Firmware Engineer

At Cosmic Frontier, we are on a mission to significantly enhance access to high-performance space telescopes, democratize scientific inquiry, and develop tools for exploring the Universe.

As a member of the Cosmic Frontier team, you will take ownership of the entire lifecycle of spaceflight hardware and software, from initial architecture to flight readiness. You'll be building and flying real hardware with systems that will launch into orbit within the next two years.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a passionate Firmware Engineer to develop the embedded layer that will control the telescope's behavior, interfacing with sensors, actuators, timing systems, and flight software. If you prioritize reliability and enjoy working closely with hardware, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain firmware for embedded controllers that interact with sensors and mechanisms, ensuring deterministic timing and robust fault handling.
• Lead hardware bring-up, drivers, and communication interfaces between embedded controllers and high-level computing systems.
• Implement test hooks and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) infrastructure to ensure continuous firmware validation throughout the development process.

Success Metrics for the First 90 Days:

• Successfully bring up a real board or subsystem from start to finish, achieving reliability and consistent performance.
• Establish a repeatable process for firmware building, testing, and hardware regression.
• Define the interface and telemetry contract required for flight software.

Required Qualifications:

• A solid educational background in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, with extensive experience in developing embedded firmware for real-time systems.
• High proficiency in C or C++ for microcontrollers, along with experience writing low-level drivers and working closely with hardware.
• Experience with board bring-up, debugging using lab equipment like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers, and resolving hardware-firmware integration challenges.
• A proven ability to design deterministic, fault-tolerant firmware with clear telemetry, error handling, and interface specifications.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in aerospace or other high-reliability embedded systems operating in challenging environments.
• Familiarity with communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, CAN, UART, and Ethernet.
• Experience developing hardware-in-the-loop or automated regression test infrastructure for embedded systems.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced startup setting with high ownership and minimal oversight.

Benefits:

• Unlimited PTO, sick leave, parental leave, and bereavement leave.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with reproductive healthcare, HSA/FSA options, and life/disability coverage.
• 401(k) plan, education benefits, reimbursements for cell phone and Wi-Fi, a one-time work-from-home stipend, commuter benefits, and wellness programs.

Export Control:

Due to the nature of the products and information involved in this role, employment is limited to U.S. Persons as defined by U.S. export control regulations.

Salary Band:

• L4: $120,000 - $160,000
• L5: $170,000 - $250,000

Diversity and Inclusion:

We encourage all interested candidates to apply, regardless of whether they meet every single qualification. We value builders who demonstrate strong judgment, ownership, and a history of success in making complex systems operate effectively in the real world.

Our commitment to recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and retaining a diverse workforce is crucial to our success. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Cosmic Frontier Labs is a Program and Operating Division of the Renaissance Philanthropy Fund, which is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.

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