Embedded Software Engineer IV - RUST

GROW WITH US AND STAY EXTRAORDINARY:
Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We’re not just reaching for the stars—we’re engineering them. Let’s innovate the infinite, together.
A DAY IN THE LIFE:
As an Embedded Software Engineer IV – RUST, you’ll drive engineering excellence as a highly experienced individual contributor, delivering advanced embedded software for satellite avionics and payload processing systems. You’ll design, implement, integrate, and optimize complex, Low-SWaP embedded solutions for high-performance and resource-constrained systems. You’ll provide system-level insight, work independently on advanced technical assignments, and collaborate across disciplines to ensure delivery of reliable and secure aerospace and defense solutions.
WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Develop and Optimize Software Solutions: Design, implement, and optimize embedded software for multi-core processors integrated with FPGAs (Xilinx, Microsemi, Microchip, Vorago) and resource-constrained environments.
• Architect Memory-Managed Systems: Build scalable, modular software that interfaces with custom hardware, sensors, radios, buses, and COMSEC devices.
• Linux and Bootloader Expertise: Develop and integrate Linux board support packages (BSPs), configure bootloaders (U-Boot, GRUB), and perform kernel-level customizations.
• Implement Networking and Security Protocols: Own implementation of high-speed networking and secure communications protocols (IP, TLS, IPsec) per RFC standards and project requirements.
• Develop RUST Drivers and Middleware: Design, implement, and test drivers and middleware supporting SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO, PCIe, Ethernet, or SpaceWire interconnect standards.
• Apply Secure System Practices: Use cryptographic techniques (AES, RSA, ECDSA, ECDH) and secure system principles in embedded applications, ensuring compliance with system-level security requirements.
• Lead Software Integration: Manage integration of complex hardware/software systems, including board- and system-level debugging and validation.
• Translate Architecture to Software: Convert high-level system requirements into modular, scalable software solutions.
• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Partner with systems, electrical, and FPGA engineers to ensure interface integrity and system-level functionality.
• Document and Communicate: Produce design documentation, test procedures, release notes, and compliance artifacts; participate in design reviews and technical exchanges with internal teams and customers.
• Proactively Solve Issues: Identify risks, troubleshoot deeply technical issues, and propose robust solutions independently.
• Support DevOps Practices: Maintain configuration management, automated builds, and CI/CD pipelines for embedded software products.

YOU’RE AWESOME AT:

• Advanced Embedded Engineering: You design, implement, and optimize complex embedded software for high-performance, low-SWaP aerospace systems.
• Independent Technical Leadership: You tackle challenging assignments with minimal guidance while providing system-level insight.
• Secure and Reliable Software Design: You apply cryptography, secure coding practices, and network protocols to mission-critical applications.
• Cross-Discipline Collaboration: You communicate technical concepts clearly and mentor peers while ensuring integration across hardware, FPGA, and systems teams.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• 7 or more years of experience developing embedded software, including real-time systems, hardware integration, and networking.
• Proficiency in embedded C/C++ and RUST programming for Linux environments.
• Advanced proficiency in memory-managed embedded languages such as RUST or Go for secure embedded systems.
• Experience with processor architectures such as ARM Cortex and RISC-V.
• Skilled in configuring and modifying Linux systems, including bootloaders and kernel development.
• Strong understanding of high-speed networking, communication protocols (IP, TLS, IPsec), and secure embedded design practices.
• Experience with hardware interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, PCIe, Ethernet, and SpaceWire.
• Familiarity with cryptographic systems (AES, RSA, ECDSA, ECDH) and secure software principles.
• Hands-on experience with embedded debugging tools, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
• Familiarity with parallel-processing frameworks such as OpenCL or CUDA is a plus.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or space systems environments is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to manage complex software issues independently.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical collaboration and documentation.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The starting base salary for this position ranges from $150,000 to $170,000 per year, depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, Innoflight offers a well-rounded compensation package that includes a Profit-Sharing Bonus and a Cash Performance Bonus to reward both individual and company performance. Additional benefits include:

• 401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
• 10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO (starting in year one)
• Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal and pet insurance.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE:

• Flexible Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off—whether you use it to recharge, work on a passion project, or spend time with family, the choice is yours.
• Continuous Learning & Development: We’re serious about professional development. From tuition reimbursement to internal "Ask Me Anything" sessions and weekly “Lunch & Learns,” we make learning a core part of the job.
• Mission-Driven Culture: We aren’t just building tech—we’re enabling the next era of space exploration. Our Culture Ambassadors help lead initiatives around inclusion, positivity, recognition, and transparency. Here, your voice is heard, your work is respected, and your individuality is celebrated.

BE YOU, WITH US:
At Innoflight, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone belongs. We recognize that great talent comes in many forms, and you don’t need to meet every requirement to bring value to our team. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t check every box.
YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Potential new employees must successfully complete a background check which includes criminal search, education certification and employment verification prior to hire. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S as you must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
A NOTE TO STAFFING AGENCIES:
Innoflight does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, recruiters, or any third-party sources. Any such submissions will be considered property of Innoflight, and no fees will be paid in the event a candidate is hired from an unsolicited referral.
To California residents applying for this job, please read Innoflight’s CCPA Notice: https://www.innoflight.com/careers/california-consumer-privacy-act-notice-for-job-applicants.

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