Senior Flight Software Engineer Verified today
About Katalyst
Katalyst is an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations. We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to enable maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and exploration as routine operations in space. We develop the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, strengthening national security and freedom of action in space.
What You'll Do
- Support spacecraft flight test by executing fault detection test campaigns, integrated system communication tests, functional and performance verification tests, and flight software sequencing tests
- Build an understanding of spacecraft rendezvous, capture, and pose estimation software and assist in its integration into multi-axis hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) spacecraft testbed
- Develop and maintain existing software to interface to spacecraft hardware subsystems, utilizing communication standards such as UART, TCP/IP, and CAN
- Document custom hardware interface APIs for internal and external users, focusing on hardware functionality and reliability features
- Review and contribute to the iteration of other engineers' code with technical rigor through code reviews and subsystem design reviews
What We're Looking For
- Deep analytical thinking and excellent problem solving to work through intricate technical issues efficiently
- Systems-thinking mindset to understand how software interacts with spacecraft systems and mission requirements
- Technical mastery with deep proficiency in embedded C/C++ development for real-time or resource-constrained systems
- Strong attention to detail and consideration of edge cases that could affect on-orbit performance
Your Ideal Background
- B.S. in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
- 7+ years of software development experience, including embedded or real-time systems
- High proficiency in C/C++ for embedded platforms
- Proven experience developing software in RTOS and/or embedded Linux environments
- Experience with flight software for spacecraft, launch vehicles, or other mission- or safety-critical autonomous systems
- Deep understanding of software architecture, interface definition, and system-level integration for complex embedded systems
- Familiarity with fault-tolerant system design, redundancy management, and robust error handling
- Experience designing and implementing algorithms for visual inspection, object detection, pose estimation, and relative navigation, including robotics or autonomous system computer vision pipelines
- Proficiency with Git-based version control, CI/CD pipelines, and agile software development practices
- Demonstrated ability to technically lead features or subsystems end-to-end, from requirements definition through implementation, testing, and integration
Additional Requirements
Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed. ITAR authorization required for US persons; non-US persons must be authorized access to ITAR-controlled information before commencement of employment.
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary: $150,000 - $190,000 annually, determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Additional benefits include long-term incentives through the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, relocation bonus, discretionary bonuses, comprehensive medical, vision and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.