Embedded Software Engineer
- Location
- Tukwila, WA
- Work type
- Hybrid
- Job type
- Full-time
- Salary
- $100K – $180K / yr
- Clearance
- Not required
- U.S. citizenship
- Not stated
- Posted
- Sep 17, 2026
- Department
- Engineering
About the role
About Starfish Space
Starfish Space provides satellite servicing missions with its Otter servicing vehicle, including life extension missions for geostationary satellites and disposal missions for low Earth orbit satellites. Founded in 2019, Starfish has raised over $150M in venture capital funding and built a team of engineers with experience spanning satellite guidance, navigation, control, and autonomous robotics. Starfish has launched several missions to-date, and is focused on delivering Otter satellite servicing missions for SES, the U.S. Space Force, the Space Development Agency, NASA, and others.
Position Description
Starfish's spacecraft requires high performance software; thus, we are looking for an embedded software engineer who can help us build core software technologies that will be used across a variety of Starfish satellite systems, including relative navigation, robotics, and grappling teams. This position will build software that controls the key technologies that allow Starfish's satellites to interact with other spacecraft and actuate a variety of proprietary mechanisms. This is an exciting chance to help build completely novel, new technology that will soon fly in space!
Qualifications
3+ years of experience working on embedded software products
Previous experience working with and creating HIL / PIL systems
Experience writing software for a variety of different compute hardware and architectures
Working knowledge of Python and C++
Must be a US person due to ITAR regulations (citizen, permanent resident, or designated asylee / refugee)
Willing to work from Tukwila, Washington
Capable of working a dynamic, fast paced startup environment
B.S. degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering or similar field
Preferred Experience
Previous experience in the aerospace industry is a plus, but not required
ITAR Requirements 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.