Embedded Software Engineer, Platform (Starshield)
Hawthorne · 2+ years experience · Posted Oct 8, 2026
At a glance
- Experience
- 2+ years experience
- Location
- Hawthorne
About the role
- The Starshield Software team builds the software that boots, runs, and secures spacecraft and ground systems for national security customers.
- As an Embedded Software Engineer on the Platform team, you will contribute to the stack including bootloaders, Linux kernel, drivers, and firmware to control CPU and FPGA hardware.
- You will own the software through its full lifecycle, from development and testing to on-orbit support.
Responsibilities
- Maintain and update in-house branches of open-source software such as Linux, Buildroot, and U-Boot
- Design and implement platform security including secure boot and runtime integrity
- Support Platform-specific test infrastructure
- Own device drivers and board-level firmware for in-house and vendor components
- Define and maintain interfaces between the platform layer and userspace / mission software
- Work with Electrical, FPGA, and application software teams to take boards from prototype through on-orbit operations
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree
- System-level development experience in C, C++, or Rust
- Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to conform to U.S. Government export regulations
- Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance
Preferred qualifications
- Experience developing in the Linux kernel
- Experience working with computer architecture and modern secure boot flows
- Experience with ARM and/or FPGA SoC embedded systems
- Experience with testing, continuous integration, build, deployment, and continuous monitoring
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Short and long-term disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- 3 weeks of paid vacation
- 10 or more paid holidays per year
- Paid sick leave
- Long-term incentives (company stock or cash awards)
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Skills
- C
- C++
- Rust
- Linux
- Buildroot
- U-Boot
- ARM
- FPGA
- SoC
