Senior Embedded Software Architect

Roles and Responsibilities:

Job Duties:

• Create embedded software architecture for Atmel ATMEGA microprocessors that interface with spacecraft platforms and control Altius Space Machines’ proprietary Electro-Permanent Magnet (EPM) technology.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to define software requirements.
• Guide and oversee development of software architecture and flow diagrams.
• Provide guidance and architectural advice for software-controlled flyback converters and high-speed ADC sampling with noise rejection and filtering.
• Develop a framework/architecture for a networking/daisy-chaining interface to control multiple EPM devices simultaneously through one communication bus.
• Develop software framework and provide guidance to subordinate software engineers for a space communication protocol to talk to space host platforms: CAN bus, EtherCAT, or others.
• Provide guidance to develop radiation tolerant and/or self-correcting embedded software.
• Develop an embedded software architecture to include error correction code (ECC) and other radiation single event upset (SEU) protections.
• Develop a strategy for leveraging watchdog timers and other protections against radiation-induced latch-up.
• Provide guidance and support for software engineers performing hardware integration in the lab.
• Develop software standards and processes.
• Mentor and provide guidance to software engineer subordinates.  Train subordinates with expertise required to become an embedded software subject matter expert.
• Potential future projects include software control of actuators, motors, robotics, dust tolerant & contactless communication interfaces, and magnetic gears.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, Physics or related disciplines is strongly desired, but this requirement can be waived for sufficiently experienced candidates.
• 10+ years of experience in the Aerospace Industry.
• Experience developing software in embedded C.  Other languages are a bonus.
• Demonstrated experience developing firmware for communication over CAN bus protocol.
• Experience presenting to program management and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated Atmel (or other) microprocessor software and hardware integration experience.
• Agile software development lifecycle experience.
• Desire to work hands-on, both independently and as part of a team, throughout the development and production phases of the product life cycle.
• Must be a US citizen.

Required Skills:

• Self-starter willing to take complete ownership of ground-up embedded C firmware architecture and framework development.
• CAN bus protocol.
• Willing to own development of firmware requirements and architecture while closely collaborating with electrical and software engineers.
• Willing to present periodic progress in peer reviews with demonstrated functionality.
• Works closely with program managers and other members of the design team to set realistic development timelines and define scope of work.
• EEPROM read/write access for storing and reporting operational telemetry.
• Precisely timed I/O and low-noise ADC sampling.
• Use of microcontroller development and debug kits.
• Generates and leverages software flow diagrams to fully understand system functionality.
• GitHub revision control.
• Well documented with traceable design flow and thorough best-practice code commenting habits.
• Radiation or error tolerant code.

Desired Skills:

• Microchip Studio debug environment.
• CAN communication protocol for space applications.
• Robotic systems or electro-mechanical system control.
• Leadership mindset and willingness to lay the foundation for an Altius software framework.

Altius does not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.