Lead Firmware Engineer

At MP Space, we’re revolutionizing the satellite component industry by applying large-scale, streamlined production techniques to build reliable, high-efficiency satellite hardware.

We apply large-scale, streamlined production techniques to deliver reliable, high-efficiency spacecraft hardware. Based in Sydney, we’re a tight team of builders from companies like Tesla, Apple and Arista, now scaling manufacturing to meet growing global demand for satellite power systems.

Lead Firmware Engineer

Location - South Eveleigh, Sydney

We are seeking a Lead Firmware Engineer to own firmware development, execution, and validation infrastructure for next-generation satellite power distribution and power train systems. This role focuses on building reliable, deterministic embedded software for energy storage, power conversion, and motion control applications.

You will work closely with Electrical Engineering, Software, Manufacturing, and leadership to define product requirements and drive execution from early R&D through flight qualification. The role requires translating physics-based system behaviour into robust, production-quality firmware that performs reliably in demanding environments.

What you'll do:

• Firmware Ownership & Lifecycle

Lead firmware development across satellite subsystems responsible for power distribution and energy storage. Own delivery from early prototyping and board

bring-up through validation and deployment in flight systems.

• Real-Time Control Systems

Design and implement bare-metal and RTOS-based firmware for high-performance power conversion and control. Work closely with EE counterparts to translate control strategies for BMS, DC-DC converters, and motor drives into robust embedded implementations that meet real-time performance requirements.

• Platform Architecture & Technical Leadership

Contribute to embedded platform architecture and long-term product direction.Provide technical leadership at hardware–software boundaries to ensure firmware designs are scalable, maintainable, and aligned with evolving product goals.

• Test Automation & CI Infrastructure

Build on an existing HIL-based CI test infrastructure to expand coverage, improve

reliability, and reduce regression risk. The team leverages AI-assisted workflows to

accelerate code development and iteration while maintaining high engineering standards.

• Physics-First, Data-Driven Validation

Adopt a physics-first, data-driven approach to system validation. Define performance metrics, analyse lab and system telemetry, and iterate on firmware to ensure reliable operation of the satellite power train under real-world conditions.

What You Will Bring

• At least 6+ years of experience in embedded systems development. Experience owning firmware for a product through the full lifecycle, including validation, manufacturing ramp, and deployment, is strongly preferred.
• Physics-Based Systems Understanding: Solid understanding of power flow, energy storage, and control systems, with the ability to translate physical system behaviour into firmware requirements for BMS, power distribution, and satellite power train applications.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong proficiency in C for embedded systems and Python for scripting, test automation, and data analysis.
• Superior communication & people skills with the desire to remain or move in a leadership position
• Hands-on experience with common interfaces (SPI, I2C, CAN, UART) and microcontroller peripherals (timers, PWM, ADC, DMA, interrupts).
• Proficient in reading schematics and debugging hardware-software interactions using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and related lab tools.

Bonus points for

• Aerospace, automotive, robotics, networking hardware or other high-reliability domains
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing or automated validation frameworks
• Exposure to safety-critical or fault-tolerant system design
• Startup or scale-up experience

Why MP Space?

• Build real spacecraft hardware that will fly
• Join early and shape core decisions
• Everyone is an owner. In addition to excellent base compensation, we all own equity in the company, so we all benefit from our future success.
• Work alongside proven builders from world-class engineering companies
• Hybrid work from our Sydney HQ in South Eveleigh
• Fast-moving, high-ownership startup environment

Sound like you? Join us in advancing the next generation of satellite technology.