Senior Software Engineer, Embedded (TS Cleared)

The role

You will design, develop, and own mission-critical software for satellite systems. You will work on low level software, device drivers, and onboard algorithms for spacecraft.

What you will do

• Develop low level software that configures and drives processor peripherals and communication interfaces.
• Write and debug device drivers for sensors, actuators, and components.
• Implement onboard algorithms including closed loop control and fault response logic.
• Design, develop, and own mission-critical software throughout the full software lifecycle.
• Develop rapid, iterative software for bench and development testing.
• Plan and execute unit, integration, and system-level testing of satellite components.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to establish product requirements and technical roadmaps.
• Support spacecraft commissioning during launch and early operations.

Required qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship
• Active Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance
• 8+ years writing C/C++ for embedded systems
• Bachelor’s degree in CS, EE, or equivalent
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, or Rust

Nice to have

• 3+ years of flight software experience
• 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
• 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
• Experience developing, testing, deploying, and troubleshooting mission-critical satellite software from prototyping through flight operations
• Experience with real-time software on distributed hardware platforms across multiple satellite products

Benefits

• Equity in Apex
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents
• $100k life insurance at no cost
• Starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually
• 10 paid holidays
• 100% match on first 3% and 50% on next 2% of 401(k)
• 8 weeks paid parental leave
• Childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks
• Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings
• Dream desk setup

Before you apply

• Must be a U.S. Person (citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or granted asylum) or be able to obtain required export authorizations
• Active Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance required
• Ability to obtain and maintain access to additional programs as needed

About the company

Apex manufactures satellite buses at scale using software, vertical integration, and hardware. They are a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding.