Senior Embedded Software Engineer — Actuators & Control Systems
Overview
Impulse Space is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer focused on Actuation & Control Systems to develop embedded software that controls rocket engine valves, satellite thrusters, thrust vector control actuators, and motor-driven devices.
Responsibilities
- Develop real-time firmware for controlling rocket engine valves, thrust vector control actuators, satellite propulsion systems, and motor-driven systems such as reaction wheels, gimbals, and momentum wheels.
- Implement closed-loop control for position, velocity, torque, and pressure regulation using encoders, LVDTs, resolvers, current sensors, and pressure sensors.
- Interface with motor drivers and redundant actuator systems using protocols like CAN, SPI, UART, Ethernet, RS-422, and BISS-C.
- Design and implement safety-critical state machines for thrust sequences, valve actuation, pressurization, and safe shutdowns.
- Participate in hotfire campaigns, environmental testing, and in-flight diagnostics.
- Write unit-tested and reviewable production firmware for use in both testbeds and spacecraft.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of embedded C/C++ development experience for electromechanical control systems.
- Experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, hardware debuggers, and source-level debuggers to troubleshoot problems at all layers of the stack.
- Experience implementing real-time control loops, motor commutation, and actuator calibration routines.
- Proficiency working with servo motors, stepper motors, or brushless DC motors.
- Strong understanding of low-level hardware and digital interfaces (I2C, SPI, CAN, UART).
Bonus Points
- Prior work on rocket engine controller software, including valve sequencing and abort logic.
- Experience with satellite attitude control systems (ACS), including reaction wheels, magnetorquers, and small thrusters.
- Familiarity with redundant actuator architectures and fault detection/response algorithms.
- Exposure to space environment constraints such as vacuum, temperature extremes, and radiation upsets.
Additional Information
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Variables & Compensation
- Medical
- Vision
- Dental
- 401(k) retirement plan
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