Embedded Software Engineer
Astrolab
Software Engineering
Hawthorne, CA, USA
Posted on May 27, 2026
Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.
Astrolab is looking for embedded software developers to develop and test software for embedded computers on our extraplanetary rovers. Embedded developers will be responsible for architecting, implementing, integrating, and testing software for operating key rover systems.
Astrolab is looking for embedded software developers to develop and test software for embedded computers on our extraplanetary rovers. Embedded developers will be responsible for architecting, implementing, integrating, and testing software for operating key rover systems.
- Application Deadline
- June 23, 2026
- Department
- Software Engineering
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Location
- Hawthorne, California
- Workplace type
- Onsite
- Reporting To
- Denise Brown
What you'll do:
- Write and test software for multiple embedded system platforms ranging from microcontrollers to FPGAs to flight computers
- Work with the rest of the software development team to define the overall vehicle software architecture as well as the software architecture on each specific target platform
- Develop software for bare-metal implementations, applications running on lightweight real time operating systems such as FreeRTOS, and applications running on real time Linux
- Develop and test all layers of the FSW stack, ranging from low-level interface and communication protocol code to top level executables and various application layer features
- Analyze software performance on a variety of embedded target platforms, identify bottlenecks or resource exceedances, and optimize code performance on the target platform
- Write integrated tests that execute on target hardware running standalone and in the full vehicle architecture and support execution of integrated tests in automated CI/CD pipelines
- Support unit level and vehicle level integration and testing
- Support vehicle flight software verification and validation activities
- Provide on-call technical support during mission operations and major test activities such as TVAC testing
What you'll bring:
- 5 or more years experience developing embedded software for safety critical systems such as human rated space vehicles, medical equipment, or automotive platforms
- Experience with bare metal implementations on target platforms with limited resources
- Experience implementing, testing, and debugging communication stack software for a variety of interfaces (e.g. UART, ethernet, CAN, etc.)
- Experience profiling software systems running on embedded targets
- 3 or more years hands-on experience with hardware/software integration and testing
- Strong C and C++ coding skills
- Experience with agile software development workflows and with modern software development practices
- Experience with automated testing and creating CI/CD pipelines to execute unit tests and integrated tests
Benefits and Perks
- Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
- Equity ownership in the company
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Flexible PTO and parental leave
- Home office set up reimbursement
- Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
- Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks
About Astrolab
Having a strong, inclusive, and inspired team is essential to accomplishing our bold mission. Employees are our biggest asset, and we are deeply committed to them and our values. At Astrolab we…
Demonstrate and inspire trust. Interactions are direct, honest, and respectful. We are fair and transparent with what we do and why.
Thrive in balance. Balance gives us perspective and keeps us motivated and inspired. We commit to rewarding work and a fulfilling personal life.
Seek diverse perspectives. We ask questions, engage in productive debate and offer alternatives to ensure our solutions and products are robust and a reflection of our collective best.
Move with purpose. Quality and reliability are accomplished through efficient ideation and iteration. We act with a sense of urgency and deliver what we promise, always with the big picture in mind.
Make an impact. We intentionally move our community and industry into the future through our work, practices, and actions.
Our Hiring Process
Stage 1:
Application Review
Stage 2:
Recruiter Phone Interview
Stage 3:
Video Interviews
Stage 4:
On-site Interview
Astrolab is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, gender identity, parental or pregnancy status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to careers@astrolab.space. We strive to remove unconscious and unnecessary barriers to build the best team. While we’ve outlined what an ideal candidate could look like, we know that you may bring something unanticipated and essential to the team. If you’re reading this and can see yourself contributing, please register below.
