Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Actuators & Control Systems)

About the role

As 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


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)