Embedded Software Engineer
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.
Where you can work
Fully remote, open only to people based in United States.
Copied from the listing Starfish Space published, verified 29 Oct 2026.
The application
Your details and CV, then 4 questions.
- 1.ITAR Eligibility Requirements: Starfish must comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Are you a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., proYes or no
- 2.Defense Contracts: Some of our important customers include the US Space Force and Space Development Agency; are you comfortable working on defense contracts?Yes or no
- 3.Work Location: We believe it's important to be in the same location regularly; are you comfortable working from Tukwila, WA? (Or other location as listed on job posting.)Yes or no
- 4.Startup Reality: Despite making some progress, as an early stage company we are unlikely to maximize your job security or salary; are you okay with that?Yes or no
Taken from the application form Starfish Space runs, verified 29 Oct 2026.
About Starfish Space
Satellite servicing spacecraft that dock with satellites in orbit.
Experienced in Flight Software & GNC?
Space employers come to us looking for a particular skill, location or credential. Leave your details one time, at no cost, and we put you forward when a role matches, never without your yes.
Starfish Space openings, sent to your inbox
Each week we send what Starfish Space posted since the last email, with comparable openings at other space companies. No cost, and you can stop it with one click.
Hiring for Starfish Space? Feature this role to get a marked Featured slot above the lists and the lead place in the weekly job email for 30 days. Pricing:$99 for a single role, or $299 to cover every role you have open.