AI Embedded Software Engineer, Spire Global
+ Employee Stock Purchase Program
3+ days a week in office
Provider of space-based data, analytics, and space services
Job no longer available
Provider of space-based data, analytics, and space services
501-1000 employees
Job no longer available
+ Employee Stock Purchase Program
3+ days a week in office
501-1000 employees
Company mission
To provide customers with comprehensive data and analytics that protect our environment and our communities, transform global logistics, contribute to economic stability, and put moonshot goals within reach.
Role
Who you are
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Machine Learning, or related field
- 4+ years of experience in embedded systems development with focus on AI/ML applications
- Proficiency in Embedded programming for resource-constrained environments
- Strong background in machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow Lite, PyTorch Mobile, ONNX Runtime)
- Experience with AI/ML model optimization techniques (quantization, pruning, knowledge distillation)
- Capability with Python for AI/ML development and scripting languages like Bash
- Knowledge of edge AI accelerators and specialized AI hardware (NPUs, DSPs)
- Strong mathematical foundation in linear algebra, statistics, and optimization
- Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git)
- Experience developing on Linux (Ubuntu)
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
- Ability to work in a fast-paced R&D environment with changing requirements
- Access to US export-controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying
Desirable
- Ph.D. in Machine Learning, Computer Science, or related field
- Experience with space systems, satellite technology, or aerospace applications
- Knowledge of federated learning and distributed AI systems
- Experience with neuromorphic computing and spiking neural networks
- Familiarity with radiation-hardened computing and space-qualified hardware
- Experience writing Rust for resource-constrained environments (embedded Linux)
- Experience with embedded Linux and containerized AI workloads
- Knowledge of sensor fusion, and autonomous systems
- Publication record in AI/ML conferences or journals
- Experience with FPGA-based AI acceleration
- Familiarity working to coding standards and using static analysis tools
What the job involves
- We are seeking an experienced AI Embedded Software Engineer to join our Advanced Concepts Group
- The successful candidate will lead R&D on-board AI/ML efforts, focusing on deploying cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions on power-constrained devices aboard our nanosatellites
- This role reports directly to the Senior Director of Research and Development
- Lead research and development of AI/ML algorithms optimized for deployment on power-constrained nanosatellite platforms
- Design and implement embedded AI/ML inference engines for real-time on-orbit decision making
- Develop and optimize neural network models for edge computing applications in space environments
- Integrate AI/ML capabilities into existing satellite firmware and control systems
- Conduct processor-in-the-loop (PIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing to qualify AI/ML software implementations
- Research and implement novel AI/ML techniques for autonomous satellite operations and data processing
- Collaborate with hardware teams to define AI/ML processing requirements for future nanosatellite designs
- Develop quantization and compression techniques to reduce model size and power consumption
- Resolve on-orbit and on-ground issues related to AI/ML embedded systems
- Support AI/ML system integration with other satellite components
- Write and maintain technical documentation and research publications
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the company's AI/ML knowledge base
- Tools and Technologies:
- AI/ML Frameworks: TensorFlow Lite, PyTorch Mobile, ONNX Runtime, OpenVINO
- Edge AI Tools: TensorRT, Neural Network Compiler Stack (TVM), Glow
- GNU ARM Embedded Toolchain and specialized AI compiler toolchains
- GDB and AI-specific debugging tools for embedded inference engines
- Experience with debugging techniques for AI systems without JTAG access
- Proficiency in processor-in-the-loop (PIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing methodologies
- Experience with AI model validation and verification techniques
- Experience working with Microcontrollers and AI-optimized processors
- CUDA, ROCm or SYCL
- Version control using Git and ML experiment tracking tools (MLflow, Weights & Biases)
- AI development environments and Jupyter notebooks for prototyping
Our take
There’s been an increasing focus on big data in recent years, and Spire Global aims to lead the field in the biggest data of all - Earth Intelligence - with its suite of satellites collecting data from beneath the Earth’s surface to the edge of the atmosphere.
It identifies three main areas of use for its data - Aviation, Maritime, and Weather. Its capabilities in these fields include providing over 660M position reports each day for the aviation industry, building intelligent routing and tracking systems for maritime shipping, and supplying in-depth weather forecasting and climate impact analysis.
Beyond this, Spire Global's satellite system has countless other applications, such as real-time observation in active conflicts, and wildfire tracking. Operating in a rapidly developing market for space-based data, Spire continues to expand its satellite network and capaibilities as demand for global monitoring and environmental intelligence grows.
Freddie
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
18% employee growth in 12 months
Company
Funding (last 2 of 10 rounds)
Aug 2024
$4.7m
GRANT
Sep 2019
$19.5m
GRANT
Total funding: $202.5m
Company benefits
- Name your own satellite: Be remembered throughout time by choosing a name for a LEMUR satellite.
- Family Leave: Family is important. Our parental and family leave is designed to let you make the most of those precious moments.
- Learning & development: Spire more than encourages and supports ongoing personal improvement and a growth mindset, we welcome it!
- Launch Attendance: One of the perks from launching satellites into space is that Spire often has VIP access to view the launch.
- Generous time off policy: Take the time you need. Our flexible time-off policy promotes a positive work-life balance.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Our EAP makes sure you have access to support and counseling sessions whenever you need it.
- Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP): Our ESPP provides eligible employees with an opportunity to purchase Spire shares through accumulated contributions.
- Fitness Reimbursement: Spire encourages fitness activity to promote employee well-being with reimbursed gym membership expenses.
- Employee Referral Program: Spire is always looking for outstanding people to join our team, and you can help and be awarded a referral bonus.
- Healthy snacks & beverages: To help our employees to be as productive as possible, we provide healthy snacks and beverages in each of our offices.
Company HQ
Tysons, VA
Leadership
Theresa Condor
(CEO)Theresa has been with Spire since 2013, initially joining as a GM of Space service and Earth Intelligence, before becoming COO in 2021 and CEO in 2025.
Alison Engel
(CFO)Prior to joining Spire Global in 2025, Alison spent over 2 years at LeaseAccelerator as the CFO. She also spent over 5 years at Gannet as a VP of Finance and Senior VP/CFO & Treasurer.
Celia Pelaz
(COO)Prior to joining Spire Global in 2025, Celia spent nearly 8 years at HENSOLDT in various roles, including CSO and COO.
Johann Gabriel Oehme
(CTO)Johann joined Spire Global in 2025 as Chief Transformation Officer, moving into the role of Chief Technology Officer later in the same year. Previously, he spent 4 years at Aerotech Peissenberg as a Managing Director & CCO. He also spent 22 years at Airbus, holding various roles including VP of A350 Customer & Business Development and VP Head of Programme Procurement.
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