Senior Flight Software Engineer – Powering Autonomous Orbital Systems!

Denver, CO (hybrid)

Opportunity Summary Join an innovative and investor-backed startup on a mission to redefine space operations with revolutionary autonomous spacecraft. As a Senior Flight Software Engineer, you'll play a critical role in developing robust, real-time software systems essential for the precise timing and synchronization of modular spacecraft components. Your expertise will directly enable groundbreaking orbital demonstrations, influencing the future of autonomous space exploration and scalable spacecraft architectures.

About Us We are an ambitious and rapidly growing company pioneering modular and autonomous spacecraft systems designed for dynamic orbital operations. Our proprietary electromagnetic docking technology has demonstrated success in orbit, positioning us to lead advancements in scalable and adaptable space solutions. Collaborating with leading commercial and governmental partners, our experienced team is dedicated to solving some of the most complex and critical challenges in aerospace today.

Job Duties

• Develop, test, and deploy robust flight software systems that coordinate timing, synchronization, and real-time control of spacecraft modules.
• Implement and validate algorithms for real-time spacecraft communication, data handling, and system monitoring.
• Integrate and optimize complex Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) software components within the flight software architecture.
• Establish and maintain Hardware-In-The-Loop (HITL) and Software-In-The-Loop (SITL) simulation environments for flight software verification.
• Collaborate closely with hardware and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and functionality across spacecraft subsystems.
• Analyze and interpret flight and simulation data to continuously refine flight software performance.
• Manage complete software lifecycle activities, including requirements gathering, coding, debugging, documentation, and deployment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in real-time embedded software development, ideally in aerospace or similar mission-critical environments.
• Proficient in C++ and Python, with experience developing software for embedded systems.
• Experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and familiarity with embedded Linux environments.
• Strong understanding of communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, Ethernet, CAN, RS422, or RS485.
• Knowledgeable about networking protocols including UDP and TCP/IP.
• Demonstrated capability in software version control systems, continuous integration, and delivery processes.
• Comfortable with embedded software debugging tools and hardware interfaces.

Preferred Experience

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.
• Experience with spacecraft operations including timing synchronization, orbital maneuvers, or formation flying.
• Familiarity with SLAM, sensor fusion, robotics frameworks like ROS2, or autonomous navigation algorithms.
• Experience with radar, LiDAR, or RF-based localization techniques.
• Exposure to GPS-denied environments or distributed autonomous systems.

Security Clearance

• Must be eligible to obtain a U.S. Secret clearance.

Why Join Us

• Work on pioneering technologies shaping the future of space exploration and operational autonomy.
• Directly contribute to missions involving cutting-edge spacecraft demonstrations.
• Join a highly skilled founding team offering substantial opportunities for career advancement.
• Flexible hybrid work environment with significant autonomy and responsibility.
• Competitive compensation, equity opportunities, and full medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Strong PTO policies and an inclusive, innovation-driven company culture.

Compensation Details

$120,000 - $180,000 plus equity

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