systems and low-level firmware, including daemons, drivers, bootloaders, and control loops.
- Assist in developing and maintaining drivers across PCIe, SPI, I2C, UART, MIPI CSI-2, and GPIO interfaces.
- Help bring up peripherals (cameras, sensors, communication links) at software and hardware level, from firmware integration to prototype assembly, soldering, wiring, and initial power-on checks.
- Help own component test characterization campaigns, from test rig setup to running tests and pulling results together.
- Participate in longevity testing campaigns and analyze test data to catch issues before they matter.
- Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and team discussions to build product and reliability instincts.
Basic Qualifications
- 0-2 years of experience in embedded software engineering, systems-level development, or related internship/academic background.
- Experience in C and working knowledge of C++.
- Foundational understanding of common hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Ethernet) from coursework, personal projects, or internships.
- Comfort reading basic schematics or strong willingness to learn.
- Familiarity with basic lab tools (multimeter, oscilloscope) or eagerness to build that skill on the job.
- Strong debugging curiosity and persistence.
- Good communication skills and comfort asking questions and collaborating with senior engineers.
- Bias toward hands-on learning and fast iteration.
Bonus Qualifications
- Ability to solder and build wire harnesses.
- Ability to use multimeter and oscilloscope.
- Exposure to firmware development on microcontrollers (bare-metal, RTOS, Arduino, STM32, ESP32).
- Exposure to Linux kernel development, device drivers, or embedded Linux (Yocto, Buildroot).
- Projects involving PCIe, MIPI CSI-2, or other high-speed interfaces.
- Familiarity with Zephyr RTOS or other embedded operating systems.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary $100K-$160K plus equity.
- Stock options.
- Hybrid work environment, minimum 3 days per week in LA office.
- Unlimited PTO with paid holidays.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, 100% employer-paid.
- Access to cutting-edge hardware and software tools.