Senior Flight Software Engineer Verified today

The Mission

Lux Aeterna is building the first fully reusable satellite platform designed for reliable reentry, recovery, and rapid redeployment. This transforms space from a one-way street into a two-way highway for innovation and commerce.

The Role

You will own flight software development and validation for our reusable satellite platform. Your responsibilities include:

• Architect and implement flight software for spacecraft operations
• Develop Linux-based software for avionics, propulsion, thermal, and payload subsystems
• Build autonomous decision-making algorithms for mission-critical operations
• Create robust fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) software
• Design and implement spacecraft-to-ground communication protocols and telemetry systems
• Architect distributed flight software systems across multiple spacecraft subsystems
• Architect and build comprehensive software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test frameworks
• Develop test automation pipelines and validate flight software across all subsystems
• Work with security-hardened systems for spacecraft command and data integrity
• Support integration, testing, and on-orbit commissioning of flight software
• Collaborate with GNC, avionics, and mission operations teams to ensure seamless system integration

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
• 7+ years of experience developing flight software for spacecraft or safety-critical systems
• Expert proficiency in C/C++ for flight software development
• Strong experience developing Linux-based flight software for satellites or embedded systems
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, FreeRTOS, or similar
• Strong understanding of embedded systems constraints: memory, processing, and power limitations
• Experience designing and implementing automated test frameworks (unit, integration, system)
• Demonstrated expertise building SIL and HITL test environments
• Proficiency with version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing frameworks

Desired Experience

• M.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field
• Experience with spacecraft flight software development and space-rated processors
• Proficiency in Rust for embedded systems
• Knowledge of DO-178C, NASA-STD-8739.8, or similar safety-critical software standards
• Familiarity with CAN bus, RS-422, and other spacecraft communication protocols
• Experience with Linux kernel development or real-time Linux variants (PREEMPT_RT)
• Experience with distributed systems design and inter-process communication
• Experience with formal verification methods and static analysis tools
• Background in fault-tolerant computing and redundancy management
• Expertise in test frameworks (Google Test, Catch2, or similar)
• Experience with simulation tools and physics engines for spacecraft modeling
• Prior work with autonomous systems and machine learning on embedded platforms
• Contributions to open-source aerospace or robotics projects

Location and Work Environment

This role is based in Denver, CO and requires onsite work 5 days per week by default, with flexibility when needed. You will travel to vendor sites, partner facilities, the launch site, and the recovery zone during flight preparation and operations.

Certain roles may involve access to export-controlled technical data. Access may be limited to individuals who qualify as a U.S. person under 22 C.F.R. Section 120.62 or who otherwise may lawfully receive such access.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range: $150k-$250k per year, based on experience, qualifications, skills, and job-related responsibilities. This position is eligible for equity compensation. Lux Aeterna offers medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off and company holidays; and a 401(k) retirement plan.