> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3140919-principal-embedded-software-engineer-actuators-control-systems](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3140919-principal-embedded-software-engineer-actuators-control-systems). 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). --- # Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Actuators & Control Systems) - **Company:** Job Impulse - **Location:** Redondo Beach, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** C++ (Programming Language), Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, Embedded C, Embedded Software, Ethernet, Fault Tolerance, Firmware, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, Serial Peripheral Interface, Control Structures, State Machines - **Published:** September 29, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.juju.com/job/16_610b2eaf ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. * 12+ years of embedded C/C++ development experience for electromechanical control systems * Experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, hardware debuggers, and source-level debuggers to troubleshoot problems at all layers of the stack. * Experience implementing real-time control loops, motor commutation, and actuator calibration routines * Proficiency working with servo motors, stepper motors, or brushless DC motors * Strong understanding of low-level hardware and digital interfaces (I2C, SPI, CAN, UART) Preferred Skills and Experience * Prior work on rocket engine controller software, including valve sequencing and abort logic * Experience with satellite attitude control systems (ACS), including reaction wheels, magnetorquers, and small thrusters. * Familiarity with redundant actuator architectures and fault detection/response algorithms * Exposure to space environment constraints such as vacuum, temperature extremes, and radiation upsets Additional Information: Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan. 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. Learn more about the ITAR here. ## Description DescriptionAs a Senior Embedded Software Engineer at Impulse focused on Actuation & Control Systems, you will be responsible for developing embedded software that controls a variety of actuated systems across launch vehicles and spacecraft. These include rocket engine valves, satellite thrusters, thrust vector control actuators, and motor-driven devices such as reaction wheels and gimbals. You will collaborate with propulsion, avionics, and GNC teams to design high-performance, fault-tolerant firmware capable of operating reliably in harsh environments such as launch and space., * Develop real-time firmware for controlling: Rocket engine valves and thrust vector control actuators (TVCAs); Satellite propulsion systems, including cold gas and electric thrusters; and Motor-driven systems such as reaction wheels, gimbals, and momentum wheels * Implement closed-loop control for: Position, velocity, torque, and pressure regulation; as well as Feedback via encoders, LVDTs, resolvers, current sensors, and pressure sensors * Interface with motor drivers and redundant actuator systems using protocols like CAN, SPI, UART, Ethernet, RS-422, and BISS-C. * Design and implement safety-critical state machines for thrust sequences, valve actuation, pressurization, and safe shutdowns * Participate in hotfire campaigns, environmental testing, and in-flight diagnostics * Write unit-tested and reviewable production firmware for use in both testbeds and spacecraft ## Related Videos - [Cyber Security: Small, and Large!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/259-cyber-security-small-and-large) - [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) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [Your next 10x engineer isn't in your city. Refactor accordingly.](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100103-your-next-10x-engineer-isn-t-in-your-city-refactor-accordingly) - [When Agents Meet Legacy: Never Change a Running System](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100320-when-agents-meet-legacy-never-change-a-running-system) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers) - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? Realistic Software Engineering Salaries](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/425-how-much-does-a-software-engineer-make-realistic-software-engineering-salaries) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Are Software Engineer Wages Being Pushed Down? A Report on Tech Salaries](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/417-are-software-engineer-wages-being-pushed-down-a-report-on-tech-salaries) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs)