Senior Firmware Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to join our Platform team (folks looking after the spacecraft). The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting other disciplines by focusing on the embedded software aspects of our satellite systems. The Platform team interfaces directly with many engineering groups to conduct R&D, design, manufacturing, and operations activities, ultimately ensuring all current and future spacecraft systems satisfy their mission.

Ideal candidates will embrace the commercialization of nanosatellite systems and adapt to low-cost, fast-paced systems design, development, and implementation methodologies that set Spire apart from our competition. In this fast-paced environment, the design to launch cycle is measured in weeks and months, not years! 

What You’ll Do as a Senior Firmware Engineer:

• Design, implement and test, deploy and maintain embedded firmware


• Collaborate with other engineering functions on scoping, architecture and system design


• Resolve on-orbit and on-ground issues related to embedded systems


• Implement, optimize and maintain various serial protocols


• Design and develop interface tools to improve abstraction between the embedded system and other satellite components


• Debug and resolve complex embedded systems issues in a timely manner


• Write and maintain technical documentation

Key Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field


• Mastery of Embedded C programming language


• Proficiency with scripting languages like Python and Bash


• Extensive experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS), specifically FreeRTOS


• Familiarity with serial protocols and implementations


• Strong problem-solving skills, particularly in debugging embedded systems


• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git)


• Experience developing on Linux (Ubuntu)


• A base level of mathematical knowledge (engineering mathematic or similar)


• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with space systems or satellite technology


• Familiarity working to coding standards and using static analysis tools


• Experience writing Rust for resource constrained environments (embedded Linux)


• Experience with embedded Linux


• Knowledge of control systems and algorithms

Tools and Technologies:

• FreeRTOS for real-time operating system implementation


• GNU ARM Embedded Toolchain for code compilation


• GDB for debugging, complemented by extensive use of serial and/or CAN debugging


• Experience with debugging techniques for systems without JTAG access, particularly for remote issue resolution


• Familiarity with manual testing procedures for embedded interface code


• Experience working with Arm Cortex Microcontrollers


• Version control using Git

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Access to US export-controlled software and/or technology may be for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying. #LI-MI