Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Actuators & Control Systems)

About the role

Impulse Space is hiring a Principal Embedded Software Engineer focused on Actuation and Control Systems. You will develop embedded software that controls a variety of actuated systems across launch vehicles and spacecraft, including rocket engine valves, satellite thrusters, thrust vector control actuators and motor-driven devices such as reaction wheels and gimbals. You will work with propulsion, avionics and GNC teams to design high-performance, fault-tolerant firmware that operates reliably in harsh launch and space environments.

Key responsibilities

• Develop real-time firmware for rocket engine valves and thrust vector control actuators, satellite propulsion systems (cold gas and electric thrusters), and motor-driven systems such as reaction wheels, gimbals and momentum wheels.
• Implement closed-loop control for position, velocity, torque and pressure regulation, using feedback from encoders, LVDTs, resolvers, current sensors and pressure sensors.
• Interface with motor drivers and redundant actuator systems using 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.
• Take part in hotfire campaigns, environmental testing and in-flight diagnostics.
• Write unit-tested, reviewable production firmware used in both testbeds and spacecraft.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 12+ years of embedded C/C++ development for electromechanical control systems.
• Experience debugging with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, hardware debuggers and source-level debuggers.
• Experience implementing real-time control loops, motor commutation and actuator calibration routines.
• Strong understanding of low-level hardware and digital interfaces (I2C, SPI, CAN, UART).

Preferred skills

• Rocket engine controller software, including valve sequencing and abort logic.
• Satellite attitude control systems (reaction wheels, magnetorquers, 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.

What we offer

• Salary range of $200,000 to $300,000 per year, depending on role, level, location and skills.
• Possible long-term incentives in the form of stock options for full-time hires.
• Medical, vision and dental coverage and access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
• U.S. citizenship or eligibility for the required authorizations under ITAR is required.