Embedded Software Engineer

About us:

At GATE Space, we develop green, chemical in-space propulsion solutions for the NewSpace economy. Drawing on years of experience developing rocket engines, our team is chasing the dream of a thriving economy in space and tackling space engineering problems with a rapid prototyping philosophy. We focus on the development of two products: The GATE Jetpack – a plug-and-play mobility solution for satellite missions – and the GATE Thruster – the world’s first chemical propulsion system capable of highly responsive deep throttling and differential thrust stabilization.

_At GATE Space, we are committed to workforce diversity, equality and inclusion. We want to build a diverse team and welcome and value all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief._

About your role:

As an Embedded Software Engineer at GATE Space, you will be responsible for embedded software architecture, implementation, and automated testing. You’ll play a key role in developing close-to-hardware firmware in C/C++ and integrating FPGA-based solutions, while architecting robust Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments and CI/CD pipelines to validate system performance. This hands-on role requires you to work closely with the electrical engineering team during hardware bring-up and offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge propulsion development in a fast-paced environment, supporting the entire development lifecycle.

Your primary tasks:

• Embedded Development: Design, implement, and maintain close-to-hardware software and firmware in C and C++.
• FPGA Integration: Develop, interface, and verify FPGA-based solutions, bridging the gap between programmable hardware logic and low-level software.
• Test & Infrastructure: Architect and build robust test setups, specifically designing and operating Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments to validate firmware performance and safety.
• Automation Pipeline: Establish and maintain CI/CD pipelines to automate embedded software builds, testing, and deployment directly to hardware targets.
• Scripting & Tooling: Write robust Python scripts for test automation, data analysis, and hardware interfacing.
• Hardware Bring-Up: Work hands-on with the electrical engineering team during prototype bring-up, debugging complex hardware/software interactions using oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.
• System Architecture: Take ownership of software trade-offs, microcontroller selection, and the software architecture of custom PCB designs.

Your Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent / self-taught.
• Industry experience of at least four (4) years in as many of the following areas:
• Extensive experience programming in C and C++ close to the hardware.
• Hands-on experience with microcontrollers.
• Hands-on experience with bring-up and debugging of embedded hardware
• Experience writing Python for tooling, automation, or data handling.
• Proven ability to design and build automated test setups and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) systems.
• Experience setting up and managing CI/CD workflows for embedded systems.
• Experience debugging low-level communication protocols (e.g., SPI, I2C, CAN, UART).
• [Optional but desired] Hands-on experience with FPGA development (VHDL/Verilog) and toolchains.
• [Optional but desired] Hands-on experience with real-time operating systems (FreeRTOS, etc.).
• [Optional but desired] Experience with Beckhoff or similar automation systems (TwinCAT, EtherCAT).
• [Optional but desired] Work experience in aerospace, medical, automotive, or other safety-critical applications.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities, especially when troubleshooting at the hardware-software boundary.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical trade-offs to cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to evolving priorities.

About your employment

We are looking for a full-time employee, starting as soon as possible.**** This role is in-person in Vienna, Austria with occasional travel to customers all across Europe & the US as well as conferences and industry events globally.

What we offer

• Minimum annual gross salary of EUR 55,000. A higher salary can be offered depending on qualifications, experience, and professional background.
• A front-row seat in the development and implementation of innovative space missions and technologies.
• The opportunity to help shape a rapidly growing European space company.
• Competitive compensation package depending on qualifications and experience.
• Variable compensation opportunities as part of performance and reward programs.
• Daily company-sponsored lunch.
• Public transportation ticket.
• Flexible working hours.
• Direct collaboration with leading industrial, scientific, and institutional partners.
• A highly motivated and ambitious international team working to redefine in-space mobility.

Join us in shaping the future of in-space mobility. If you're excited about pioneering technology, passionate about space exploration, and driven by business growth, apply now to become a key member of our dynamic team at GATE Space. Together, we'll enable the next generation of space travel and exploration.