Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Actuators & Control Systems)

Impulse Space is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to build embedded firmware for Actuation and Control Systems supporting launch vehicles and spacecraft. The role emphasizes real-time performance, safety-critical control logic, and reliable operation in demanding launch and space environments.

Role Focus

Develop and maintain embedded control software that commands and regulates actuated systems used across propulsion, avionics-adjacent subsystems, and GNC-relevant hardware. You will implement control behaviors and safety state management for thrust and actuation workflows, then support validation through testing and in-flight diagnostics.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop real-time firmware to control rocket engine valves and thrust vector control actuators (TVCAs).
• Implement embedded control for satellite propulsion systems, including cold gas and electric thrusters.
• Build firmware for motor-driven systems including reaction wheels, gimbals, and momentum wheels.
• Implement closed-loop control for position, velocity, torque, and pressure regulation, using feedback from 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.
• Support hotfire campaigns, environmental testing, and in-flight diagnostics.
• Write unit-tested, reviewable production firmware for both testbeds and spacecraft use.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of embedded C/C++ development experience for electromechanical control systems.
• Experience troubleshooting across the stack using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, hardware debuggers, and source-level debuggers.
• Experience implementing real-time control loops, motor commutation, and actuator calibration routines.
• Proficiency with servo motors, stepper motors, or brushless DC motors.
• Strong understanding of low-level hardware and digital interfaces including I2C, SPI, CAN, and UART.

Relevant Technologies

• C, C++
• CAN, SPI, UART, Ethernet, RS-422, BISS-C
• I2C
• Oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, hardware debuggers, source-level debuggers

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience developing 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.

Compensation and Work Location

• Location: Redondo Beach, CA (onsite)
• Compensation: USD 160,000 - 280,000 per year

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay are determined case by case and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity.

Benefits

• Long-term incentives in the form of stock options
• Medical, vision & dental coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan

Export Compliance (ITAR)

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (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.