About the role

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 thousands of customers, including NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, RTX, the US Space Force and the U.S. Department of War, leading research institutions and international partners. We combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded compute, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products at scale with in-house manufacturing. 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 Capital, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures. To learn more, visit observable.space http://observable.space. ABOUT THE ROLE As an Embedded Software Engineer, you'll work alongside our embedded team across our full product line, from robotic ground telescopes to on-orbit compute platforms. You'll help build and maintain embedded Linux systems and low-level firmware, bring up hardware peripherals, write and debug drivers, and pitch in on the bench work — soldering, test rigs, and prototype assembly — that keeps hardware programs moving. This role is hands-on from day one: you'll read schematics alongside senior engineers, get exposure to electrical and mechanical teams, dig into real hardware debugging, and grow your understanding of edge computing at the cutting edge. You will report to the Embedded Engineering Lead. RESPONSIBILITIES - Support the development, testing, and debugging of embedded Linux systems and low-level firmware — from daemons and drivers to bootloaders and control loops — under the guidance of senior engineers. - Assist in developing and maintaining drivers across interfaces such as PCIe, SPI, I2C, UART, MIPI CSI-2, and GPIO, under the guidance of senior engineers. - Help bring up peripherals (cameras, sensors, communication links) at both the software and hardware level — from firmware and embedded Linux integration to assembling first article prototypes, soldering, wiring, and initial power-on checks alongside the EE team. - Help own component test characterization campaigns, from setting up test rigs to running the tests and pulling results together. - Participate in longevity testing campaigns and analyze the resulting test data to catch issues before they matter. - Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and team discussions to build your product and reliability instincts. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - 3+ years of experience in embedded software engineering, systems-level development, or a related internship/academic background. - Proficiency in C/C++. - Solid understanding of DC power systems, motor drivers, and common hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, CAN, Ethernet, MIPI, PCIe). - Ability to read and interpret schematics, understand board-level considerations, and debug at the electrical–software boundary. - Familiarity with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, multimeters, and power debugging tools - 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 proce