Senior Software Development Engineer - Satellite Software & Firmware

We are seeking an experienced Software Development Engineer to develop mission-critical satellite software and firmware. The ideal candidate will have proven flight experience, a strong background in embedded software development for satellite systems, and expertise in real-time operating systems (RTOS), fault-tolerant computing, and spacecraft autonomy. This role will focus on designing, developing, testing, and deploying onboard software that ensures the success of satellite missions, including low-Earth orbit (LEO), geostationary (GEO), and deep-space missions.

Responsibilities

• Develop flight software for satellite platforms, including avionics, attitude determination and control systems, power management, and onboard data handling.
• Design and implement firmware for embedded processors and FPGAs used in satellite subsystems.
• Work with real-time operating systems (RTOS), embedded Linux, and space-grade processors.
• Develop autonomous fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) mechanisms to ensure mission reliability.
• Implement and optimize spacecraft communication protocols (e.g., CCSDS, Space Wire, CAN, UART, Ethernet).
• Perform software validation, verification, and integration with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations and satellite testbeds.
• Support pre-flight testing, launch preparations, and in-orbit operations, including remote software updates.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., ECSS, NASA cFS, DO-178C, MISRA, Cube Sat standards).
• Collaborate with partner organizations on satellite software development.
• Mentor junior software engineers.

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related fields.
• 10+ years of experience in developing flight software and firmware for satellites.
• Strong proficiency in C, C++, and Python for embedded systems and satellite software.
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and low-level hardware-software interfaces.
• Knowledge of satellite communication protocols (e.g., CCSDS, Space Wire, CAN, RS-422).
• Understanding of fault tolerance, redundancy, and radiation-hardened computing for space missions.
• Experience with version control systems (Git) and modern software development best practices.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, simulators, and satellite software testbeds.
• Proven experience with flight-proven software deployed on operational satellites.

• Familiarity with satellite command and data handling systems, embedded Linux, and space-grade processors.
• Experience with Cube Sats, small satellites, or GEO satellite constellations.
• Knowledge of flight software frameworks (e.g., NASA Core Flight System (cFS), FreeRTOS, VxWorks).
• Background in autonomous spacecraft operations and AI-driven onboard decision-making.
• Experience with secure satellite communications, encryption, and cybersecurity in space systems.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package  may also be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.

Portal is planning to establish future access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and various other discounts and perks. Employees typically have 2-3 weeks of paid vacation per year plus company holidays.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.