Embedded Software Engineer (FPGA and Firmware)
Array Labs
Software Engineering
Palo Alto, CA, USA
USD 150k-400k / year + Equity
Posted 6+ months ago
At Array Labs, we are building the world's most advanced satellite radar constellation to create a high-resolution 3D digital twin of the Earth. Our mission is to provide "lidar-like" 3D data and imagery from space, serving critical applications for both commercial and defense customers.
This is a deep tech challenge in the truest sense. We're solving complex problems that span hardware, software, and data—from designing satellite systems for the harshness of space to building the massive "data factory" that turns raw sensor data into beautiful 3D products. We are looking for first-principles engineers who want to build, deploy, and scale a one-of-a-kind, vertically-integrated system from the ground up.
In this role, you will work closely with our radar, communications, and spacecraft teams to build cutting-edge hardware, rapidly moving all the way from clean-sheet designs to full operational deployment in space. You will help shape the design of the world’s first formation-flying radar imaging constellation, which will deliver a quantum-leap in humanity's ability to rapidly and comprehensively understand our ever-changing world.
Responsibilities:
- Write and maintain firmware in Embedded C/C++ for FPGA-based systems (Zynq US+ MPSoC Devices)
- Design, implement, and optimize FPGA solutions for satellite payloads using Xilinx FPGAs
- Develop and maintain Linux-based embedded systems using Petalinux/Yocto build systems
- Establish and implement FPGA build and deploy processes
- Create Python scripts for automation, testing, and data analysis
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelors in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or a related field
- 3-6 years of experience in FPGA and/or embedded design and development
- Experience with Xilinx FPGA design tools and workflows
- Experience with embedded C/C++ for firmware development
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills
- High levels of self-motivation and personal accountability
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under significant time constraints
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Experience building software for complex embedded systems or custom SoCs
- Familiarity with Linux-based embedded systems development (Petalinux/Yocto)
- Familiarity with Linux kernel drivers and related HW/SW interfaces
- Hands-on experience in FPGA build and deploy processes
- Proficiency in Python scripting for automation and testing
- Experience with satellite systems or aerospace applications
- Ability to read, interpret and modify schematic diagrams
ITAR Requirements:
- To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Equal Opportunity Employer
- Array Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made on the basis of merit, competence, and job qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by gender, color, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender identity, veteran status, disability status, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Interview Process
We will conduct interviews via Zoom; the typical process takes around 2-4 weeks to complete from start to finish.
Hiring and Compensation Strategy
Our hiring and compensation strategy is simple:
1) find uncommonly good people
2) pay them uncommonly well
You can anticipate competitive pay, with high flexibility between salary and equity-based compensation.
Why you should join Array Labs
Array Labs is launching a constellation of satellites to create the first high-resolution, real-time, three-dimensional model of Earth. Our next-generation satellite technology will offer image quality 60x greater than traditional techniques, profoundly expanding humanity’s ability to understand and respond to events on a global scale.
In forging an affordable, accessible, accurate representation of Earth, our work has the potential to transform the face of dozens of fields, including autonomy, telecommunications, disaster relief, gaming, climate science, defense and construction.
150000 - 400000 USD a year