Senior Embedded Systems Engineer

Katalyst Description

Katalyst is an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations. We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to create the future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains.

We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space exploration that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You'll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it's harder. You'll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best. Oh, and we're dog friendly!

Benefits

• Stock options & equity
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k)
• Unlimited PTO
• Catered lunches

What You'll Do

• Design, develop, test, and maintain embedded software for microcontroller- and processor-based systems.
• Develop production-quality firmware in C and C++ for bare-metal and RTOS-based applications.
• Develop Python-based tools for test automation, hardware interfacing, data processing, debugging, and engineering workflows.
• Develop and integrate low-level drivers for interfaces and peripherals including SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, ADC, PWM, GPIO, timers, watchdogs, and other hardware peripherals.
• Work closely with electrical engineers during board bring-up, hardware integration, and troubleshooting.
• Debug complex hardware/software issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG/Develop software for real-time monitoring, control, telemetry, command processing, and system health management.
• Perform design reviews, code reviews, and technical peer reviews.
• Develop unit, integration, hardware-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop and system-level tests.
• Perform hands-on hardware integration and assembly tasks as needed, including soldering, cable and harness fabrication, connector assembly, mechanical assembly, and hardware rework.

What We're Looking For

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of professional embedded systems or embedded software development experience.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and python.
• Strong understanding of microcontroller architecture, memory-mapped peripherals, interrupts, timers, DMA, memory management, and embedded communication interfaces.
• Experience with embedded communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, or similar interfaces.
• Experience performing board bring-up and debugging hardware/software integration issues.
• Hands-on proficiency with laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power supplies, electronic loads, and data acquisition equipment.
• Proficiency with Git or another modern version-control system.
• Experience writing unit tests and developing automated software tests.

Your Ideal Background

Preferred

• Experience developing embedded software for spacecraft or other mission-critical systems through qualification and operational deployment.
• Experience with bootloaders, firmware update mechanisms, nonvolatile memory, and over-the-air software updates.
• Experience with fault-tolerant embedded systems, including FDIR, watchdogs, redundancy, and safe-state behavior.
• Experience developing Python-based test frameworks, HIL/SIL environments, automated regression tests, and engineering tools.
• Experience with requirements-driven development and major technical reviews such as PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR.
• Strong understanding of embedded hardware, including analog/digital interfaces, processors/FPGAs, power electronics, spacecraft communication interfaces, radiation effects, and hardware/software integration.

Additional Requirements

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $130,000 - $180,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment.