Principal Software Engineer (Embedded Linux)

TL;DR

Principal Software Engineer (Embedded Linux): Designing and building the foundational platform infrastructure for the TeraWave satellite communications network with an accent on Linux-based embedded systems and secure, performant operations. Focus on designing OTA update systems, optimizing Linux kernels for custom SoC designs, and implementing high-throughput telemetry pipelines for LEO satellites.

Location: Must be based in the Greater Seattle Area or Bay Area, CA. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident (Green Card), refugee, or granted asylum per Export Control Regulations.

Salary: $230,773 - $323,081

Company

hirify.global develops reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems to enable millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth.

What you will do

• Design and implement core Linux-based platform infrastructure, including process management and robust IPC frameworks.
• Architect global image management and Over-the-Air (OTA) update systems for a multi-thousand-vehicle fleet.
• Build high-throughput, low-overhead logging and telemetry pipelines from edge devices to ground-based data centers.
• Partner with Silicon, Electrical, and RF teams to optimize the Linux kernel and drivers for custom SoC designs.
• Implement secure boot flows, runtime security monitoring, and hardware-backed credential management.
• Own the full software lifecycle for deployment on satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in CS, CE, or STEM field, or 10+ years of professional software development experience.
• 8+ years of experience with C or C++ in a Linux or embedded environment.
• Deep proficiency with the Linux kernel, driver development, memory management, and debugging tools (GDB, perf, eBPF).
• Experience with build systems such as Buildroot, Yocto, or Bazel.
• Compliance with U.S. Export Control Regulations regarding citizenship or residency status.

Nice to have

• Experience building infrastructure for large-scale distributed systems or device fleets.
• Proficiency in Rust or Python for systems-level tooling and automation.
• Strong understanding of the Linux networking stack (TCP/IP, UDP) and custom routing protocols.
• Experience with mission-critical systems in aerospace, automotive, or medical industries.
• Ability to analyze assembly code or use hardware-level diagnostics.

Culture & Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%.
• Paid parental leave and an Education Support Program.
• Up to four weeks of PTO and 14 company-paid holidays per year.
• Inclusive workplace culture dedicated to authentic employment and equal opportunity.