Job opening:
Payload Firmware Developer
Wyvern is making something big. Our vision is to provide actionable intelligence from space, anywhere in the solar system. To achieve this we need to entirely reimagine how satellite Earth observation is done.
We’re a rapidly growing space company in Western Canada, powered by humans who are passionate about space and are redesigning the satellite to enable a sustainable future for humanity.
Wyvern has recently finished Y Combinator's Winter 2022 batch and has acquired >USD$15M in pre-seed, seed, and grant funding. If you’re excited by the prospect of creating a step increase in the capability of space-based cameras, we want you on our team.
What we’re workin’ on
Wyvern is developing unfolding space telescopes to capture high-resolution hyperspectral imagery from space.
Hyperspectral images contain more colours than other types of imagery, meaning these images capture the spectral signature of your crop or forest, for example. With hyperspectral imagery, however, it’s hard to get quality images with a high signal-to-noise ratio and resolution.
To mitigate this, we’re designing telescopes that are compact on launch and deploy in space, meaning we pack better performance in a smaller, cheaper-to-launch package. Our increased light collecting area will allow for more light in more bands while maintaining <5 m resolution.
We’re looking for a developer with a firmware specialization to write software that will control our novel deployable optics telescope.
Who you are
This role is suited to someone who delights in writing code, especially if it’s used to command or control hardware. They may or may not have spied on USB packets to write their own custom software for a device. They navigate complex problems, enjoy continuous learning, and have the drive to improve upon and maintain current code.
This role is suited to candidates who:
- Likes to solve interesting problems with a sense of curiosity;
- You have demonstrated the ability to cooperate with others in a team environment and consider yourself an inclusive person;
- Has a track record of substantial contributions to software projects using python, C, or C#, and are familiar with git;
- Has experience with development of embedded Linux operating systems and Linux distribution customization;
- Has experience with debugging and troubleshooting of embedded systems;
- Has experience with networking protocols, writing linux drivers, embedded bootloaders, and resource-constrained computing;
- Developed drivers for controlling instruments or components with various serial protocols (SPI, UART, I2C, CAN, etc.);
- Has experience with single-board computers (SBCs) and microcontrollers, preferably when used as a part of a larger system;
- Is able to think in terms of architecture and know how to identify and explain pros and cons of a technical solution;
- Has a degree in computer science, physics, computer engineering, ECE, or equivalent.
You may (preferred qualifications):
- Have an advanced degree in computer science, physics, computer engineering, ECE, or equivalent;
- Have experience working with electrical test equipment (logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, etc.);
- Have strong software design and development skills, including testing and debugging on hardware, test-driven code development, and unit testing;
- Have some knowledge of remote sensing systems. Bonus points for optical imaging payloads.
What you will be doing
- Work with our Research & Development team (hybrid, in Edmonton; team of 7);
- Manage software interfaces between sub-payload components;
- Architect, design and write high-quality firmware for our payloads following best practices such as efficiency, maintainability, and testability;
- Perform SW/FW/HW integration to provide a fully functional embedded system;
- Develop unit tests, component tests and continuous integration for your firmware on our flight hardware;
- Perform hands-on board bring-up and debugging;
- Support the assembly, integration, and test of the telescope, including writing software for automation;
- and likely more! As part of a small startup team you’ll find yourself working across the board to support Wyvern’s activities.
What to expect from Wyvern
- We have all the best aspects of startup culture including flexible working hours & support from across the team whenever you need it.
- We have unlimited PTO (seriously) and a stellar health benefits package.
- We’re small but rapidly growing. The systems you craft will be foundational to Wyvern’s success and you will get the unique opportunity to grow with the company.
- This is a full-time, permanent position based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Remote work is available for exceptional candidates with remote work experience.