Company Description
At Protostar Labs, we design and develop onboard intelligent vision and data processing systems for high-reliability environments where size, weight, power, and cost are tightly constrained. Our technologies bring intelligence directly to satellites, enabling efficient in-orbit data processing, edge AI, and more autonomous space missions.
We work on institutional and commercial space projects, partnering with startups, established companies, and organizations such as the European Space Agency. While space remains our primary focus, our technologies also support demanding terrestrial sectors such as defense, robotics, and industrial automation.
Role Overview
We are looking for an Embedded Software Engineer to join our team and contribute to real-world projects across demanding industries.
In this role, you will work alongside experienced engineers to design, implement, and test firmware and embedded software on target hardware, gaining hands-on experience with space and defense-grade systems from day one.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain firmware and embedded software in C/C++ under the guidance of senior engineers.
- Implement and integrate communication interfaces (SPI, I2C, CAN, UART) with sensors and peripherals.
- Participate in firmware bring-up, testing, and on-target validation.
- Support the integration of embedded vision systems and imaging sensors.
- Contribute to monitoring and control software for power management, thermal regulation, and system health.
- Participate in software and design reviews, and maintain clear technical documentation.
- Manage code revisions using version control practices.
Required Skills
- Experience in embedded software development in C/C++.
- Familiarity with microcontroller architectures such as STM32, ESP, or similar platforms.
- Working knowledge of communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, CAN, and UART.
- Some experience with firmware debugging and on-target validation.
- Basic understanding of digital electronics and the ability to read hardware schematics.
- Proficiency in technical English, written and spoken.
Bonus Points
- Familiarity with Linux environments and embedded Linux platforms.
- Exposure to real-time operating systems such as Zephyr and FreeRTOS.
- Experience with PCB design tools such as Altium or KiCad.
- Interest or experience in embedded vision systems and image processing, for example OpenCV.
- Soldering skills, including SMD rework.
What We Offer
- Work on real space technologies, including onboard data processing, edge AI, and intelligent vision systems for satellites.
- Learn from a small, highly skilled engineering team in a fast-moving environment.
- Opportunity to experiment with new technologies and contribute to real space missions.
- Professional development through training within the ESA ecosystem, and participation in international conferences, workshops, and trade shows.
- Flexible working hours.
- Unlimited coffee and drinks.