Principal Software Engineer (Intra-Satellite Networking)

TL;DR

Principal Software Engineer (Intra-Satellite Networking): Own the full SDLC for intra-satellite data plane networking and platform software across multiple hardware platforms with an accent on kernel-level subsystems, ASIC/FPGA integration, and real-time performance in orbital environments. Focus on designing scalable networking stacks, troubleshooting BSPs, and ensuring low-latency reliability under high-velocity dynamics and topology changes.

Greater Seattle Area, Bay Area, CA

Compensation Range: $230,773 - $323,082 (CA/WA applicants)

Company

hirify.global develops reusable space vehicles and systems for global satellite constellations providing high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity.

What you will do

• Define technical roadmap for intra-satellite data plane networking and platform software stacks.
• Lead design and implementation of kernel-level networking, ASIC programming, and HALs.
• Drive architectural decisions through Design Review Boards with cross-functional teams.
• Develop test strategies, foundation software for hardware bring-up, and troubleshoot BSPs.
• Solve FPGA stability issues and deliver scalable end-to-end networking solutions.
• Scale team by recruiting, mentoring engineers, and conducting code/design reviews.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related STEM discipline.
• 15+ years of professional software development experience.
• Expert-level proficiency in C, C++, or Python.
• U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident (Green Card), refugee, or asylee (Export Control Regulations).

Nice to have

• Deep expertise in UDP, TCP/IP, Layer 2 protocols (RSTP, Link Aggregation, QCN).
• Advanced QoS knowledge in high-performance networks.
• Experience with network switch/ASIC programming, Linux kernel networking, BSPs.
• Hardware/software co-design with FPGA/ASIC teams.
• Hands-on with ARM/x86 in embedded real-time environments.
• CI/CD, testing, security in distributed systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid parental leave, short/long-term disability.
• 401(k) with up to 5% company match, Education Support Program.
• Up to 4 weeks PTO per year, 14 company holidays.
• Potential bonuses based on contributions (not guaranteed).
• Background checks required; some roles need DBIDS, Merchant Mariner Credential, or CDL.