Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Location: Los Angeles, CA

About Observable Space

At Observable Space, we're redefining how humanity observes and connects with the universe. We're a vertically integrated, high-growth, space technology company building industry-leading precision optics platforms for Earth and in space. Our systems are trusted by NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, Raytheon, and the US DoD, among others, and power the work of leading research institutions.

We combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded computing, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products. From advanced ground stations, on orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, to distributed compute platforms, we deliver the foundational systems enabling continuous, real-time navigation, observation, and communication in space.

Observable Space is backed by top-tier institutional investors including Lux, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures.

About the Role

As a Staff Embedded Software Engineer, you will work across our full product line, from robotic ground telescopes to on-orbit compute platforms. You will design and maintain embedded Linux systems, bring up complex peripherals, build rock-solid drivers, and architect software that will run for decades in remote and harsh environments.

This role is deeply hands-on: you will read schematics, work shoulder-to-shoulder with electrical and mechanical teams, debug unusual edge cases, and own Yocto-based platforms down to the metal. You will report to the Embedded Engineering Lead.

What You'll Do

• Architect, implement, and document embedded Linux systems composed of multiple daemons, services, and hardware interfaces designed for extreme reliability in remote and space environments.

• Own the BSP and driver stack across PCIe, SPI, I2C, UART, MIPI CSI-2, GPIO, and other hardware interfaces.

• Bring up high-speed peripherals (PCIe endpoints, MIPI cameras, high-bandwidth data links) and ensure their long-term robustness.

• Maintain build system health: keep Yocto builds unblocked, reproducible, and hardened through strict CI/CD testing gates.

• Design for resilience: create systems that can run autonomously for years with minimal human intervention.

• Collaborate on automated testing: help the test team build lab infrastructure that enables frictionless writing and execution of hardware-in-the-loop tests.

• Participate in product design reviews to ensure manufacturability, serviceability, and field reliability.

What You'll Bring

• 5+ years in embedded software engineering or systems-level development.

• Strong proficiency in C and modern C++—and good judgment about when not to overuse templates.

• Solid understanding of DC power systems, motor drivers, and common hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, CAN, Ethernet, MIPI, PCIe).

• Experience bringing up high-speed interfaces, especially PCIe and MIPI CSI-2 (D-PHY 1.4+).

• Deep familiarity with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, multimeters, and power debugging tools.

• Ability to read and interpret schematics, understand board-level considerations, and debug at the electrical–software boundary.

• Strong debugging intuition—and the humility to know that debugging is 90% of the job.

• Experience in fast-paced prototyping environments and a bias toward quick iteration.

• Strong product sense: you prioritize manufacturing reliability, robustness, and long-term serviceability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Zephyr RTOS, embedded networking stacks, or sensor fusion.

• Experience with Qualcomm SoCs and their BSP/driver ecosystems.

• Experience with 3 phase motor drivers and tuning parameters park/clark vector control.

• Background in vision processing, image pipelines, or camera-focused algorithms.

• Contributions to open-source embedded or Linux kernel projects.

• Passion for astronomy, physics, and scientific exploration.

Why You'll Love It Here

• Competitive Compensation – A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience.

• Equity Opportunities – Take part in our success with stock options.

• Flexible Work Environment – Enjoy working from our office or in a hybrid work setup with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. We require a minimum of 3 days per week in our office to support collaboration and team culture. (LA Office only)

• Unlimited PTO – Take the time you need with our flexible, trust-based vacation policy, including paid holidays. We encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves.

• Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees.

• Cutting-Edge Tools – Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work.

• Mission-Driven Culture – Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.

• Inclusive Team – We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued.