Software Engineer, Reliability (Avionics / Compute Systems) Verified today

About the role

You will ensure the software powering avionics and high-performance compute systems operates flawlessly in orbit. You will own reliability from concept through flight, building automated validation frameworks and testing compute platforms under mission-representative conditions. This hands-on role requires bridging hardware and software to optimize fault tolerance and performance. You'll resolve complex anomalies and take ownership of system stability that directly impacts mission success.

What you will do

• Own software reliability for avionics and compute systems across the full lifecycle: concept, design, radiation hardening, integration, launch, and on-orbit operations
• Design, develop, and maintain automated test and validation frameworks for embedded and high-performance compute systems
• Develop software to validate performance, stability, and fault tolerance of CPUs, GPUs, and custom accelerators under mission-representative conditions
• Execute system-level testing including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), environmental, and stress testing to identify failure modes
• Characterize system performance (latency, throughput, resource utilization) and drive optimization across hardware/software boundaries
• Investigate and resolve anomalies through deep root cause analysis, using data-driven approaches to improve system reliability
• Define reliability metrics, test plans, and acceptance criteria for flight-critical systems
• Work closely with electrical, avionics, and software teams to ensure robust integration of compute platforms into spacecraft systems
• Build internal tools to support rapid debugging, telemetry analysis, and system observability
• Support vehicle and payload bring-up, integration, and pre-flight validation efforts
• Participate in radiation testing campaigns of avionics and compute parts

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 4+ years of experience in software engineering, reliability engineering, or systems validation
• Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or similar languages
• Experience working with distributed systems, embedded systems, or high-performance compute environments
• Familiarity with debugging complex system-level issues across hardware and software
• Experience building automated test frameworks or validation infrastructure

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with avionics systems, spacecraft hardware, or embedded compute platforms
• Familiarity with GPU/accelerator-based systems and performance validation (e.g., CUDA, parallel computing)
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and system integration
• Strong background in performance analysis, profiling, and optimization
• Experience with observability tools, logging, and telemetry systems
• Understanding of fault tolerance, redundancy, and high-reliability system design
• Experience operating in fast-paced, high-ownership environments (aerospace, defense, advanced hardware startups)

Compensation and benefits

• Salary: $150,000 - $200,000 annually
• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance if applicable
• Daily lunch in the office and fully stocked kitchen

ITAR requirement

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.