Firmware Engineer

Cosmic Frontier’s mission is to dramatically expand access to high performance space telescopes, democratize the scientific process, and build tools for exploring the Universe. Cosmic Frontier team members own the full lifecycle of spaceflight hardware and software, from early architecture through flight. We build and fly real hardware. The systems you build will go to orbit within the next two years. Role Description: We’re looking for a firmware engineer to build the embedded layer that makes the telescope behave, bridging sensors, actuators, timing, and flight software.If you care deeply about reliability and like living close to the hardware, we want to talk.What you’ll do:Write and maintain firmware for embedded controllers that interface with sensors and mechanisms, with deterministic timing and robust fault handlingOwn hardware bring up, drivers, and communications interfaces between embedded controllers and higher level computeBuild test hooks and HIL infrastructure so firmware can be validated continuously, not only at the endWhat Success looks like in the first 90 days:Bring up one real board or subsystem end to end and make it boring and reliableEstablish a repeatable firmware build, test, and hardware regression loopDefine the interface and telemetry contract that flight software will depend onRequired qualifications:Strong education background in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field, with significant experience developing embedded firmware for real time systemsStrong proficiency in C or C++ for microcontrollers, with experience writing low level drivers and working close to hardwareExperience with board bring up, debugging with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers, and resolving hardware firmware integration issuesProven ability to design deterministic, fault tolerant firmware with clear telemetry, error handling, and interface definitionsDesired Qualifications:Experience with aerospace or other high reliability embedded systems operating in harsh environmentsFamiliarity with common communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, CAN, UART, and EthernetExperience building hardware in the loop or automated regression test infrastructure for embedded systemsComfortable operating in a fast paced startup environment with high ownership and minimal hand holdingBenefits:Unlimited PTO, sick leave, parental leave, bereavement leave. Medical, dental, vision, reproductive healthcare, HSA/FSA, life and disability insurance, One Medical. 401(k), education benefits, cell phone and Wi-Fi reimbursement, one-time work-from-home stipend, commuter benefits, wellness programs. Export control:Due to the nature of the products and information handled in this role, employment is restricted to U.S. Persons as defined by U.S. export control laws. Salary Band:L4: $120,000 – $160,000 L5: $170,000 – $250,000Diversity and Inclusion: We encourage anyone who is excited about this role to apply, even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications. We value builders with strong judgment, high ownership, and a track record of making complex systems work in the real world. Recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and retaining a diverse workforce is critical to our success. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Cosmic Frontier Labs is a Program and Operating Division of the Renaissance Philanthropy Fund. Renaissance Philanthropy is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Renaissance Philanthropy Fund Privacy Policy