Software Engineer, Embedded

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and own mission-critical software for satellite systems throughout the full software lifecycle, from initial architecture and development through deployment and operations.
• Develop the low level software that configures and drives the processor peripherals and communication interfaces on our avionics.
• Write and debug the device drivers for the sensors, actuators, and components across the bus.
• Implement onboard algorithms, including closed loop control and the logic that detects and responds to faults such as failed sensors or radiation upsets.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with systems, hardware, test, and operations teams to establish product requirements, define technical roadmaps, and drive successful execution with a focus on embedded software and hardware designs.

Requirements

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
• Bachelor's degree in CS, EE or equivalent, or equivalent professional experience.
• 2+ years writing C/C++ for embedded systems, ideally on spacecraft, robotics, automotive, or other hardware that interacts with the physical world.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or Rust

Preferred

1+ year of flight software experience

• Experience developing, testing, deploying, and troubleshooting mission-critical satellite software from prototyping through flight operations.
• A solid understanding of microcontroller and microprocessor architecture, including memory, buses, and DMA.
• FPGA development experience.
• Experience bringing up new avionics or flight hardware from first power-on.
• Experience with satellite attitude control systems (ACS), including reaction wheels, magnetorquers, and small thrusters, and sensors
• Experience driving motors and power electronics or reading feedback sensors such as encoders and current monitors.

About the Role

As an Embedded Software Engineer on Apex's Flight Software team, you will write the software that runs on the custom avionics hardware powering our satellite buses. You will work closely with avionics, GNC, propulsion, and hardware engineers to design and deliver the software for the components that make up the spacecraft, owning that software from the design phase all the way through flight. You will contribute across the full breadth of development, from architecting new systems and prototyping early ideas to writing the mission critical code that ultimately flies.

We are looking for motivated engineers who are eager to solve complex problems with a focus on practicality and scalability, and who thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Preferred requirements

• Experience developing firmware for microcontrollers, either bare-metal or on an RTOS.
• Comfort with hardware/software integration, including reading schematics and using tools like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers to bring up new hardware.
• #LI-AB1

Why Join Apex?

Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

Shared upside

Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create

Best-in-class healthcare

100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost

Comprehensive PTO package

Starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays

Competitive 401(k) plan

Generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%

8 weeks paid parental leave

Plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel

Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks

To keep you fueled throughout the day

Vibrant community

Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family

Your dream desk setup

All the tools you need to be your most productive self

World-class Playa Vista office

With the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life

Real impact opportunity

Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference

Additional Information

Compensation ranges are set by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. A candidate's specific level and base pay are determined case by case and may vary with job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity. Beyond base salary, full-time hires are also eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options, along with medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan.

ITAR Requirements

Apex's work is governed by U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To be eligible for this role, applicants must either (1) qualify as a U.S. Person, meaning a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee admitted under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or an individual granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or (2) be able to obtain the required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, or another applicable U.S. government agency. You can learn more about ITAR here

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.