Principal Embedded Engineer - Space Systems

About the role

Hubble Network was founded with the intention of delivering on the promise of what Internet-of-Things (IoT) was supposed to be. We're building a global Bluetooth® network dedicated to machine-to-machine connectivity. We differentiate ourselves as the first modem-less and gateway-less, direct-to-satellite network from off-the-shelf Bluetooth® Low Energy chips. Hubble is ideal for applications in logistics, AgTech, and maritime where economies of scale for volume consumer and enterprise asset tracking is a priority. Our goal is to be the first billion-endpoint-connected network in the world. Hubble is an early-stage, venture-backed startup supported by some of the best investors in the world. In their previous lives, the founding team has been successful in raising $100s of millions in venture funding, developing the Amazon Sidewalk network, launching billions of dollars of space assets, and leading their teams to successful exits, both through acquisition and IPO. We are now looking to bring on talented team members who are the best at what they do to help us make Hubble a reality for the world. We are seeking an experienced Principal Embedded Engineer to architect and implement software for our satellite systems. This is a hands-on role where you will work closely with our hardware, RF, and operations teams to develop high-reliability embedded software that powers our constellation. You will act as a technical leader on our engineering team, taking system-level requirements and translating them into robust, efficient embedded solutions that operate in the harsh space environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to work across the full embedded stack: from low-level device drivers to application-level software managing satellite operations, all while contributing to the architecture of our next-generation satellite platform. This is a full-time position based in Seattle, WA Key Responsibilities Python & C Development: Write high-quality, maintainable code in both Python and C for satellite command scripts and performance-critical embedded applications. Embedded Linux Systems: Design, implement, and maintain embedded Linux systems for satellite payloads, including kernel configuration, driver development, and system optimization for resource-constrained space hardware. Low-Level Driver Development: Develop and debug device drivers for common interfaces (SPI,I2C, UART, Ethernet) and peripherals including ADCs, DACs, DDR memory controllers, and custom hardware. Flight Software Architecture: Contribute to the design and implementation of satellite flight software, including command & data handling, telemetry systems, and autonomous operations. Hardware Bring-Up: Lead board bring-up activities for new hardware, working closely with electrical engineers to validate designs, debug interfaces, and commission new systems. Space Environment Considerations: Design software with awareness of space-specific challenges including radiation effects (SEUs, latch-up), thermal constraints, and power budgets. How We Work Hands-On Engineering: We value engineers who can move seamlessly between architecture ,implementation, and debugging. You'll work with real hardware daily. Cross-Functional Collaboration: You'll interface with RF engineers, digital design engineers, mechanical engineers, and operations staff to ensure software meets system-level needs. Tools: We use modern development tools including AI, Git, Jira, and Confluence. Experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG debuggers is essential. An Ideal Candidate Has A Sense of Urgency: Lead projects from concept to reality, rapidly and effectively High Learning Agility: Love to learn; have a grounded approach to recognizing your weaknesses and take the initiative to brush up on and sharpen your engineering foundations to better collaborate with your teammates with different backgrounds System-Level Design and Analysis: Understand the requirements flow down process and be able to quickly iterate on evolving requirements Excellent Communication Skills: Effectively convey ideas and communicate technical topics with engineering, build staff, and operations; run self-directed design reviews and participate in reviews of parallel systems Anticipation of Needs: Identify problems, think creatively, and rapidly produce reliable and cost-effective solutions to meet the ever growing and changing needs of an early-stage company Qualifications 8+ Years of Experience : Proven track record of delivering embedded systems for production hardware, preferably in Aerospace, Defense, or other high-reliability domains. Experience acting as a technical leader and trusted mentor, fostering engineering excellence through hands-on collaboration and coaching. Expert-Level C Programming: Deep understanding of C for embedded systems, including memory management, real-time constraints, and optimization techniques. Expert-Level Python : Strong Python skills for scripting, automation, test frameworks, and ground system integration. Embedded Linux Proficiency: Solid experience with embedded Linux (kernel configuration, device drivers, build root/Yocto, or similar). Hardware Interface Experience: Demonstrated ability to work with SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet, and other common protocols. Experience with ADCs, DACs, and memory interfaces (DDR). Hardware Debug Skills: Comfortable using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG debuggers to troubleshoot hardware and software issues. Space Systems (Optional): Experience designing for the space environment, including radiation hardening techniques, thermal management, and understanding of single-event effects. FPGA Integration (Optional): Experience interfacing with or developing alongside FPGAs, including familiarity with common communication interfaces (AXI, PCIe, custom parallel buses),register-mapped peripheral access from embedded Linux or bare-metal environments, and collaborative bring-up with digital design engineers. Why Join Hubble? Technical Challenge: Work on embedded systems that operate in one of the most demanding environments—space. Impact: Your software will enable the connectivity of billions of Bluetooth devices from orbit. Growth: Work alongside experienced engineers who have built complex systems at scale, including satellite constellations and massive IoT networks. Next-Generation Platform: Help define the software architecture for Hubble's future satellite generations. Compensation & Benefits 💰 Salary: $200,000.00 - $250,000.00/year (final compensation is determined by experience level, technical depth, and interview performance) 🩺 Comprehensive Benefits – Health, Dental, Vision, & HSA options 🌍 Unlimited PTO 🚇 Commuter Benefits (if working from HQ) 🎓 Learning & Development Allowance 💪 Health & Wellness Stipend Hubble Network, Inc. – Proprietary and Confidential 4 🌎 Sabbatical Program – Recharge and explore new ideas 🛠 Cutting-Edge Space Tech – Work on state-of-the-art satellite system ITAR Requirements Hubble is required by the U.S. Government to comply with various space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident ("green card holder") as defined by ITAR (22 CFR§120.15). More information on ITAR can be found here. Hubble is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Each individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal employment opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Seattle Washington Washington Pay $200,000 — $250,000 USD