OPEN
ROLES

• Architect firmware stacks for STM32H7 and L4-series targets — bare metal to application layer
• Define hardware-software interfaces: register maps, interrupt architecture, DMA patterns
• Lead bring-up on new PCB revisions — from power-on through sensor validation
• Own RTOS task scheduling, IPC, and resource management on FreeRTOS or Zephyr
• Design and execute unit, integration, and HIL test plans before hardware ships
• Review firmware from contributor engineers — approve or reject with written rationale

You have shipped embedded systems that ran in the real world — not just on a dev board in a lab.

• 5+ years of embedded firmware in C with direct hardware register manipulation
• Demonstrated RTOS experience: task prioritization, mutexes, semaphores, watchdogs
• SPI, I2C, UART, CAN — not just using drivers, but writing them
• Oscilloscope and logic analyzer work for hardware debugging
• ECE, CS, or AE background with a portfolio that proves the above
• Can own delivery without daily management overhead

• Define and own the full GNC stack — sensor fusion through control output
• Implement production-grade EKF or UKF for attitude estimation with real IMU and barometric data
• Design, tune, and validate cascaded PID and LQR control loops for active stabilization
• Develop 6-DOF simulation environment for pre-flight algorithm verification
• Manage algorithm-to-embedded porting with firmware team — maintain numerical consistency
• Analyze post-flight telemetry and iterate on estimator and controller performance

You've implemented estimation and control algorithms that ran on real hardware — not just Simulink models.

• 5+ years in GNC, controls, or aerospace systems — with flight data to show for it
• Hands-on EKF/UKF implementation experience, not just conceptual understanding
• Strong rigid body dynamics — quaternion math, reference frame transforms, Euler equations
• Ability to translate Python or MATLAB algorithms into embedded C with fixed-point considerations
• Experience analyzing real IMU, barometer, and GPS data with known noise models
• AE, ME, or ECE degree with relevant graduate-level coursework or equivalent experience

• Select, characterize, and integrate propulsion systems for sounding rockets and research vehicles
• Model propulsion performance — thrust curves, ISP, chamber pressure, nozzle geometry
• Define propulsion-avionics interface: igniter circuits, continuity verification, fire commands
• Design and execute static test procedures for motor characterization
• Manage TRA/NAR compliance for all propulsion hardware in SWORT vehicle programs
• Collaborate with avionics team on recovery and staging event timing logic

You understand propulsion at the system level — not just picking a motor from a catalog.

• 4+ years in propulsion engineering, rocketry operations, or energetics systems
• TRA or NAR Level 2 certification (Level 3 preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and document motor characterization and static test
• Understanding of igniter circuit design, ESD requirements, and propellant handling
• Familiarity with RASAero, OpenRocket, or MATLAB for trajectory and performance modeling
• AE or ME background with hands-on propulsion work in the field — not just simulations

• Define and execute system-level V&V plans across avionics, propulsion, and recovery subsystems
• Own the hardware-in-the-loop test environment — setup, maintenance, and test execution
• Manage integration readiness reviews and track open issues through resolution
• Identify and document subsystem interface risks before integration — not after
• Develop and maintain test procedures, ICDs, and pre-launch checklists
• Lead pad operations coordination — arming sequences, range safety, pre-launch checks

You've integrated a complex system and know that failures happen at the interfaces — not inside individual subsystems.

• 4+ years in systems integration, test engineering, or avionics integration on real programs
• Proven experience writing and executing formal test procedures on flight hardware
• Ability to trace requirements through design, implementation, and test
• Scripted test automation in Python or MATLAB for data collection and analysis
• Experience with range safety coordination, flight termination systems, or pad operations
• AE, ME, ECE, or CS background with a track record of integration successes

• Design and implement firmware for STM32-based flight computers
• Write HAL and middleware layers for sensor integration (IMU, barometer, GPS)
• Contribute to PCB schematic capture and layout reviews in KiCad or Altium
• Own subsystems end-to-end — register-level bring-up to flight-ready delivery
• Write clean, version-controlled code (Git, not Google Drive)
• Participate in bench testing and failure analysis before hardware ships

This is not an internship and not a club project. We expect real output on real timelines.

• Firmware in C at register-level or HAL — not just Arduino sketches
• Comfortable reading datasheets and writing working drivers from them
• Some PCB exposure — can read a schematic, ideally has laid out a board
• ECE, AE, or CS background — year doesn't matter, output does
• Works independently without daily check-ins
• DC/MD area or fully remote-capable

• Implement attitude estimation algorithms — Kalman filters, Mahony, complementary filters
• Develop and tune PID and state-space control loops for flight vehicles
• Write Python or MATLAB analysis tools for hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Port validated algorithms to embedded C for STM32 targets
• Analyze flight logs and sensor data to tune system models
• Document algorithms clearly enough that firmware engineers can implement them

You understand the math behind the algorithms and have worked with real sensor data — not just simulation outputs.

• Solid grasp of rigid body dynamics, quaternion math, and reference frames
• Experience implementing estimation or control algorithms from scratch
• Familiarity with IMU, barometer, and GPS sensor characteristics and noise models
• Can translate algorithm work into C code or closely guide a firmware engineer
• AE, ME, CS, or ECE background with relevant coursework or projects
• Has analyzed real sensor data — simulation-only experience is a soft flag

• Capture schematics from component selection and design requirements
• Execute 2–4 layer PCB layouts with DFM considerations for JLCPCB / OSHPark
• Design for proper power sequencing, decoupling, and signal integrity
• Produce complete manufacturing packages — Gerbers, BOM, assembly drawings
• Review designs with the firmware team before tape-out
• Iterate on bring-up issues and document errata for future spins

You've taped out at least one board that actually worked. Preferably more than one.

• Proven layout experience — not just schematic capture
• Understands design-for-manufacture constraints for low-cost fabs
• Knows how to handle mixed-signal boards — proper ground planes, decoupling strategy
• Can work from a requirements doc without needing every component pre-selected
• ECE, EE, or equivalent background with relevant board portfolio
• Responds to review feedback without ego — iteration is the job