Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Actuators & Control Systems)

Impulse Space builds embedded software for actuation and control systems that support launch vehicles and spacecraft. In this onsite role in Redondo Beach, CA, you will develop real-time, fault-tolerant firmware for safety-critical actuation and closed-loop control operating in harsh environments.

Compensation includes stock options as long-term incentives, plus medical, vision & dental coverage and access to a 401(k) retirement plan. Pay bands are determined by role, level, location, and market alignment, and individual level and base pay are set case-by-case based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity.

Responsibilities

• Develop real-time firmware to control 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, including feedback via encoders, LVDTs, resolvers, current sensors, and pressure sensors
• Interface with motor drivers and redundant actuator systems using protocols including 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
• Produce unit-tested, reviewable production firmware for both testbeds and spacecraft

Requirements

• 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 across 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 including I2C, SPI, CAN, and 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

Technologies: C, C++, CAN, SPI, UART, Ethernet, RS-422, BISS-C, I2C, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, hardware debuggers, source-level debuggers

Export Compliance: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.