About ExoTerra
ExoTerra is a world leader in solar electric propulsion systems and space exploration satellites. The company develops Hall Thrusters, propulsion modules, microsatellites, and launch vehicle upper stages. We have been awarded multiple propulsion module and satellite contracts.
Job Summary
ExoTerra is a rapidly growing small business specializing in Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) Modules. We are seeking an Embedded Software Engineering Manager to lead a team of engineers. We are looking for a hands on technical leader who maintains high standards while handling delegation, motivation and organization. This is an onsite position.
Job Duties
- Lead and mentor a team of embedded software engineers, providing technical direction and code review while staying hands-on in firmware development
- Manage sprint planning, task prioritization, workload balancing, and performance feedback
- Design, develop, test, and debug embedded C/C++ applications, device drivers, and bootloaders for mission-critical power electronics hardware
- Architect real-time software on RTOS platforms with CAN-based networking, across 8-bit and 32-bit space-grade and radiation-tolerant processors
- Oversee supporting tools used for verification, production testing, and customer integration (primarily Python, plus JavaScript/HTML/CSS and Electron-based desktop applications)
- Own department documentation, including requirements, design documents, and test plans and reports for a regulated aerospace environment
- Develop schedules, staffing plans, and technical roadmaps with hardware, systems, product, and quality teams
- Manage configuration control, coding standards, and development best practices
- Recruit, onboard, and mentor engineers and interns, and run the internship program
- Support customer technical integration as needed
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field
- 5+ years leading an embedded software engineering team
- Significant embedded C/C++ experience, including drivers and/or bootloaders
- Experience with RTOS and embedded communication protocols common in industrial or aerospace applications
- Python experience for tools and utilities
- Hands-on experience with cross-compilers, build systems (e.g., CMake), and debug tools (e.g., JTAG/SWD)
- Experience with the software lifecycle in a regulated or safety-critical industry, with clear technical documentation (requirements, designs, test plans and reports)
- Experience with version control and issue tracking (e.g., Jira)
Preferred Qualifications
- Embedded software experience in space, aerospace, or other high-reliability hardware
- Experience moving code between 8-bit and 32-bit targets
- Experience with JavaScript/HTML/CSS, Electron, and database-backed data logging
- Exposure to Rust or interest in modern systems languages
- Experience supporting production test, verification, or customer integration
- Familiarity with AS9100, NASA/ESA, or similar quality standards
- Experience running an internship or early-career mentorship program
- Agile experience in a hardware-adjacent environment
Export Control 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.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $115,000–$190,000 per year (dependent on experience and qualifications)
ExoTerra offers a comprehensive total compensation package including competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, paid time off (PTO), comprehensive health benefits, and various other benefits. When you join our team, you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.
Equal Employment Opportunity
ExoTerra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.