{"id":673203,"url":"https://alion.io/job/observable-embedded-software-engineer","title":"Embedded Software Engineer","company":{"id":678446,"name":"Observable Space","domain":"observable.space","url":"https://alion.io/company/observable-3","size_band":"201-500","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Ashby","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":78,"open_postings":9,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.667,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":67,"computed_at":"2026-10-31T05:58:55Z"}},"role":"Hardware","role_family":"Hardware","seniority":"middle","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"hybrid","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Los Angeles, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":130000,"max":150000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":150000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":3,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[{"name":"C++","optional":false},{"name":"Linux","optional":false},{"name":"RTOS","optional":true},{"name":"Sensor Fusion","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-09-10T15:59:05Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-10","last_verified_at":"2026-10-31T17:22:40Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":51,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":51},"description":"About Observable Space\nAt 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.\nWe 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.\nObservable 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.\nAbout The Role\nAs 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.\nThis 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.\nResponsibilities\nSupport 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.\n\nAssist in developing and maintaining drivers across interfaces such as PCIe, SPI, I2C, UART, MIPI CSI-2, and GPIO, under the guidance of senior engineers.\n\nHelp 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.\n\nHelp own component test characterization campaigns, from setting up test rigs to running the tests and pulling results together.\n\nParticipate in longevity testing campaigns and analyze the resulting test data to catch issues before they matter.\n\nParticipate in design reviews, code reviews, and team discussions to build your product and reliability instincts.\n\nBasic Qualifications\n3+ years of experience in embedded software engineering, systems-level development, or a related internship/academic background.\n\nProficiency in C/C++.\n\nSolid understanding of DC power systems, motor drivers, and common hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, CAN, Ethernet, MIPI, PCIe).\n\nAbility to read and interpret schematics, understand board-level considerations, and debug at the electrical-software boundary.\n\nFamiliarity with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, multimeters, and power debugging tools\n\nStrong debugging intuition-and the humility to know that debugging is 90% of the job.\n\nExperience in fast-paced prototyping environments and a bias toward quick iteration.\n\nStrong product sense: you prioritize manufacturing reliability, robustness, and long-term serviceability.\n\nPreferred Qualifications\nExperience with Zephyr RTOS, embedded networking stacks, or sensor fusion.\n\nExperience with Qualcomm SoCs and their BSP/driver ecosystems.\n\nExperience with 3 phase motor drivers and tuning parameters park/clark vector control.\n\nBackground in vision processing, image pipelines, or camera-focused algorithms.\n\nContributions to open-source embedded or Linux kernel projects.\n\nExperience with software destined for harsh or space environments\n\nWhat We Offer\nCompetitive Compensation - A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience.\nEquity Opportunities - Take part in our success with stock options.\nFlexible Work Environment - Enjoy working from our office or in a hybrid work setup with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. We require a minimum of 3 days per week in our office to support collaboration and team culture. (LA Office only)\nUnlimited PTO (exempt only) - Take the time you need with our flexible, trust-based vacation policy, including paid holidays. We encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves.\nHealth & Wellness - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees.\nCutting-Edge Tools - Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work.\nMission-Driven Culture - Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.\nInclusive Team - We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued.\nObservable Space is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.","description_format":"text","description_chars":5539,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":3,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":null,"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":["Equity","Flexible schedule","Hybrid work","Stock options","Unlimited PTO"],"hiring_locations":[{"name":"United States","iso":"US","kind":"country"}],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":[],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-09-10T22:35:21Z"}],"visa":[],"liveness":{"score":62,"band":"ok","label":"Likely open","p_open":1,"p_active":0.822,"p_room":0.75,"age_days":50,"expected_fill_days":67,"reasons":["conf:3","win:late"],"computed_at":"2026-10-31T05:58:55Z"},"pay":{"stated_usd_annual":150000,"is_top_pay":false},"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/observable-embedded-software-engineer","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/observable-embedded-software-engineer.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-10-31T17:46:29Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","about":"Alion is a live layer of people, companies and AI agents: who they are, whether they are real and active right now, what they do and how to work with them, readable by people and by agents and paid per call.","catalog":"https://alion.io/catalog.json","usage":{"tier":"crawler_verified","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":27795,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":300,"resets_at":"2026-11-01T00:00:00Z"}},"offers":[{"id":"company.slices","title":"One company in depth, by slice","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002,"plus_per_slice":{"credits":0.05,"usd":0.005}},"unit":"per company, plus each slice with data","note":"the employer in depth","call":{"mcp_tool":"get_company","arguments":{"id":678446},"rest":"https://alion.io/mcp/rest/get_company?id=678446"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.slices&for=job%2Fobservable-embedded-software-engineer"},{"id":"market.stats","title":"A market slice: pay, demand and time to fill","status":"live","price":{"credits":1,"usd":0.1},"unit":"per slice","note":"pay, demand and time to fill for this role and place","call":{"mcp_tool":"market_stats"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=market.stats&for=job%2Fobservable-embedded-software-engineer"},{"id":"job.search","title":"Open jobs by role, technology, place, pay and visa","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002},"unit":"per posting in a list","note":"similar open postings","call":{"mcp_tool":"search_jobs"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=job.search&for=job%2Fobservable-embedded-software-engineer"},{"id":"company.verify","title":"Is this company real and active right now","status":"pilot","price":null,"unit":"per company","request":{"url":"https://alion.io/catalog/request","method":"POST","body":"{\"offer\": \"company.verify\", \"for\": \"job/observable-embedded-software-engineer\", \"note\": \"what you need it for\"}"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.verify&for=job%2Fobservable-embedded-software-engineer"}],"agent":{"mcp":"https://alion.io/mcp/jobs","mcp_open":"https://alion.io/mcp/open","next":[{"tool":"get_job","arguments":{"id":673203}},{"tool":"search_jobs","arguments":{"company":"observable.space","detail":"compact"}},{"tool":"match_people","arguments":{"job_id":673203},"note":"people open to offers who fit this vacancy"}],"note":"The same data through MCP tools: https://alion.io/mcp/open needs no sign-in (compact searches, postings, people); https://alion.io/mcp with an Alion account has everything. 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