Firmware & Networking Engineer
Urban Sky
About Urban Sky:
Urban Sky is a venture-backed aerospace startup that pioneers utilization of the stratosphere and reimagines the way humans view and analyze the earth. We design, build, operate, and sell stratospheric balloon systems, and the data we collect supports a wide range of applications, from real-time wildfire monitoring to urban mapping. Our technology is also employed by government customers including the Department of Defense (DoD), NASA, and others. Urban Sky sends flight vehicles to the stratosphere on a weekly basis.
Our team consists of engineers, makers, developers, and doers who believe in the power of human potential when passion meets utility within a small, supportive team. At Urban Sky we strive to create a team culture grounded in candor, inclusion, respect and empowerment.
We aim to build the next chapter of stratospheric history in Denver and are seeking self-starting, open-minded, and hard-working team members.
About The Role:
Urban Sky is seeking a Firmware & Network Engineer to join our R&D team in Denver, CO. In this role, you will be responsible for developing embedded firmware and secure networking solutions for Urban Sky’s innovative stratospheric platforms. You will play a critical role in ensuring reliable communication links, robust system security, and seamless integration of embedded systems with onboard and ground networks.
This is a hands-on engineering position where you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to design, build, and fly high-altitude balloon systems, taking them from prototype through production and flight operations.
Key Responsibilities:
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Be hands-on and excited to rapidly iterate on firmware and networking solutions.
- Integration of our systems with customer networks.
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Develop and maintain embedded firmware for microcontrollers, processors, and custom hardware.
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Design, implement, and maintain secure network protocols for payload communications (including encryption and VPNs).
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Integrate networking stacks with embedded systems, radios, and telemetry hardware.
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Implement and validate encryption, authentication, and data integrity mechanisms.
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Support system integration across electrical, mechanical, and software subsystems.
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Troubleshoot firmware, networking, and communication issues during development and flight operations.
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Document designs, processes, and test results in accordance with engineering best practices.
Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
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3+ years of experience in embedded firmware development.
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Strong proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems.
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Experience with microcontroller platforms (ARM Cortex, MSP430, etc.) and real-time operating systems (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, etc.).
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Knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, VPNs, etc.) and secure communication techniques.
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Familiarity with common communication interfaces (SPI, I²C, UART, CAN).
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Experience with lab equipment and debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG).
Nice-to-Haves/Preferred Skills:
- Experience in DoD environments.
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Experience with cybersecurity principles for embedded and IoT systems.
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Familiarity with cryptographic algorithms and libraries.
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Hands-on experience with RF systems, radios, or satellite communications.
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Experience with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, vacuum, etc.).
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Background in rapid prototyping and small-team hardware/software development.
Requirements:
- Must be US Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Must be located near Denver, CO
Benefits:
- Medical, Vision and Dental
- Unlimited Vacation Days
- Parental Leave
- Cell Phone Bill Stipend
- Stock Options
Urban Sky is required to post this salary range per Colorado law. Your salary will be determined based on your abilities and experience.
We expect all team members to actively leverage and continuously adapt to emerging AI tools as a core part of their daily workflow. Proficiency with job-relevant modern AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, GitHub Copilot) is expected and integral to success in this role.
NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes that they have the skills and the passion necessary to succeed here to apply for this role.
This position may require the candidate to deal with commodities, software, technology, defense articles, and/or technical data which are subject to the Export Administration Regulations and/or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Additional information may be requested so as to determine whether export authorization is required from the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. If authorization is required, employment will be contingent upon the Company successfully obtaining such authorization from the relevant government agency.
Urban Sky is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
