Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge. For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles. Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more. We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.

As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer on Apex's Flight Software team, you will design, develop, and own the software that brings our spacecraft to life. You will tackle the hardest problems in autonomous systems and build robust software that enables reliable spacecraft operation 24/7, across every phase of a mission. You will work closely with our mission operations, GNC, and hardware teams to architect new systems, prototype ideas, and turn them into mission-critical software that ultimately flies. Experience in the space industry is not necessary to thrive at Apex. Instead, we are looking for motivated engineers who enjoy solving complex problems, balance technical rigor with practicality, and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The Flight Software team is composed of three interconnected teams: high-level application software, operating system software, and embedded software. There is significant collaboration and crossover across these teams.

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. Write quick, iterative code to support bench and development testing, along with the rigorous, reviewed, and tested code that ships to manufacturing and flight. Provide embedded software input into new system and hardware designs. Support commissioning of spacecraft during launch and early operations, ensuring software systems remain functional during critical operations.

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. 8+ years writing C/C++ for embedded systems, ideally on spacecraft, robotics, automotive, or other hardware that interacts with the physical world. 3+ years of flight software experience. Experience developing firmware for microcontrollers, either bare-metal or on an RTOS. Experience writing and debugging low level device drivers over interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, and CAN. Comfort with hardware/software integration, including reading schematics and using tools like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers to bring up new hardware. 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. Experience driving motors and power electronics or reading feedback sensors such as encoders and current monitors. Familiarity with satellite systems and protocols, such as CCSDS and ECSS. Pay Range: Senior: $155K - $210K Staff: $200K - $250K   #LI-AB1 Why Join Apex? Apex