> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2717032-staff-embedded-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2717032-staff-embedded-software-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Staff Embedded Software Engineer - **Company:** Observable - **Location:** Los Angeles, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Automation of Tests, Continuous Integration, Software Debugging, Linux on Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Ethernet, Hardware Interface Design, Linux Kernel, Open Source Technology, PCI Express, Real-Time Operating Systems, Sensor Fusion, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, Serial Peripheral Interface, Yocto - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/staff-embedded-software-engineer-observable-space-8130617 ## About the Role * 5+ years in embedded software engineering or systems-level development. * Strong proficiency in C and modern C++-and good judgment about when not to overuse templates. * Solid understanding of DC power systems, motor drivers, and common hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, CAN, Ethernet, MIPI, PCIe). * Experience bringing up high-speed interfaces, especially PCIe and MIPI CSI-2 (D-PHY 1.4+). * Deep familiarity with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, multimeters, and power debugging tools. * Ability to read and interpret schematics, understand board-level considerations, and debug at the electrical-software boundary. * Strong debugging intuition-and the humility to know that debugging is 90% of the job. * Experience in fast-paced prototyping environments and a bias toward quick iteration. * Strong product sense: you prioritize manufacturing reliability, robustness, and long-term serviceability. Preferred Qualifications * Experience with Zephyr RTOS, embedded networking stacks, or sensor fusion. * Experience with Qualcomm SoCs and their BSP/driver ecosystems. * Experience with 3 phase motor drivers and tuning parameters park/clark vector control. * Background in vision processing, image pipelines, or camera-focused algorithms. * Contributions to open-source embedded or Linux kernel projects. * Passion for astronomy, physics, and scientific exploration. ## Description As a Staff Embedded Software Engineer, you will work across our full product line, from robotic ground telescopes to on-orbit compute platforms. You will design and maintain embedded Linux systems, bring up complex peripherals, build rock-solid drivers, and architect software that will run for decades in remote and harsh environments. This role is deeply hands-on: you will read schematics, work shoulder-to-shoulder with electrical and mechanical teams, debug unusual edge cases, and own Yocto-based platforms down to the metal. You will report to the Embedded Engineering Lead. What You'll Do * Architect, implement, and document embedded Linux systems composed of multiple daemons, services, and hardware interfaces designed for extreme reliability in remote and space environments. * Own the BSP and driver stack across PCIe, SPI, I2C, UART, MIPI CSI-2, GPIO, and other hardware interfaces. * Bring up high-speed peripherals (PCIe endpoints, MIPI cameras, high-bandwidth data links) and ensure their long-term robustness. * Maintain build system health: keep Yocto builds unblocked, reproducible, and hardened through strict CI/CD testing gates. * Design for resilience: create systems that can run autonomously for years with minimal human intervention. * Collaborate on automated testing: help the test team build lab infrastructure that enables frictionless writing and execution of hardware-in-the-loop tests. * Participate in product design reviews to ensure manufacturability, serviceability, and field reliability. ## Related Videos - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [The Gashlycrumb Tinies of AI Networking You Must Know (or Languish!)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2067-the-gashlycrumb-tinies-of-ai-networking-you-must-know-or-languish) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Car's are Technology on Wheels - Impact of Software and IT Competence in Automotive](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/780-car-s-are-technology-on-wheels-impact-of-software-and-it-competence-in-automotive) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [Strange New Worlds: shaping the future of the digital age](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/677-strange-new-worlds-shaping-the-future-of-the-digital-age) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers)