Principal Embedded Software Engineer II - SATCOM
The Principal Embedded Software Engineer II at Confidential Client leads the design, development, and deployment of embedded software for satellite and aerospace communication systems. This role encompasses full software lifecycle responsibilities from concept through production, including low-level driver development, real-time operating system integration, and in-orbit support. The position requires deep expertise in embedded C/C++ programming, real-time Linux, hardware interfacing, and strong communication skills to collaborate across teams and present to stakeholders.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Defense and Space Manufacturing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client, a company in the Defense and Space Manufacturing industry, is seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer II - SATCOM to join their embedded software team in Denver, CO. In this hands-on role you will own low-level and high-level software across product life cycles, including Linux-based single-board computers and high-reliability microcontroller systems. You will design, implement, test, qualify, and support software that enables rapid customer integration.
What You’ll Do
- Design and implement embedded software from requirements through production and commercial deployment
- Develop, code, test, debug, and document system and firmware-level software
- Create and maintain board support packages (BSPs), low-level drivers, and APIs for hardware interfaces (including FPGA interfaces)
- Integrate and validate new hardware/software designs and optimize I/O performance
- Perform code and design reviews to ensure efficiency, stability, scalability, and maintainability
- Support software quality assurance, qualification testing, and in-orbit/post-production customer support
- Interface cross-functionally with hardware engineers, systems engineers, and program managers
- Evaluate third-party and open-source components for fit, reliability, and licensing concerns
- Present technical materials in engineering reviews and contribute to proposal and roadmap efforts
Minimum Qualifications
- BS or MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- Minimum of 11 years of industry experience in software development, with significant embedded systems work
- Strong programming experience in C and in at least one object-oriented language (preferably C++)
- Hands-on experience developing and troubleshooting embedded hardware and APIs for FPGA interfacing
- Experience with preemptive, multitasking real-time operating systems; experience with real-time Linux is desirable
- Strong knowledge of real-time coding techniques, networking/IP protocols, and hardware subsystems
- Solid understanding of multi-threaded applications and resource management
- Familiarity with software configuration management, defect tracking, and peer review processes
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Experience
- Experience with aerospace or satellite communications products and qualification processes
- Comfortable reading electronics schematics and component datasheets
- Experience with ARM processors and fully-featured microcontrollers
- Experience designing and delivering an SDK for external developers
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary range: $170,000 - $220,000 per year (Colorado posting compliance)
- Benefits package may include company stock options and health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability, and retirement plans
- Actual compensation offers consider role responsibilities, work experience, education, and skills
Work Authorization & Export Controls
To conform with U.S. Government export and space technology regulations, applicants must be authorized to work on export-controlled U.S. projects. Eligible statuses include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, conditional residents, asylees, refugees (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or those eligible to obtain the necessary U.S. Department of State authorizations.
Additional Notes
- This posting is for a position based in Denver, Colorado. Reasonable accommodations are available in the hiring process — please request accommodations if needed.
- Confidential Client and Careertakes follow applicable federal, state, and local hiring laws for roles posted in this jurisdiction.
- Careertakes may share your application with our client and may provide matched opportunities on our platform.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range