About skillspath – Pioneering the Future of Global Connectivity
skillspath was founded on the bold belief that humanity’s destiny lies among the stars. By developing cutting‑edge space‑based technologies, skillspath is turning the dream of universal, high‑speed internet into a reality for every corner of the planet. From remote research stations in Antarctica to bustling cruise ships crossing the oceans, skillspath’s satellite constellation delivers reliable, low‑latency connectivity to millions of users worldwide. As the company continues to expand its fleet and innovate its ground‑segment hardware, the need for visionary engineers who can design, build, and scale embedded software has never been greater.
Role Overview – Principal Embedded Software Engineer, Customer Hardware (skillspath)
In this senior‑level position, you will lead the development of embedded software that powers skillspath’s customer‑facing hardware kits. These kits are deployed to millions of homes, businesses, and mobile platforms across the globe, providing instant internet access wherever it is needed. You will be responsible for the full software lifecycle—from concept and prototype to production, deployment, and ongoing support—ensuring that each device operates flawlessly in harsh, remote, and sometimes adversarial environments.
Why This Role Matters
Every line of code you write will directly impact the lives of educators in the Amazon rainforest, emergency responders in disaster zones, digital nomads traveling across continents, and countless other users who rely on skillspath’s network for critical communication. By improving device reliability, security, and user experience, you will help unlock new possibilities for education, commerce, scientific research, and human exploration.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement highly available, fault‑tolerant consumer devices that can operate for years with minimal maintenance, serving millions of users worldwide.
- Lead architecture, design, and code reviews to maintain the highest standards of quality, security, and performance.
- Develop prototypes that validate critical design concepts and quantify technical constraints before full‑scale production.
- Collaborate closely with the skillspath manufacturing team to ensure seamless transition from prototype to mass‑production hardware.
- Write robust, Linux‑based software for a variety of processors and microcontrollers, including ARM, RISC‑V, and custom ASICs.
- Build and maintain continuous integration and delivery pipelines that enable rapid, reliable software deployment to devices in the field, regardless of geographic location.
- Invent new testing frameworks and telemetry tools that scale to billions of data points, providing actionable insights into device health and performance.
- Develop security‑focused features and hardening techniques to protect devices against adversarial attacks and ensure data integrity.
- Mentor junior engineers, fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and relentless improvement.
Essential Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or a related STEM field or 15+ years of professional software engineering experience in lieu of a degree.
- 10+ years of hands‑on experience developing embedded or low‑level software for consumer‑grade hardware.
- Proficiency in at least two of the following programming languages: C, C++, Go, Python, or Rust (8+ years of experience).
- Demonstrated experience with real‑time operating systems, device drivers, and hardware‑software integration.
- Strong understanding of networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, IPv6) and radio‑frequency fundamentals.
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Track record of delivering embedded software that has been shipped in high‑volume consumer devices.
- Creative problem‑solving ability combined with deep analytical skills and solid engineering fundamentals.
- Expertise in debugging, performance optimization, and automated testing of embedded systems.
- Experience with security challenges specific to distributed, internet‑connected devices, including encryption, secure boot, and OTA update protection.
- Familiarity with hardware design concepts, such as PCB layout, signal integrity, and power management.
- Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams, including hardware engineers, manufacturing specialists, and product managers.
Core Skills & Competencies
- Technical Leadership: Ability to set technical direction, influence architectural decisions, and drive best‑practice adoption.
- Systems Thinking: Understanding of how software, hardware, and network layers interact at scale.
- Communication: Clear articulation of complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
- Adaptability: Comfort working in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment where priorities can shift rapidly.
- Continuous Learning: Commitment to staying current with emerging technologies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
Work Environment & Culture at skillspath
skillspath fosters an inclusive, high‑performance culture where bold ideas are encouraged and every employee’s contribution matters. Our teams operate in a collaborative, flat‑hierarchy setting that empowers engineers to take ownership of their projects from concept to launch. We celebrate diversity, champion work‑life balance, and provide the resources needed for personal and professional growth.
Our offices are located in technology hubs across the United States, but the role is flexible and can accommodate remote work arrangements when appropriate. Whether you are working side‑by‑side with hardware technicians on the factory floor or debugging code from a home office, you will have access to state‑of‑the‑art tools, cutting‑edge test equipment, and a supportive community of peers.
Compensation, Perks, & Benefits
skillspath offers a competitive total rewards package designed to attract and retain top talent. While exact compensation will be tailored to experience and expertise, the package typically includes:
- Base salary ranging from $200,000 to $270,000 per year for principal‑level engineers.
- Performance‑based bonuses and discretionary awards tied to project milestones and company success.
- Long‑term incentive opportunities such as stock awards, stock options, and participation in an employee stock purchase plan.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families.
- Retirement savings plans with company matching contributions.
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, parental leave, and sick leave.
- Professional development funds, tuition reimbursement, and access to industry conferences.
- On‑site amenities such as fitness centers, catered meals, and wellness programs.
ITAR & Eligibility Requirements
Because skillspath’s technology is subject to U.S. Government export regulations, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
- U.S. citizen or national.
- U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
- Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157.
- Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158.
- Or an individual eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
skillspath is committed to equal opportunity employment. All hiring decisions are made based on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
As a Principal Embedded Software Engineer at skillspath, you will be positioned to influence the next generation of satellite‑based connectivity solutions. You will have direct access to senior leadership, the ability to shape product roadmaps, and opportunities to lead cross‑functional initiatives that span hardware, firmware, and cloud services. Continuous learning is encouraged through mentorship programs, internal tech talks, and sponsorship for external certifications.
Ready to Join skillspath?
If you are passionate about building resilient, high‑impact embedded systems that connect the world, we want to hear from you. Bring your expertise, curiosity, and drive to skillspath, and help us accelerate humanity’s journey to the stars.
Apply today and become a pivotal part of a mission that transcends borders, industries, and generations.
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